Innovation Camp 2025 – Through a Student’s Eyes

 “Will we actually get to pitch our ideas?” 

“Are the others as enthusiastic about economics as I am?”

It was a Friday morning, and I was supposed to be paying attention in math class—but my brain was already on the train to Solothurn. A few weeks earlier, eleven other finalists and I had gotten the news: we had made it to the National Finals of the Economics Olympiad. To properly prepare for the finals, the twelve of us were invited to a 3-day training weekend in Solothurn: The Innovation Camp. And in a few hours, I’d be on my way there.    

A Medieval Town

Arriving at Solothurn Main Station for the first day of the camp, I was immediately taken aback by the cool vibes of this city. There was a calm but lively energy along the river, flanked by charming houses with organic masonry dating back to medieval times. My phone guided me to our accommodation for the weekend: the Youth Hostel Solothurn.  

Now—what’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear youth hostel?

I was fully prepared for something simple and functional. But as I turned the last corner, I found myself standing in front of the grandest building on the avenue, the kind of place you’d expect to house a five-star hotel. During the welcome tour, the hostel manager shared the building’s history and how the place was run. Over an icebreaker game, we began getting to know the other participants.  

The Work Begins

Saturday morning. Breakfast. Coffee. Straight into it.

The schedule was packed. We learned the math behind economic models, explored scenarios in game theory and worked on problem sets. After lunch, we were introduced to the upcoming business case:
How can Swiss Youth Hostels become more attractive to young people?

Grouped into pairs, we began by brainstorming. Each team systematically worked on their different solutions, starting with SWOT analyses and market sizing. Since no one wanted to settle for the obvious answers, we all worked well into the night.  

The Final Round

Sunday morning: fingers furiously typing, slides getting last-minute edits, groups rehearsing their pitch in the hallways.

All five teams made the finishing touches on their business case presentations. One by one, we all had the pleasure of presenting our ideas directly to the CEO of Swiss Youth Hostels, Ms. Bunte, who was happy to hear our suggestions and pledged to implement her favorites in youth hostels across the country.  

That afternoon, the eventful weekend came to an end. We checked out of the hostel, said our goodbyes, and ran to the train station to catch the next train home.  

Next to my newly acquired economics-knowledge, I left with a different view of what youth hostels are. Not just a place to stay the night, but a place to learn new things and meet like-minded people.

And I’m looking forward to soon coming back for the finals!