How will 2026 USC be?
Roadmap
#STEP 1
APPLY! From February 20th, we’ll be recruiting participants until March 15th, 11:59 PM.Gather a team or apply alone by presenting your profile;we’ll help you find your teammates.
(Attention! If you apply as a complete team, at least one of the members must be from either Polimi, Bocconi, Unimi, LIUC, Cattolica, UniPd, PoliTo, UniTn)
#DAY ZERO: TEAMS
If you haven’t found your teammates or your team is too small, join us for a team-building event on the 13th of April that will help you find like-minded participants.
#THE BEGINNING
On the 17th and 18th of April, you’ll join us for the opening ceremony, introducing the challenge for this year and its theme, followed by a day of amazing workshops and seminars, as well as meeting our mentors... to get the best chance at WINNING!
#THE HARD WORK
You’ll spend three weeks with your team, developing an idea on the topic, which will be revealed during the first two days, and have access to our mentors to help you put your best foot forward before delivery.
#GRAND FINALE
On May 9th, you’ll join us to find out who will pitch: our top 10, from which our winners will be selected by the jury. Prizes will be given by some of our sponsors, institutional partners, and business angels.
#EVENTSPLAN
APR 13TH
TBD
Team-Building Event
@BicoccaPavilion
APR 17TH
17:00
Opening Ceremony
@PoliMi
APR 18TH
9:00
Workshops and Seminars
TBD
MAY 9TH
14:00
Award Ceremony
@Bocconi
2026 Partners
FAQ
Do I need startup skills to participate?▼
No startup skills are required. The challenge is designed to help you learn by doing. We will provide all the guidance needed throughout the program. What matters most is your curiosity, motivation, and willingness to get hands-on and learn along the way.
Who can sign up?▼
All students currently enrolled at Bocconi, Politecnico, Statale, Bicocca, Cattolica, LIUC, Padova, or Trento can participate, but external students are also welcome.
How should teams be composed?▼
Teams can be formed before applying, from 4 to a maximum of 6 students. We strongly encourage mixed teams.
What happens if I don’t have a team?▼
There will be a Team Building event on April 13th. If you miss it, we will assign you a team.
Is the challenge free?▼
Yes, the challenge is completely free for all students.
When is the deadline?▼
Application deadline: March 15th, 11:59 PM.