Here’s what it’s all about:
How do ideas develop into concrete solutions to societal challenges? Students from the Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (M.Sc.) and Digital Health – Data Analytics (M.Sc.) programmes explored this question at the end of May 2026 during the international Summer Launchpad Program at Kolegji Heimerer in Pristina (Kosovo). The practice-oriented programme, organised in collaboration with HiSpace and Startup Wise Guys under the motto ‘Reshaping health and wellbeing through AI & Innovation’, brought together young talents from various disciplines to jointly develop innovative concepts in the fields of health, social wellbeing and digital innovation.
For the students from SRH University, taking part proved to be a particular success: they impressed the jury with their creative and promising solutions, securing the top three places.
The Summer Launchpad Program was designed as an introduction to the world of entrepreneurship and combines theoretical foundations with intensive practical application. The programme centred on interactive workshops, mentoring sessions and a multi-day hackathon, during which participants further developed their ideas under realistic conditions.
During the programme week, the teams worked on
They were supported in this by experienced founders, investors and experts from the international start-up scene.
The highlight of the programme was the so-called Demo Day. Here, the teams presented the concepts they had developed to a jury and an audience of experts. The projects were assessed in particular on their level of innovation, feasibility and social value.
The results are impressive: the top three places went to teams from SRH University, with the winning team being invited to a hackathon next April.
As well as the project work, the programme offered the opportunity to get to know Kosovo’s innovation and start-up scene. Visits to innovation centres and technology facilities, such as the Innovative Centre Kosovo and the Prishtina Tech Park, gave participants valuable insights into the regional start-up scene and the chance to engage with local stakeholders.
International collaboration proved particularly valuable. Students from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds worked together on solutions, exchanged perspectives and forged new connections.
The development of the projects does not end with the conclusion of the competition. A follow-up incubation programme offers the winning teams the opportunity to further develop their ideas and receive professional support.
The aim of the programme is to support promising concepts through further development, validation and potential implementation. This gives participants the chance to take their projects beyond the competition and further realise their potential.
The success in Kosovo impressively demonstrates how practice-oriented learning, international cooperation and entrepreneurial thinking can work together. At the same time, it underlines the commitment and innovative spirit of our students, who are also successfully making their mark on the international stage.
