Who are we?

The University Startup Challenge (USC) of Milan is an interuniversity startup competition organized by the Entrepreneurship Clubs of Bocconi, Polimi, Statale, LIUC and Bicocca.All students can apply individually or as part of a team. Participants will work in teams of 4–6 to develop an innovative startup idea in response to a challenge proposed by our main partners.

#Learn

Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges in a guided, beginner-friendly environment, receiving structured feedback from peers, judges, and industry experts. Develop a practical understanding of entrepreneurship step by step, even without prior experience, and learn how ideas are transformed into viable solutions. Strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills through hands-on collaboration. Build an entrepreneurial mindset by embracing challenges, managing uncertainty, and learning from failures — core skills that are valuable far beyond startups.

#Network

Collaborate with peers, nurturing friendships and potential partnerships. Engage with seasoned entrepreneurs, industry experts, and investors, broadening your network and learning from their insights. Gain mentorship from experienced professionals, accelerating your learning and personal development. Join a dynamic entrepreneurial community, rich in knowledge sharing and support, fostering ongoing growth and innovation.

#Build

Turn your ideas into tangible prototypes or MVPs, demonstrating innovation and market potential. Test your business concept's viability in a supportive environment, validating assumptions and refining your model. Establish a foundation for future entrepreneurial pursuits, ensuring long-term success and impact in the startup scene.

Our Past Editions

2022

  • 150 participants
  • Supported by: ATM
  • Theme: Smart Mobility

2023

  • 300 participants
  • Supported by: A2A
  • Theme: Sustainable Energy

2024

  • 400 participants
  • Supported by: Lombardini22
  • Theme: Student Housing and Urban Regeneration

2025

  • 450 participants
  • Supported by: Musa Carl
  • Theme: Smart Cities

Ready for USC2026?

The 2026 Challenge