Join Ticino’s premier social business event to connect impact entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers and boost your impact.About this Event
?The Social Business Innovation Lab (SBI-LAB) organizes the Social Business Conference (SBC) annually, a key event in Ticino that strengthens the social entrepreneurship ecosystem by connecting purpose-driven entrepreneurs with impact investors and relevant stakeholders.
➡️The theme of this year's conference is: Social Impact
Unlocking Potential, Transforming Lives
Individual growth and pathways to employment through Social Business
?The SBC 2026 has five main goals:
1.Introducing early-stage impact startups and/or sustainable entrepreneurial projects to potential investors and relevant stakeholders, facilitating their growth and access to financing.
2.Engaging local and international stakeholders to expand the Impact Startup and Social Business Ecosystem in Canton Ticino and beyond through concrete commitments (mentoring, financing, knowledge sharing, etc.)
3.Contributing to the achievement of the UN SDGs
4.Awarding the Sapiens Natura Prize
5.Networking
✨ What to Expect:
- Thought-provoking discussions
- Networking opportunities
- Inspiring Keynote Speaker
- Pitching session with 5 innovative early-stage impact startups/projects
- Plant-based apero
SBI-LAB was created through a partnership between Social Business Earth and Area 302. It identifies and selects top talents in social business and social innovation in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offering them:
- A dynamic workspace for co-creation and collaboration with fellow social entrepreneurs
- Tailored mentorship from industry professionals
- Specialized training programs
- Access to a network of potential investors and key stakeholders
The event will be mostly in English, with opportunities for interaction in Italian.
HOSTS
Ms. Samantha Caccamo, CEO, Social Business Earth
Mr. Massimiliano Sassoli de Bianchi, President, Area 302
?️KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Bruno Roche
Impact economist, author, and founder of ??? ???????.
Founder of the ????????? ?? ?????????, a model aimed at ???????? ??? ??????? ???? ????????? ????? ?????????? ?? ?????? ????? ????????.
?FIVE SELECTED IMPACT STARTUPS/PROJECTS
- , Switzerland – Creating meaningful impact by integrating migrants into Swiss communities through training, support services, employment opportunities, and the production of ethnic cuisine for local catering.
- , Armenia – Empowering disadvantaged women in rural communities through the production of herbal teas made from local plants.
- , Finland – Supporting sustainable development for smallholder farmers in Tanzania and other African countries.
- , Italy – Reintroducing Braille learning through tactile materials and an accessible app, enabling playful and independent learning for blind and visually impaired children.
- , Romania – Promoting inclusion of disadvantaged Roma communities through the production of specially designed pajamas for elderly individuals with reduced mobility and specific medical needs.
?POWERED AND SPONSORED BY
Sponsors
Axion Swiss Bank - Silver Sponsor
Social Business Innovation Lab
Social Business Earth
Area 302
Catering Partners
Wine Courtesy of Tenuta Castello di Morcote
Plant-based Creamery Courtesy of New Roots
With the Patronage of Città di Lugano
Event Logo Design by Katia Vitale
? We are grateful to our sponsors and supporters.
? Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]
The program is continuously being updated. Stay tuned for the latest event details.
? Note: Area 302 is a shoe-free space. Organic cotton handmade shoe covers will be provided on-site, or you’re welcome to wear socks or go barefoot. ?
Free parking is available on site.
If you're unable to use PayPal to pay for your ticket, please contact us at , and we’ll provide instructions for making a bank transfer.
Agenda
?: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Arrival and Check-in
?: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Opening Remarks and Musical Moment
Info: By Dr. Massimiliano Sassoli de Bianchi, Ms. Samantha Caccamo and Harpist Eleonora Murgia
?: 03:00 PM - 03:15 PM
Sponsors and Supporters
?: 03:15 PM - 04:00 PM
Keynote Speech + Q&A
Info: The keynote sets the tone for the conference by exploring how training initiatives, skills development, and inclusive opportunities can unlock human potential. It will highlight the role of social businesses in creating meaningful pathways to employment and empowering people to transform their lives.
?: 04:00 PM - 04:15 PM
Musical Moment by Harpist Ms. Eleonora Murgia
?: 04:15 PM - 04:30 PM
Coffee and Tea Break
?: 04:30 PM - 05:30 PM
Pitching Session by 5 Social Entrepreneurs + Q&A
?: 05:30 PM - 05:45 PM
Sapiens Natura Prize Ceremony
?: 05:45 PM - 06:00 PM
Closing Remarks
?: 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Networking Apero with plant-based and local products
Host: Wine Courtesy of Tenuta Castello di Morcote
Untitled agenda
Opening Remarks
Event venue
Area 302 SA, 18 Via Cadepiano, Lugano, Switzerland
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