Alumni Association of Glion Launches the second edition of the Glion Alumni Accelerator Program to boost Hospitality innovation

The Glion Institute of Higher Education (GIHE) and its Alumni Association (AAG) are proud to announce the launch of the second edition of the Glion Alumni Accelerator Program. Following the success of the inaugural initiative in 2023, this program offers Glion students and alumni a unique opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial ideas through mentorship, access to investors, and industry support.

The Glion Alumni Accelerator, which aligns with the AAG’s Entrepreneurship Commission, aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the global Glion alumni network. The program is specifically designed to assist early stage, pre-seed or seed start-ups, providing them with the resources and support necessary to scale their ventures. The selected startups will benefit from two months of personalized mentorship, culminating in a live investor pitch event, where a cash prize of 10,000 CHF will be awarded to the most promising business idea.

A popular destination for athletic events, Zayed Sports City has recently emerged as a hub for a growing number of lifestyle, entertainment, and community experiences. The arrival of Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy - Les Roches in the district will add to the area’s cultural development.

Les Roches Global Hospitality's inaugural campus in the region builds on its legacy since its establishment in Switzerland in 1954, ranking fifth globally in hospitality and leisure management (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024). The academy aims to attract UAE Nationals as well as global talent to the industry, situated strategically in the heart of Abu Dhabi. 

The hospitality industry in the emirate is witnessing exponential growth, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the world's premier tourism destinations. In 2023, Abu Dhabi's tourism sector saw a remarkable surge, welcoming nearly 24 million visitors. The 27% rise in hotel guests and 54% increase in international guests bolstered the economy with an approximate AED49 billion contribution to the UAE’s GDP.

Empowering Future Hospitality Leaders

Christopher Jones, President of the Alumni Association Glion (AAG), expressed his enthusiasm for the second edition of the Accelerator Program:

The Accelerator supports entrepreneurs from the hospitality, luxury, travel, and tourism sectors, providing participants with essential resources, including networking opportunities with industry experts and investment potential from established stakeholders.

Key Dates for the 2024 Edition

• Startup Selection Announced: September 12, 2024
• Mentorship Begins: September 26, 2024
• Pitch Battle at Glion Montreux: November 27, 2024

The finalists for this year include visionary entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, ranging from luxury travel and senior living to AI-driven hiring platforms and innovative food products.

Meet the Finalists

The 2024 cohort includes:

• Michaël Desplaces (class of ‘13) with Iden, a luxury retreat concept blending wellness, nature and sustainable tourism.
• Umberto Illario (class of ‘90) with Monte Senior, a financial model which revitalizes modern independent living for seniors in rural Italy.
• Claudia Ferrero (class of ‘91) with HorecaJob, an AI-powered subscription-based hiring platform, targeted for hospitality & catering businesses without a dedicated HR resource.
• Victor-Andre Staebler (class of ‘22) with SuperJuices Sarl, offering innovative time-saving non-alcoholic beverage solutions for F&B venues.
• Roger Obeid (class of ’77 and ‘22) with JoIn Hospitality, promoting accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities in hospitality.
• Love Mansukhani (class of ‘23) with Gourmet Hub LLC, a marketplace connecting customers to meal plan vendors, based on subscription service model.
• Vasily Grogol (class of ‘16) with POYNTO, a capsule hotel concept offering tech-driven, affordable luxury to enhance the guest experience.
• Ziyaad Massoud (class of ‘24) with Fil Foods, a Palestinian-inspired condiment brand connecting values based on culture, contemporary and community.

This edition of the Glion Alumni Accelerator Program boasts a distinguished panel of mentors, bringing a wealth of industry expertise to guide the finalists. This year’s mentors include Ronald Homsy, Founder and Co-CEO of Aventra Hospitality, Frédéric Frère, Co-Founder and Group Leader of Travelstore, Yauric Mercier, CCO and Managing Partner of Straws-Berry, João de Saldanha, Co-Founder and CEO of One Hundred Group, Martin Kubler, Chief Sloth of The Gluttonous Sloth, Beatrice Tachot, Responsable Développement at Suitcase Hospitality, and Helmut Clemens, Founder of HOTELKonzept. These leaders will provide invaluable insights and support to help shape the success of the participating startups.

The Glion Alumni Accelerator not only strengthens the bond between alumni and the school but also celebrates the lasting Glion Spirit—a testament to the institute’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurial success.

About Glion Institute of Higher Education

Founded in 1962, Glion Institute of Higher Education is a Swiss institution offering bachelor’s, master’s and executive degrees in hospitality, luxury and finance to an international student body across three campuses in Switzerland and London, UK. 

Glion is ranked among the world’s top 10 higher education institutions for hospitality and leisure management. (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024).

Part of Sommet Education, worldwide leader in hospitality education, Glion is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

For more information, visit https://www.glion.edu/