ILS 2026 with IBM
The 2026 edition of the Innovation Leadership Seminar (ILS) provides a rewarding learning opportunity in collaboration with IBM. Work with some of its key stakeholders on a business case involving strategy, technology, AI and innovation.
IBM is a global technology leader operating in more than 170 countries. The company is at the forefront of innovation in artificial intelligence, hybrid cloud, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and enterprise software, helping organisations transform and grow through technology.
In the Innovation Leadership Seminar (ILS), you will work in interdisciplinary teams on strategic challenges at the intersection of technology, innovation, and business. Based on your profile and interests, you will be assigned to one of three projects drawn from IBM’s current innovation agenda:
- Project 1: Digital Assets Platform (IBM Research)
Guiding question: How should IBM design a focused go-to-market and product strategy for its Digital Assets Platform that maximizes adoption across priority enterprise client segments while building a scalable, long-term platform business?
- Project 2: Digital Sovereignty & Enterprise Open Source (IBM Technology & Red Hat)
Guiding question: What does Digital Sovereignty mean for Swiss companies, and what role does Enterprise Open Source play?
- Project 3: Agentic AI in Highly Regulated Industries (IBM Technology & IBM Consulting)
Guiding question: How are Swiss highly regulated industry companies adopting AI coding agents, and what frameworks are emerging to evaluate business value and engineering outcomes? How are development workflows and roles evolving as a result?
Throughout the seminar, participants will engage directly with IBM and Red Hat executives, technology leaders, and innovation experts.
The ILS offers a unique opportunity to work on strategic challenges with senior leaders from IBM and Red Hat while gaining first-hand insights into current developments in technology, innovation, and business transformation.
Participants will gain first-hand insights into IBM’s and Red Hat’s innovation, technology, and business strategies through direct interactions with senior executives, researchers, consultants, and technology leaders.
Throughout the seminar, teams will interview subject matter experts, conduct workshops with their case managers, and develop recommendations for their assigned challenge. In the final presentation, participants will present their findings to senior stakeholders from IBM and Red Hat.
D-MTEC professors and lecturers will coach and support participants in project scoping, problem definition, problem solving, innovation strategy, and executive communication.
- Professor Stefano Brusoni, Chair of Technology and Innovation Management
- Dr Oliver von Dzengelevski, Chair of Production and Operations Management
- Professor Georg von Krogh, Chair of Strategic Management and Innovation
The course is directed and organised by Professor Zeynep Erden and Dr Isabel Spicker as part of the D-MTEC Leadership Development Programme.
You are an ambitious ETH student looking for a challenging and rewarding learning experience. Throughout the ILS, you will work on a real-world strategic challenge at the intersection of technology, innovation, and business in close collaboration with experts and senior leaders from IBM.
The recommendations you develop together with your team, academic coaches, and industry experts will be presented and discussed with senior stakeholders. To succeed, you will need to quickly develop a deep understanding of emerging technologies, industry trends, and the strategic priorities of global technology companies. Curiosity, initiative, teamwork, and a willingness to engage with complex and open-ended challenges are essential.
The ILS is an intensive programme that requires a high level of commitment and engagement. Participants are expected to go the extra mile—taking ownership of their project, proactively seeking insights, and contributing beyond the minimum requirements. The most successful teams are those that combine analytical rigour with creativity, professionalism, and a genuine willingness to challenge assumptions and explore new perspectives.
Complete the online application form linked below by 16 August 2026. You will be prompted to upload your CV and transcript of records.
Enrolment is limited to 18 participants. You are eligible to apply if you belong to one of the following groups:
- MSc, MAS and doctoral students at D-MTEC
- MSc and doctoral students at other ETH departments
- Exchange and UNITECH Master’s students
You will earn 4 ECTS credit points and receive a participation certificate.