For ten days, Lugano becomes an international meeting point dedicated to technological innovation. From June 21st to July 2nd, the city hosts the fifth edition of the Plan ₿ Summer School, an educational initiative born from the collaboration between the City of Lugano and Tether, which attracts students, professionals, and entrepreneurs interested in the latest developments in the digital world.
Fifty participants were selected through an international application process. They come from 14 different countries and will participate in an intensive program addressing some of the major technological transformations underway, with a particular focus on Bitcoin, blockchain, artificial intelligence, digital identity, privacy, and cybersecurity.
A program between technology and business
The initiative, organized by the Plan Foundation, has established itself over the years as a leading event dedicated to decentralized technologies. The course is structured over ten days of training, alternating theoretical lectures with practical workshops, group work, and meetings with industry professionals.
The goal is to provide participants with skills that can be immediately applied to their respective fields of work, offering a concrete vision of the applications of new technologies.
The educational offer is divided into two main paths, Technology e Business, so as to respond to the needs of both those working in technological development and those of entrepreneurs and managers interested in the strategic aspects of digital innovation.
International experts and collaboration with Ticino universities
Speakers include international developers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and academics. The program also features representatives from USI and SUPSI, strengthening the project's ties with Ticino's academic community.
Among the announced guests are Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, Peter Todd, a well-known developer in the Bitcoin ecosystem, and Francis Pouliot, CEO of Bull Bitcoin.
Lugano as an innovation laboratory
According to Lugano Mayor Michele Foletti, who also serves as president of the Plan Foundation, the Summer School represents an opportunity to showcase the city's work in digital innovation and its ability to attract international expertise.
In addition to the training activities, participants have the opportunity to learn about some of the initiatives developed in the area, observing how they work in a real-world context.
Upon arrival, students were given a welcome kit that included a 50-franc LVGA credit, which can be used at MyLugano's participating merchant network. This initiative allows students to directly experience one of the digital tools developed by the city and understand its potential applications in everyday life.
Hackathon dedicated to concrete applications
The activities take place on the Franklin Switzerland campus, where a hackathon is also planned during the week.
Participants will be asked to design prototypes and innovative solutions focusing on some of the most current challenges facing the digital ecosystem, including artificial intelligence, digital identity, and data sovereignty. The work will be based on concrete use cases, with the aim of transforming theoretical knowledge into applicable projects.
An international network that grows every year
Over the past few years, the Plan ₿ Summer School has fostered professional collaborations, new entrepreneurial initiatives, and relationships between organizations from different countries.
The event thus contributes to consolidating the connection between Lugano and the international technological innovation network, creating opportunities for discussion between startups, companies, researchers, and institutions.
The program is scheduled to conclude on July 1st, when participants will receive their diplomas during a ceremony at the Palazzo Civico in the presence of Mayor Michele Foletti.
