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Entrepreneurial ecosystem with a vocation for impact

The heart of Esade’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is the Rambla of Innovation on the Sant Cugat campus, a place for incubating and accelerating start-ups where students can develop and put their ventures to the test at every stage of the entrepreneurial process in different laboratories. “In addition, on La Rambla and the other Esade campuses, students can make contact with professionals and companies who may become strategic allies, partners, mentors and even investors,” pointed out Joan Rodón. One such outstanding partner is Esade BAN, Esade Alumni’s business angel network which has invested €48m in more than 300 start-ups since its inception.

“Another cornerstone in this area is the Esade Entrepreneurship Institute,” said Rodon. “Its mission is to bolster this entrepreneurial ecosystem, drive faculty research, mobilize resources, create spaces for exchanging ideas, and promote the generation of knowledge.” In addition, its acceleration program, eWorks, celebrates its tenth anniversary this year: a decade of providing support for hundreds of students from initial ideas to the creation of start-ups, whilst consolidating itself as a community of exemplary founders, mentors and alumni in Europe.

Finally, one of the characteristic traits of entrepreneurship at Esade is the focus on social and environmental impact, in keeping with Esade’s humanist tradition. Hence, many of the ventures undertaken by students aim to develop business models that combine profitability with benefits for society and the planet. “This drive towards change and a deep sense of purpose are part of our founding principles as an institution operating within the framework of the values of the Society of Jesus,” concluded the dean of Esade Business School.