POLIMI Graduate School of Management and Albert School launch a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence & entrepreneurship

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In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, the ability to innovate and lead with purpose has never been more essential. As the global race for AI dominance accelerates, Europe finds itself at a crossroads: will it merely adopt the technologies being developed elsewhere, or will it take a leadership role in defining the next generation of AI-driven innovation?

In response to this challenge, POLIMI Graduate School of Management, Italy’s top-ranked business school, and Albert School, Europe’s pioneering Business & Data School, have joined forces to launch a groundbreaking new Master’s program: the Master in Artificial Intelligence & Entrepreneurship.

Designed to bridge the gap between technical skills and entrepreneurial ambition, this new program will welcome its first cohort in Milan in September 2026. It is tailored for students with a strong technical foundation and a passion for building meaningful, scalable ventures using AI.

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A European response to a global challenge

Today, the most influential AI platforms, applications, and ecosystems are being developed primarily in the United States and China. While Europe has world-class research institutions and a growing base of AI startups, it often lacks the commercial and investment infrastructure to compete at scale.

This Master’s program is not just a degree, it is a strategic initiative to empower a new generation of AI-native entrepreneurs who can build and grow successful businesses in Europe and beyond. It aims to close the innovation gap by supporting students with the right mix of technical knowledge, business acumen, hands-on experience, and access to networks.

“We believe in the potential of European entrepreneurial talent and we don’t accept the current innovation gap with the US and China,” says Floriano Bollettini, Managing Director of Albert School in Italy. “With this Master’s, we want to help transform technical profiles into the leading minds behind the next wave of AI innovation.”

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A dual-DNA program built by two leading institutions

The program is the result of an in-depth collaboration between POLIMI Graduate School of Management, renowned for its rigorous management education, and Albert School, which combines business and data science education in a unique, industry-connected model.

Together, these two institutions have built a curriculum that balances academic excellence with experiential learning, ensuring that students not only learn AI and entrepreneurship in theory but apply it in real-world settings from day one.

“In a time of rapid transformation driven by AI, we want to help shape leaders who use innovation to build a better future,” says Federico Frattini, Dean of POLIMI Graduate School of Management. “This Master’s brings together theory and practice to prepare students to meet the challenges of today, and anticipate those of tomorrow.”

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Curriculum: where AI meets startup thinking

The program’s structure follows a multidisciplinary and project-based approach, covering both cutting-edge technical content and the core elements of entrepreneurship. Students will explore topics including:

Advanced Machine Learning and Deep Learning
Large Language Models (LLMs) and multimodal systems
Data-driven product design
Startup creation and fundraising
Go-to-market strategies and sales
Business modelling and economics
AI ethics, governance, and regulation

This combination enables students to understand the full lifecycle of AI innovation—from prototyping algorithms to building a viable business around them.

Explore the full program curriculum here.

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Learn by doing: from Internships to investor day

The program is designed to be hands-on from the very beginning. Students will participate in three key real-world experiences:

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1. Startup Sprint (Semester 1)

The journey begins with a 10-week internship at a startup or tech company, where students will work on developing an AI-powered product or service. The goal: move from concept to prototype while understanding how AI innovation plays out in a business context.

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2. Venture Lab (Semester 3)

In the final semester, students will collaborate in small teams to develop their own AI startup project, working with industry mentors and faculty advisors. They will engage directly with corporate partners to test and refine their ideas across different sectors—healthcare, finance, education, logistics, and more.

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3. Investor Day (Finale)

At the end of the program, all students will pitch their ventures to a jury of top-tier venture capitalists, business angels, and innovation leaders. The goal: help every graduate walk away not just with a diploma, but with a funded business they can continue building.

💡 Want to build your own startup while studying? Discover how.

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Mistral AI: a strategic partner

A key contributor to the program is Mistral AI, one of Europe’s fastest-growing AI companies and a leader in open-source language models. Mistral will offer free computing credits to support student projects and provide technical mentorship throughout the program.

With Mistral’s involvement, students will have access to some of the most advanced AI tools available—and, crucially, the freedom to experiment and iterate without facing prohibitive costs.

“By giving students the resources and freedom to test, fail, and try again, we’re fostering an ecosystem where innovation isn’t held back by budget constraints,” says Bollettini.

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Who should apply?

The Master in Artificial Intelligence & Entrepreneurship is designed for:

Students and early-career professionals with a background in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or data science
Individuals who are passionate about launching their own AI-powered venture or joining an early-stage startup
Those seeking a European-focused alternative to Silicon Valley’s startup model
Profiles motivated by impact, innovation, and the ability to shape the future responsibly

Fluency in English is required, and previous experience with coding or technical AI tools is highly recommended.

🎓 Ready to apply? Submit your application!

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Why Milan?

The program is based in Milan, a city quickly emerging as a European innovation hub at the intersection of technology, business, and design. With its proximity to major industrial players, vibrant startup scene, and top-ranked universities, Milan offers the ideal ecosystem for students to build, connect, and scale their ventures.

Beyond academics, Milan also delivers a rich student experience, from networking events and hackathons to its thriving cultural scene.

Not based in Italy? Learn more about our campus in Milan and student housing options.

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A launchpad for the next generation of AI innovators

At a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, societies, and economies, this Master’s program provides more than just a degree, it offers a launchpad.

Students will leave not only with technical mastery and entrepreneurial drive, but also with real-world experience, an international network, and the backing of leading institutions like POLIMI GSoM and Albert School.

More than anything, they will graduate with momentum, ready to bring their AI ideas to life and play an active role in Europe’s technological future.

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Learn more or apply today:

Master in AI & Entrepreneurship – Program Overview
Albert School Blog for more student stories and program updates

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Engaged Students

Hear from our students about their amazing journeys and achievements

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Eleonore

Bachelor in Business & Data - President of the student body Paris