Study Week to Silicon Valley: Exploring the relationship between leadership and sustainable business success in Silicon Valley

Program Highlights

Entrepreneurship and Team Building
Explore how founders form complementary teams, establish trust and create high-performance cultures. Workshops and discussions focus on shared values, feedback routines, team dynamics and the relationship between people, strategy and business opportunities.

Innovation and Opportunity Development
Learn how technology entrepreneurs identify relevant problems, test assumptions and develop opportunities in uncertain markets. Participants will discuss problem-first thinking, customer relevance, iteration and the disciplined development of new ventures.

Venture Capital and Scaling
Gain insight into the perspective of venture-capital investors. Topics include investment criteria, founder–investor relationships, startup financing, market potential, pitching, growth and the practical realities of scaling technology businesses.

Artificial Intelligence and Future Technologies
Examine the impact of artificial intelligence, deep technology and emerging markets on business, society and leadership. Discussions will address future-oriented thinking, responsible innovation and the opportunities and risks of technological change.

Stanford and Design Thinking
Experience the entrepreneurial and academic environment of Stanford University. The program includes insights into design thinking, human-centered innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technology entrepreneurship.

Leadership and Organizational Culture
Discuss leadership practices with senior executives and entrepreneurs from different sectors. Topics include service culture, employee engagement, transparent communication, psychological safety and leadership under uncertainty.

Swiss–Silicon Valley Connections
Learn how Swiss and European entrepreneurs, companies and institutions can access the Bay Area ecosystem. Discussions focus on international networks, market entry, collaboration and ecosystem building.

Target Group

The study week is open to students, professionals, entrepreneurs and individuals interested in leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology and international business.

Students enrolled in Kalaidos Bachelor’s or Master’s programs are given priority and may take the study week as a Marketplace Course worth 6 ECTS. Kalaidos employees, alumni, and external participants are also welcome.

Good English communication skills are required, as the entire program is conducted in English.

Dates, Registration Deadline and Fees

Study Week 2027

April 25th – May 1st, 2027

• Latest arrival in San Francisco: Saturday before the program starts
• Earliest departure: Saturday after the program ends
• Registration deadline: November 16, 2026

Study Week fee

The Study Week fee includes:

• Seminars and workshops
• Company visits and guided tours
• Local bus transfers to official program venues
• Kick-off city tour
• Digital course materials

The Study Week fee does not include:

• Flights to and from San Francisco
• Accommodation in San Francisco
• Travel and cancellation insurance
• Visa, ESTA and other entry-related costs
• A supplementary charge of CHF 250 will be added for pre-arranged meals (farewell dinner incl. drinks and 3x lunch)
• Optional leisure activities

Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own flights, accommodation, insurance and entry visa. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Registration is expected to be binding; detailed cancellation conditions will be stated in the official 2027 application form.

Info session

A free of charge online info session is scheduled for interested participants to find out more about the program, ECTS requirements, practical arrangements and for other questions of matter.

Date:
October 19th, 2026. 06:30 pm (up to 60min)

Access link:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/3507636675435?p=7m1in9KZRj75vrMR6C

Registration/contact: silicon-valley@justlead.ch

The study week to Silicon Valley is organized in cooperation with Just Lead Consulting, with Prof. Dr. Urs Bucher, a former scientist at NASA, as program director. JLC is the official contracting party and holds full responsibility and liability for the organization and execution of the trip.

What our alumni say

In a glimpse: Study Trip to Silicon Valley 2025

“Not just notes, but new perspectives” – that’s how participants summed up the 2025 study trip to Silicon Valley. Their encounters with founders, investors, and Stanford professors didn’t just inspire, they left a lasting mark.

Learn more