SMT students tackle real-world sustainability challenges

As part of the third semester of the Master’s Degree in Sustainable Management & Technology (SMT), students complete their Transformative Projects — a unique, hands-on experience that puts them at the intersection of academic learning and real-world application. Transformative Projects are a core element of the SMT program, jointly offered by UNIL-HEC, IMD, EPFL. Designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, these projects challenge students to work in teams of three to four to solve complex, real-life problems at the crossroads of technology, management, and sustainability.

The projects are developed in close collaboration with external partners, including companies, public institutions, NGOs or foundations. Over several months, students are guided by both academic experts and company supervisors to deliver recommendations and innovative solutions that address systemic sustainability issues.

Students from the 2023–2025 SMT cohort worked on the following nine projects:

• Enerdrape – Renewable Energy as a Service and CO₂ Savings-Based Business Model
• Groupe E – Diffusion of Positive Energy Homes
• Infomaniak – The Data Center of the Future – which already exists!
• Romande Energie Services – Towards a Decarbonized Romandie: A Strategic Plan
• RTS (Radio Télévision Suisse) – From Reducing Carbon Footprints in Event Production to Integrating Sustainability into RTS Operations
• Swiss Re – Geospatial Analysis: Assessing Economic Exposure to Priced Climate Risk
• SICPA – Trust in Value Chains as Enabler of Sustainability
• Sonceboz – The Sonceboz CO₂ Reduction Project for Electric Motors
• Symbiotics – Enhancing Access to Impact Investment through Tokenization

Each project aims to be transformative— whether by rethinking current business models, accelerating energy transitions, or leveraging technology to unlock new sustainability pathways. For the students, the experience offers a powerful opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world contexts while developing their teamwork, leadership, and consulting skills. This experience also offers a first contact with the job market, helping students to acquire the skills needed to launch a meaningful career and network with potential future employers.

The Transformative Projects are coordinated by the Enterprise for Society (E4S) Center.

Learn more about Transformative Projects or contact Samuel Wicki for more information.