A word from Zina Singer

Society is evolving fast. In hospitality, as in other sectors, new technologies are forever changing the business landscape, while social issues such as sustainability and social impact becoming increasingly prevalent. We are also seeing something of a generational shift. Whereas previous generations typically favored stability in their careers, younger generations have a desire to try new things. To experiment. To seek change.

Such desires create the perfect fit with EHL, and our ambition to not only be part of progress, but to drive it. As an alumna myself, I know first-hand the attention that is put on identifying and addressing new opportunities in the industry – and it was this stimulating approach that encouraged me to return to EHL, this time as Head of Innovation Pole & Director of Innovation Foundation, and develop the EHL Innovation Village, the first business incubator for digital, food and hospitality start-ups.

Innovation is an essential ingredient of EHL's DNA. And our aim is to foster students' entrepreneurial ambitions while supporting the renewal of the industry. EHL's dedication to innovation continues to grow with increased financial support to start-ups, academic research and business collaboration.

With one third of students interested in starting their own company, we have also launched the Student Entrepreneurial Journey providing a framework of holistic support for students’ entrepreneurial development. This Journey features several key steps across the six semesters of the Bachelor program, including networking events, pitch sessions, coaching from EHL professors, and internship opportunities for their own start-up, or within one of the 27 start-ups that are now part of our community. During the whole Journey, the EHL Incubator provides the physical infrastructure (office, common areas) and supportive ecosystem.

One example of a start-up that has evolved through the Student Entrepreneurial Journey is Vikarus, developed by River Soellner during his studies at EHL. Vikarus aims to disrupt the wine industry by tailoring its presentation to the Generation Z audience. During his Bachelors, River was able to intern himself at Vikarus, recruit others to intern for him, and conducted a consulting group project on the start-up at the Innovation Village. Vikarus has been a great success so far, exceeding projections, and now forms one of the 27 start-ups in our community.

Over the coming years, we anticipate this community to grow substantially within the EHL Group, offering new opportunities for students, alumni and talents beyond EHL alike. As society around us continues to evolve, so must we. By providing the ecosystem to further entrepreneurial thinking and ambitions, the EHL will maintain its position as a true training ground for the leaders of tomorrow.