Software Institute | The website of the Software Institute, a center of excellence committed to the teaching, the research and the development of software. The SI is part of the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI).

Industrial Collaboration Opportunities

The USI Software Institute supports innovative projects through programs and tools such as Field Projects, Bachelor Projects, Master Thesis, or research projects. On this page, you can find more information about the different opportunities such as deadlines and periods of operation.

Field Project Atelier

The Field project is a part-time project, offered by companies, for 3rd year students. The course runs from mid-September to mid-December each year: 12 weeks for a total of about 200 hours, carried out by the student on Thursdays and Fridays all day. Below are the skills acquired by students upon completion of the 2nd year of the Bachelor of Science in Informatics:

  • Excellent programming skills
    Python, Java, Javascript, PHP, Ajax, JSON, C/C++, Scala, Several APIs & SDKs, Mobile Apps
  • Systems Thinking
    Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Project-based Learning, Networking Principles & Practice, HCI Design
  • Extensive technological knowledge
    HTML & CSS, Databases, Algorithms, LaTex
  • Solid math foundations
    Discrete Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Calculus, Probability & Statistics

Period of operation: September - December

How to apply? The deadline for proposing new projects has passed. This opportunity will be offered again at the beginning of next year.

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Bachelor Project

The Bachelor's project provides the student with the opportunity to work independently to develop a solution to a significant (i.e., large) problem. The student learns and demonstrates both independence and a systematic approach to problem-solving. Students work throughout the semester (14 weeks) on a part-time basis under the supervision of a professor and the proposing company. Students also meet regularly with the Bachelor's project coordinator to receive instruction on the purpose and implementation mechanisms of a long-term project.
At the end of the semester, students produce:

  • A written project report
  • A poster and a presentation
  • A deliverable (if applicable) such as an algorithm, software library, or application.

Period of operation: February - June

How to apply?

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Master Thesis (MSDE)

The Master's thesis in Master in Software and Data Engineering (MSDE) offers students the opportunity to conduct a research/engineering project for their master's thesis under the supervision of a faculty member and the company proposing the project. The thesis must represent an original contribution to the field of Software & Data Engineering and/or an innovative engineering project. The specific project is defined as the output of the Software & Data Engineering Seminar.

Period of operation: September - June

How to apply?

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IMPARA

The goals of the IMPARA (Industry Merit-based PARallel Approach) program of the Master in Software and Data Engineering (MSDE) offered by the USI Software Institute are:

  • To allow interested and meritorious MSDE students that wish to work part-time in a local IT company while still being able to successfully pursue the MSDE program, through a carefully designed and personalized study plan that considers their work commitment.
  • To foster working relationships between IT companies active in Ticino and the Software Institute with its MSDE students and graduates.
The IMPARA program is designed to provide a complementary program of studies to students who have a necessity or strong preference for combining work and studies.

Period of operation: September - June

How to apply?

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Internships

We are available to forward our students internship announcements offered by companies and provide references if needed.

Period of operation: January - December

How to apply? Interested companies are kindly asked to get in touch with Mauro Prevostini at any time.

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Research Projects

We are open to collaboration in research projects or direct mandates, such as innovative projects funded by the Innosuisse Federal Program.

Period of operation: January - December

How to apply? Interested companies are kindly asked to get in touch with Mauro Prevostini at any time.

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For general information about internships, contact the USI Career Service at careerservice@usi.ch.