The Grand Finale of the 10th edition will be held at the Monaco Yacht Club on May 16th 2023.
2023 Winners
CATEGORY 1
Project: ABLE
University: International University of Monaco
Nationality: Monaco
ABLE, an extension of you. We customize wheelchairs and prosthetics for the luxury and premium segments. We make their design dreams come true with high quality materials. We aim to destigmatize and promote disability inclusion and provide them an open and interactive community.
CATEGORY 2
Project: YACHTNOTES
University: International University of Monaco
Nationality: Monaco
YACHTNOTES LLC is a SaaS company with a mission to standardise communications within the yachting charter industry. The firm’s product is a concierge+ platform called YACHTNOTES which is accessible on desktops/mobile devices and connects yachting charter professionals to each other and to guests, as well as to yacht owners/family offices. The platform enables charter guests to communicate their demands to all their dedicated professionals at once and increases transparency into how the yachts are being managed for yacht owners/family offices. The platform also includes additional features vital to the successful execution of charters: a map service to track the yacht or to notify a change in route, a calendar service to keep track of reservations/activities or change them on demand, and a contact book with the details of charter stakeholders for easy reference. YACHTNOTES was brought to life thanks to its collaboration with Modernizing Processes, a software development company leveraging NoCode to build platforms in record times.
SPECIAL AWARD IN YACHTING
Project: ATLAS
University: International University of Monaco
Nationality: Monaco
Atlas is a sustainable circular economy project that aims to transform yacht waste into luxury products. By repurposing and recycling materials from end-of-life yachts, Atlas will create bespoke furniture, art pieces, and other luxury products that target ultra-high-net-worth individuals, highnet-worth individuals, and art lovers
SPECIAL AWARD IN FASHION & ACCESSORIES
Project: ABLE
University: International University of Monaco
Nationality: Monaco
ABLE, an extension of you. We customize wheelchairs and prosthetics for the luxury and premium segments. We make their design dreams come true with high quality materials. We aim to destigmatize and promote disability inclusion and provide them an open and interactive community.
SPECIAL AWARD IN ENTREPRENERUSHIP by AIIM
Project: AFFOLTER
University:
Nationality: Switzerland
AFFOLTER is a jewelry brand founded by Patrick Affolter, a passionate jewelry designer. The brand, distinguished by its authenticity, offers a unique and sincere approach to jewelry, a collective passion for craftsmanship and creative singularity. AFFOLTER promotes sustainability and responsible consumption of luxury jewelry, while creating unique and customized pieces that embody the personal expression and individuality of the client.
Finalist Teams - Category 1
Project: ABLE
University: IUM - International University of Monaco
Nationality: Monaco
ABLE, an extension of you. We customize wheelchairs and prosthetics for the luxury and premium segments. We make their design dreams come true with high quality materials. We aim to destigmatize and promote disability inclusion and provide them an open and interactive community.
Lacure
Project: Lacure
University: Polimoda
Nationality: Italy
Lacure offers a unique service to its clients who own leather goods. This service allows customers to collaborate with a network of emerging and established artists to create a one-of-a-kind physical and digital (NFT) artwork from their leather goods. Our service allows clients to write new stories for their leather goods meaning that their products are no longer just functional items, but also serve as a canvas for creative expression. Lacure’s service is driven by creativity, uniqueness, and self-fulfilment while preserving and enhancing the value of leather goods.
Mirror Me
Project: Mirror Me
University: BSB Burgundy School of Business
Nationality: France
Mirror Me is a connected mirror that aims to help users to take better care of their skin and apply better makeup by using less plastic packaging. The overconsumption of cosmetics and skincare products is a real environmental scourge. The cosmetic and skincare markets are very polluting, if only because of the waste generated, not to mention the production. Moreover, the new generation is looking for more and more clean beauty. They want to consume better and limit their environmental footprint by consuming locally. Finally, consumers have difficulties to find the right products for their skin type. Many people are often disappointed with their cosmetic purchases, and this leads to even more waste. When we go to beauty stores, we often have issues finding the perfect shade for us because of all the shades that exist now. Or even, what color can I wear as eye shadow when I have blue eyes? Mirror Me has the answer. All you have to do is position yourself in front of the mirror, which will then take care of the analysis. We also want to work with dermatologists who will validate the products for the customers' routines. People will therefore be able to trust the connected mirror completely. Mirror Me will provide advice by scanning and analyzing the skin of individuals. It will then redirect the consumer to products that are more adapted to their skin. Mirror Me analyzes your skin, advises you on a suitable skincare routine, and allows you to follow your evolution over the long term. Our connected mirror is also linked to a platform of beauty products, both skincare and cosmetics, totally natural and locally made. For this, we will develop a smartphone application in which it will be possible to find the follow-up of the skincare analysis. As well as the marketplace with environmentally friendly beauty brands, some advice from experts, or even more beauty and make-up tutorials. Nowadays, most of the Gen Z buy most of their beauty products on social networks like Instagram or TikTok. So, they are our main target. Customers are both women and men with a good standard of living. They like to take care of themselves. Mirror Me is the perfect connected object that will help them adopt a better beauty routine. The connected mirror market is a relatively new and emerging market that is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. Connected mirrors are smart mirrors that are equipped with sensors, cameras, and other electronic components that enable them to perform a variety of functions beyond simply reflecting the image of the user. As more and more homes become connected and automated, there is a growing demand for smart mirrors that can interact with other devices in the home, such as voice. Mirror Me will become your best friend who will advise you on your skincare and makeup routine
Finalist Teams - Category 2
AFFOLTER
Project: AFFOLTER
University:
Nationality: Switzerland
AFFOLTER is a jewelry brand founded by Patrick Affolter, a passionate jewelry designer. The brand, distinguished by its authenticity, offers a unique and sincere approach to jewelry, a collective passion for craftsmanship and creative singularity. AFFOLTER promotes sustainability and responsible consumption of luxury jewelry, while creating unique and customized pieces that embody the personal expression and individuality of the client.
Always Found
Project: Always Found
University:
Nationality: United Kingdom
Has an airline ever lost or delayed your checked-in luggage? With Always Found, that won't happen again. We offer a 360° seamless solution to the common problem of lost luggage. We'll locate, find, and ship your luxury luggage within 48 hours of landing while ensuring you'll have full traceability over your luggage at all times via our app. Our personalised service will give you the confidence to check in your suitcases and enjoy hassle-free travel. Trust our technology to bring luxury back to your journey.
Mon Cellier
Project: Mon Cellier
University:
Nationality: Portugal
Mon Cellier is a premium wine collectors club that will change the way to invest in and manage high-end wine collections. We provide storage, logistics, an app with NFT integration, and a global marketplace. Mon Cellier focuses on easy investment, thorough management, a personalized experience, and expert advice. Mon Cellier is committed to sustainability and social effect, focusing on environmentally responsible techniques and assisting local communities
YACHTNOTES
Project: YACHTNOTES
University:
Nationality: Monaco
YACHTNOTES LLC is a SaaS company with a mission to standardise communications within the yachting charter industry. The firm’s product is a concierge+ platform called YACHTNOTES which is accessible on desktops/mobile devices and connects yachting charter professionals to each other and to guests, as well as to yacht owners/family offices. The platform enables charter guests to communicate their demands to all their dedicated professionals at once and increases transparency into how the yachts are being managed for yacht owners/family offices. The platform also includes additional features vital to the successful execution of charters: a map service to track the yacht or to notify a change in route, a calendar service to keep track of reservations/activities or change them on demand, and a contact book with the details of charter stakeholders for easy reference. YACHTNOTES was brought to life thanks to its collaboration with Modernizing Processes, a software development company leveraging NoCode to build platforms in record times.
Special Award in Yachting - Nominees
YACHTNOTES
Project: YACHTNOTES
University: IUM- International University of Monaco
Nationality: Monaco
YACHTNOTES LLC is a SaaS company with a mission to standardise communications within the yachting charter industry. The firm’s product is a concierge+ platform called YACHTNOTES which is accessible on desktops/mobile devices and connects yachting charter professionals to each other and to guests, as well as to yacht owners/family offices. The platform enables charter guests to communicate their demands to all their dedicated professionals at once and increases transparency into how the yachts are being managed for yacht owners/family offices. The platform also includes additional features vital to the successful execution of charters: a map service to track the yacht or to notify a change in route, a calendar service to keep track of reservations/activities or change them on demand, and a contact book with the details of charter stakeholders for easy reference. YACHTNOTES was brought to life thanks to its collaboration with Modernizing Processes, a software development company leveraging NoCode to build platforms in record times.
C&E
Project: Atlas
University: IUM - International University of Monaco
Nationality: Monaco
Atlas is a sustainable circular economy project that aims to transform yacht waste into luxury products. By repurposing and recycling materials from end-of-life yachts, Atlas will create bespoke furniture, art pieces, and other luxury products that target ultra-high-net-worth individuals, highnet-worth individuals, and art lovers
Yavolux
Project: Yavolux
University: Em-lyon Business School
Nationality: France
Yavolux is a sustainable luxury travel operator for business elites who value comfort, style, and environmental impact. We use all-electric sea gliders that are zero-emission, hassle-free, and time-saving. Our sea gliders are a hybrid between an aircraft and hydrofoil design, flying on a cushion of air between the wing and water surface. We leverage existing water dock infrastructure for easy accessibility. Our innovative design allows for faster market entry and more frequent eco-conscious trips than cruise ferries or private jets.
Final Jury

Chief of Staff & Sustainability Manager at Roger Dubuis Manufacture
Raffaele Sala
Raffaele Sala is a Management Engineering graduate with extensive experience in the luxury watch industry. He joined in 2019 Roger Dubuis Manufacture as Chief of Staff of the CEO. In 2021 Raffaele assumed the additional responsibility of Sustainability to design and manage the CSR strategy of the brand, ensuring that stakeholder and investor expectations were met while aligning with the Brand's purpose.
Federica Bruno
Managing Director - 3DComm SARL
I’m married and mother of 2 children and share my professional life with my husband. Since the age of 15 I knew I wanted to work in the communications industry and obtained my Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications and Public Relations from Boston University. In 1998 my husband and I founded the agency 3DComm, a boutique marketing, communications and events agency specializing in luxury brands and niche industries in the automotive, yachting and wellbeing industries. During my career I have dedicated my organizational and managerial skills to our video production side of the business and our weekly TV auto Show and to planning and managing global events for several automotive brands. Since a few years, after we opted out of video production, events have been part of my life as I love planning and managing but my knowledge and PR background has me as Consultant for communication strategy and media relations for luxury brands.
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Federica Beretta
Director at Hauser and Wirth Monaco
Hauser & Wirth has expanded over the past 30 years to include outposts in Hong Kong, London, New York, Southampton, Los Angeles, Somerset, Menorca, Monaco, Zurich, Gstaad, and St. Moritz. The gallery represents over 90 artists and estates who have been instrumental in shaping its identity over the past quarter century, and who are the inspiration for Hauser & Wirth’s diverse range of activities that engage with art, education, conservation, and sustainability. Previously, Federica was the director of international art galleries in Mayfair and in Chelsea, London. She studied Art and Finance, Marketing and Strategy at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Federica also holds a Master’s Degree in Culture, Policy and Management from City University London. She was a juror in the selection committee of the Accessible Art Fair at Bozar in Brussels, Art Rooms Fair London and Art Apartments contest in collaboration with the Estorick Museum Collection. She organised tours to members of the Bank of America Arts and Creative Club in national museums and International auction houses in London. Prior to moving to London, Federica worked as a full-time journalist and currently she collaborates with the art magazine Artribune covering International Art Fairs and reviewing significant exhibitions.
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Sabrina Montenapoleone Oeino
Founder and Owner of Sabrina Monte-Carlo
Sabrina Oeino started Sabrina Monte-Carlo, a passion project of sorts, after a career in fashion based between Monaco and one of the hubs for emerging creators, Miami Beach. Combining a keen eye for design and her experience in the creative industry, Sabrina has made luxury interior design and outdoor decor appealing to an international client base. The studio is a woman-owned family business to its core. Sabrina’s sister, Sophie, is the chief interior designer and her two daughters, Manola, is in charge of kids and interior projects, and Carla, is the creative director and tableware expert. The women are backed by a team of 40 talented and multilingual experts in home and naval design. Embodying the importance of family and the art of curating your space, the Sabrina Monte-Carlo team brings the Mediterranean lifestyle to life.
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Michel Bouquier
Senior Advisor to the Monaco Government Finance and Economy Department
Over the last three decades Michel Bouquier, has built a matchless reputation for promoting luxury lifestyle around the world. His talent for advising and connecting opinion leaders is based on his unique experience in developing innovative solutions for luxury destinations and brands. Michel is currently a Senior Advisor to the Monaco Government Finance and Economy Department responsible for promoting the Principality’s attractiveness. He heads “Monaco Private Label”, a tailor made initiative designed for high profile international investors. Michel was President of the Monaco Tourism Board for nine years. He is now driving “Monaco Private Label”, a trusted circle of family businesses from around the world. During his tenure he launched many initiatives to promote Monaco as the destination of choice to Ultra High Net Worth Individuals around the globe. This role followed nearly a decade in the luxury hotel industry at the Forte Heritage Hotels Group in the UK and the Relais & Châteaux world-wide Association where he is credited with creating innovative strategies upon which was built an outstanding foundation for the group’s future international growth. Michel enjoys a long-standing reputation in Switzerland and in the USA where he headed the French Government Tourist Office in New York. He graduated from the Strasbourg School of Hotel Management and Tourism and obtained a Master degree and a postgraduate degree in Human Sciences at Lyon II University. Michel is honoured with the French National Order of Merit and the Principality of Monaco’s Saint Charles Order.
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Tanguy Ducros
Chief Commercial Officer at Monaco Marine
Tanguy Ducros, 34, has worked since 2012 at Monaco Marine, a family company founded in 1995 by his father. Since 2018, he has been managing the company which today owns a network of 8 shipyards and 1 marina in Monaco and welcomes more than 3,000 yachts a year. Monaco Marine holds a 10% world market share in yacht repair, maintenance and refurbishment.
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Gorgio Motta
CEO of the Mall luxury outlet, Kering group
Giorgio Motta is a graduate of Università degli Studi di Milano in Political Science and holds a Master / EMIT - in Governance and Management at Luiss Business School in Rome. Since 2017 Giorgio Motta is the General Manager of The Mall Luxury Outlets with the aim of reorganizing and developing the brand focused on the building and management of Luxury Malls. In addition, in 2015 Giorgio Motta started to teach Luxury Enterprises Management at the Master Courses of the Polimoda University of Florence, and gives periodical guest lectures at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) of New York, at University of Politecnico of Milan and at the Hubei Institute of Fine Arts (HIFA) of Shenzhen. Recently he also started a collaboration with the International University of Monaco.
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Matteo Atti
CMO of VistaJet
Matteo Atti is an established brand and value creator, shaping the luxury world for the next decade. As the Chief Marketing Officer for Vista Global he leads a global marketing team in charge of the entire customer journey for the largest group in private aviation, harnessing insights about its UHNWI to introduce exciting innovation programs. His expertise was built working with leading global brands in luxury, fashion and telecommunications. Matteo began his career in Gucci during the Tom Ford tenure, followed by Mandarina Duck as Brand Manager. He has led Nokia retail campaigns for over 30,000 shops as well as headed the business development team for Bottega Veneta, catering to the luxury fashion’s elite. In London, he worked alongside Sir Paul Smith to refocus the business around its core attributes, products and brand. In the past few years his projects have been featured on the WSJ, Robb Report, NYT, Business Insider and he has been a contributor to Forbes magazine. His ideas won the “Legends Award” from Departure magazine and has created books on fine wine, private dining and contributed to several innovation books. Matteo holds an MA in Communication Science from Bologna University and a Exec MBA from Insead. He is also a professor in Luxury Business Development at the International University of Monaco.
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2nd Round Jury
Alessio Castello, PhD
Head of Strategy and Management Academic department, Professor of Project Management & Innovation at the International University of Monaco
Alessio Castello is associate professor of Management at the International University of Monaco where he is also head of the Management and Strategy department. His research focuses on several aspects related to entrepreneurship, innovation and the use of data in the formulation of business strategies. More recently, Alessio started working on AI based decision-making in environments characterized by high levels of uncertainty and applicable to several industries. His research was published in journals such as R&D Management, MIT Sloan management, International Journal of Technology Management, among others. Besides teaching in degree programs, Alessio has more than 20 years of experience advising young entrepreneurs in the very early stages of their ventures. He holds a Master in Physics from the University of Genoa – Italy, an MBA from EDHEC Business School and a PhD in Management from the University of Nice. Alessio spent all his professional career at the crossroad between business and academia, thus learning how to combine the theoretical approach required by research and the pragmatic needs of the corporate world.
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Dario Cassano
CEO Groupe Abri, Vice President Aiim (the association of the Italian entrepreneurs in the Principality of Monaco) and President of Club Italia Monte-Carlo.
Graduated in economics with Graduated in economics with Master in Business Administration, after 6 years spent into multinational companies as LANDI RENZO Spa and SHELL, Dario joined the WCMG GROUP, into the Italian branch named Advancing Trade Spa in 2005 as Sales and Marketing Director. Starting from January 2009 Dario has been appointed ad CEO of Groupe Abri/SOMECO in Monaco, with branches in Lyon and Paris. From March 2019 he is also Vice President of the Association of Italian entrepreneurs of Monaco and from December 2020 he is member of the board of directors of COMITES (representative body of the Italian community residing in Monaco) and head of the financial committee. Starting from December 2022, Dario is also President of CLUB ITALIA MONTE-CARLO, the community of all Italians resident in the Principality of Monaco.
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Padmaja Argade, PhD
Assistant Professor of Management at the International University of Monaco
She has a PhD in Business Sustainability from Kedge Business School, Bordeaux. She has a Master in Management from Manchester Business School, UK and a Research Master in Management & Innovation from Skema Business School & University of Côte d'Azur, France. Her research and teaching focus on sustainable entrepreneurship, CSR and sustainable development. She has been published in high-ranking management journals and presented at several academic conferences.
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Mag. Dr. Markus Schuller, MBA, MScFE
Founder & Managing Partner of Panthera Solutions | Strategic Asset Allocation & Behavioral Design Specialist | Adjunct Professor at EDHEC, IUM and IE Business School
Mag. Dr. Markus Schuller, MBA, MScFE is the founder and managing partner of Panthera Solutions Sarl, a leading applied behavioral finance specialist. As multiple award-winning behavioral design company in the Principality of Monaco, Panthera’s behavior-tech solutions support professional investors in competitively integrating human intelligence and artificial intelligence in an ethical and sustainable way. As adjunct professor, Markus teaches courses like “Asset Allocation & Applied Behavioral Finance“, "Risk Management & Applied Behavioral Finance”, “Investment Banking” and “Narrative Reporting” at renowned Master in Finance programs of the EDHEC Business School, the IE Business School and the International University of Monaco. Markus publishes in academic top journals (i.e. Journal of Portfolio Management), writes articles for professional journals (i.e. CFA Institute, OECD Insights, etc.) and holds keynotes at international investment conferences. As an investment banker, adjunct professor and author, Markus looks back at 20 rewarding years of trading, structuring, and managing standard and alternative investment products. Prior to founding Panthera Solutions, he worked in executive roles for a long/short equity hedge fund for which he developed the trading algorithm. Markus started his career working as equity trader, derivatives trader and macro analyst for different banks.
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Gordana Savic
Founder of Gordana Design since Sept. 2006 | Co-founder of Resort25 since Oct. 2018
Followed her Fashion and Interior Design studies Gordana is actively working in fashion world since 1997; with more than 20 years of experience in design, production, marketing and sales management. From Stylist to head designer roles for international global companies including one based in Monaco, she created her company Gordana Design as well as cashmere brand “Golden Goat” which offers a collection of lifestyle products exclusively made in cashmere and other noble materials. Gordana Design label has also undertaken various other key projects such as creation of uniforms for luxury hotel brands as well as creating luxury magazines and catalogues and organising luxury fashion shows, styling of interiors to name few. Resort25 collection created together with her business partner is fruit of all creative passions and one important step into contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry.
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Dr. Arik Röschke
Associate Professor for Entrepreneurship at the International University of Monaco | Lecturer at the University of St. Gallen (Switzerland) | President of the Club Suisse de Monaco
Dr. Arik Röschke is associate professor for Entrepreneurship at the International University of Monaco, lecturer at the University of St. Gallen (Switzerland) and president of the Club Suisse de Monaco. He is also member of tbe board of directors of companies in asset management, agricultural investments, and healthcare in Switzerland and member of the advisory board of a single family office of a Monaco-based investor.
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Dario Peirone
Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Strategy at University of Turin.
Prof Peirone is now the Chairman of CEIP (the regional governmental agency in charge of international development of Piedmont economic system) and the General Manager of the Milton Friedman Institute, an economic think tank based in Rome. He is the activity leader (coordinator of European consortium) of several EU projects on students’ entrepreneurship financed by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). Prof. Peirone has been Board member of several Profit and Non-profit Financial Institutions and published many papers in international academic journals, focusing on finance for firms’ technological innovation and on new governance systems in public and private enterprises.
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1st Round Jury
Matilde Bini
Leading Teacher, Department of Business – Polimoda
Matilde Bini studied Russian in Florence and pursued a Masters in Marketing at Bocconi University in Milan. At the start of her career, she took on the role of Eastern Europe Retail and Franchising Coordinator for luxury fashion brands. She was also a Merchandising Planner for the most renowned multinational luxury groups in the fashion field. Today, Matilde is a Retail Management and Merchandising Consultant. Her educational mission is to teach students all effective principles of Retail Merchandising through a technical approach focused on working practice.
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Giovanni Luigi Bordone
Fashion Business Associate Lecturer | PhD researcher
Giovanni Luigi Bordone is currently teaching fashion business in Istituto Marangoni and in London College of Fashion, University of the Arts in London, where he is also a PhD researcher. He spent his professional life nearly entirely in between the UK and the Asia Pacific region where he set up and launched several companies. During his 15+ in Fashion, he covered several different roles in this industry, from production to marketing, from launching start ups to corporate roles in luxury conglomerates and this makes him one of the most well rounded experts in the field. As a keynote speaker, Giovanni has addressed more than 50 companies across 20+ countries and lectured in over 10 universities. His personal concept of style and vision has been recognized and appreciated by many institutions, including BBC, Al Jazeera, Elle China and many lifestyle blogs across the globe.
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Professor George Christodoulides, PhD
Chalhoub Group Professor of Luxury Brand Management at American University of Sharjah, UAE
Dr George Christodoulides is the Chalhoub Group Professor of Luxury Brand Management at the American University of Sharjah in the UAE. His research interests lie in the areas of luxury marketing and branding. He is Associate Editor of International Marketing Review. His research has attracted external funding from prestigious external bodies such as the ESRC and British Academy and has been published in journals such as Industrial Marketing Management, Journal of Business Research, European Journal of Marketing and Psychology & Marketing. He is an Honorary Academic Member of the Luxury Innovation Lab.
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Professor Jan Erik Meidell
Director and full stack developer at Lexigo Software – Lecturer at HEG Geneva and Visiting Lecturer at IMD, BSL and Seoul School of Integrated Sciences & Technologies
Professor Meidell is a director and full stack developer for web and mobile phone applications (lexigo.ch). He is a lecturer at HEG Geneva and a visiting lecturer at IMD, BSL and Seoul School of Integrated Sciences & Technologies with courses in investment, finance, statistics, programming, digitalization and machine learning. Since 2018, he is a judge and mentor with Masschallenge. Previous experience includes roles as entrepreneur in two early and one mid-stage startup in professional trading software (Trading Technologies SA), fund investment (heimdalfondene.no), and the consumer packaging industry (smartseal-closures.com). He has collected a total of 15mio EUR in funding for these companies from institutional and private investors and have done – if possible – all the errors possible on the way:) The first company was sold to a trading company and the two other companies are thriving well today. Dr. Meidell has a PhD in economics from the University of Lausanne and the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH). Earlier degrees include a Master in Econometrics and a Bachelor in Finance. As a part of his doctoral education, he was accepted and passed the Swiss National Bank’s Gerzensee one year PhD course in economics and econometrics for doctoral students (szgerzensee.ch). Other roles include several years as CFO (approved with Swiss Financial Authorities - FINMA) in the banking and investment industry. The first 12 years of his professional life was spent as a derivative market maker (high frequency, algorithmic trading) on several European and North American exchanges. Erik is fluent in German, French, English, Norwegian and Russian and is a supporter of sustainability initiatives. He believes in equality, resilience, integrity, and discipline. Further references can be found on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmeidell), on YouTube (https://youtu.be/SuEOesJQvW4), in this newspaper article on AI trading (https://e24.no/boers-og-finans/i/7la8m3/skal-vi-bygge-en-aksjerobot) and in this publication from the Norwegian School of Economics (https://www.nhh.no/nhh-bulletin/artikkelarkiv/eldre-saker/2016/juni/jan-erik-meidell/).
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Professor Marko Majer PhD, MBA
Business educator and marketing communications professional – Business School Lausanne
Dr. Marko Majer is a business educator and marketing communications professional with over 30 years of international experience. He has founded one of the leading marketing communications agencies in Slovenia, working for several global blue-chip clients, and has received over 80 international awards for the creative and strategic work. Upon earning his PhD at IEDC he gradually moved into academia; nowadays he shares his knowledge and experience with MBA, graduate and undergraduate students at Business School Lausanne and other distinguished Swiss management schools.
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Dr. Julia Riedmeier
Founder & managing director CODE LUXE | Strategy Consultant | Adjunct Professor
Dr. Julia Riedmeier is the module leader of the luxury Master's concentration at Munich Business School, an adjunct professor at the International University of Monaco, and the founder and managing director of her strategy consulting firm CODE LUXE. She supports luxury brands in deciphering their luxury brand code, elevating it to the next higher level, and in connecting key stakeholders – mainly in the automotive, jewelry & watches, and yachting industry.
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Alessandro Brun
Full Professor at Politecnico di Milano | Director of Master in Luxury Management at MIP
Alessandro Brun has a PhD in Management Engineering, and is Full Professor at the School of Management of Politecnico di Milano. He is teacher of Quality Management, and Director of two Masters in Luxury Management at MIP Politecnico di Milano Graduate School of Management. He is a very prolific scientific author, having published - between 2000 and 2020 - more than 200 papers on scientific journals, books and book chapters. In particular, his publications on the topic of Luxury Supply Chain are widely quoted. His interest for the Fashion & Luxury Supply Chain was lately focused on the specific topic of Sustainability. He is the founder of the “Sustainable Luxury Academy”, a cultural initiative involving companies active on the challenges of Sustainability in the Luxury Fashion sector. Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Milanese-based niche perfumery brand MASQUE Milano, he can apply the theories developed in his academic job to a real case.
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Bilal Hassan
Senior Lecturer Les Roches Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Bilal has considerable expertise in business development and project management, in areas such as healthcare, higher education and family businesses. He presently teaches at undergraduate and graduate levels at Les Roches Crans-Montana and is a part-time researcher in the Faculty of Brain Sciences of University College London.
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Dr. Marika Taishoff
Executive Education, MBA Program Director, Consultant, Speaker, Award Winning Author in Customer Experience and Luxury – International University of Monaco
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Jukka Aminoff FRSA
Founder of Luxury Leadership Academy | Author of Modern Luxury | Distinguished Professor
Aminoff has founded several luxury brands and written several books about luxury. UHNWI Luxury Events offers luxury events. Luxury Sales Academy coaches luxury brands and individuals, and Lux Sales Lounge is a luxury brokerage.
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Glyn Atwal
Associate Professor at Burgundy School of Business, France
Glyn Atwal is Associate Professor of Marketing at Burgundy School of Business (BSB), an international Graduate School of the French network of Grandes Ecoles. His teaching, research, and consultancy expertise focuses on marketing and strategy within the affluent and luxury space. He is co-author of Luxury Brands in China and India (Palgrave Macmillan) and a regualar contributor to Luxury Daily and Jing Daily. Prior to academia, Glyn worked in industry for Saatchi & Saatchi, Young & Rubicam, and Publicis.
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Eleonora Cattaneo
Professor of Luxury Brand management at César Ritz Colleges Switzerland – Director of Executive Education at Swiss Education Professionals
Eleonora Cattaneo is Professor of Luxury Brand Management at César Ritz Colleges Switzerland and Director of Executive Education at Swiss Education Group. Her research interests focus on the management of iconic brands and luxury consumption. She has extensive consulting experience in a variety of industries including automotive, fashion and non-profit. Previously, she taught at SDA Bocconi and Regent's University London, and was visiting lecturer at Emlyon Business School and the Helsinki School of Economics.
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Alba Mendoza Camps
Professor of Marketing, Advertising and Branding with the Barcelona Campus and has several years of experience as a marketing specialist and data analyst.
Alba Mendoza Camps is a marketing specialist focused on new media, creativity and innovation. She holds a master’s degree in Advertising and Publicity from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and a bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Communication from Pompeu Fabra University. She has worked for several years as a Marketing Chief writing and creating content for small, medium and big companies in urban and rural areas. Furthermore, since the beginning of her career she has been involved in research being part of European projects such as Y-nex, OI2 Observatory and GRISS from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Nowadays, she is a professor in EU Business School and University of Derby.
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Prof. Dr. Andrea Bookhagen
Professor of Marketing and Sustainability, Fashion Design Department at HTW Berlin, Germany
Dr. Andrea Bookhagen is professor for marketing and sustainability at the fashion design department of HTW Berlin and a mentor for entrepreneurs at her university. She became a lecturer after working several years in consulting, innovation management and in global marketing. Her research focus is on sustainability and brand building in the fashion industry and beyond. She is one of the publishers of PraxisWissen – German Journal of Marketing. Andrea is a jury member since the very beginning of The Mark Challenge.
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Professor Julien de Grandbois
Professor of Entrepreneurship, a leading innovator in business education – Business School Lausanne
Nationalities: Canadian and Swiss Professor Julien de Grandbois has taught ‘Entrepreneurship’ and ‘Entrepreneurial Context’ at BSL to Masters of International Business and Bachelors of Business Administration students. With extensive multi-continental backgrounds in corporate and academic cultures, Professor Julien de Grandbois launched start-ups and led business development ventures for a spectrum of industries and mandates. Professor de Grandbois also established several intrapreneurial start-ups and managed multinational firms in private banking, digital technologies and graduate education. He advised global brands in the fields of bio foods, pharma, sales & marketing, the environment, venture capital, scientific bursaries, internet applications and e-trading platforms. He designed a Master degree program for management executives. In Europe, he audited 495 universities on external relations and communication strategies. As Chairman of the Geneva Private Banking Reorganisation of Banking Operations, Julien de Grandbois served as UN panel moderator at Environmental Summits on Finance for Sustainable Technologies. As corporate advisor to a reputable global chain distributor, he acted as the intermediary on negotiations between senior management and unions. As European Education manager in corporate customer sales administration, he trained marketing specialists for the world’s largest information technology fair. With hands-on experience of the public and private sectors, Julien performed fundraising mediation projects, coached engineering start-ups, advised family businesses and global groups. He lectured and gained extensive media exposure on 5 continents in innovation & change management to ‘clean techs’. An enthusiastic 6th-year member of the First Jury at Monaco’s international business plan competition, he participated at Venture Lab promotion and coached young Swiss Start-Ups at EPFL Innovation Park. He was elected Municipal Councillor to 6 Legislatures in Geneva. He was President of the Public Works Commission, Vice-President of both Finance Commission and International Development Commission. BSL students appreciate Professor Julien de Grandbois’ passionate involvement, focus and know-how. He enjoys relating to young entrepreneurs that desire to enrich the world with their ideas. In times of innovation in technological industries and turbulence in political spheres, entrepreneurs are certainly the keys to solutions for economic, business managerial and international stabilisation endeavours.
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Special Award in Yachting
Eleonora Pitasso
Shipyard Relationship Coordinator & Sales Broker - Burgess
Eleonora is Shipyard Relationship Coordinator and Sales Broker for Burgess. She joined the company in 2015 and has more than 17 years’ experience in the luxury yachting industry. Eleonora grew up in Friuli Venezia-Giulia region in Italy and she is fluent in English, French, Italian and Spanish. She also speaks German and Russian. Her career started in a small brokerage company in Monaco with a corner office in Miami, which gave her experience in sales, charter, new construction and project management. Prior to joining Burgess, she also worked as a Charter Manager for Fraser Yachts in Monaco and has previous experience as Chief Commercial Officer for Europe and Russia for the superyacht supply company Sea Vision – Underwater Lights. Eleonora is also very active in the yachting community and aside her current job, she is also MYBA Board Member and a YPY Monaco, IYBA and ISS active member. In her spare time she also volunteers for UNGMDF – a NGO based at the UN HQs in New York.
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Gabriella Richardson
Founder of Yachting Ventures
Gabriella is the founder of Yachting Ventures - the worlds' first startup accelerator for the leisure marine, yachting and superyachting industries. Yachting Ventures has now worked with +70 startups from over 20 countries, and has been featured in Forbes. Prior to Yachting Ventures, Gabriella was one of the first employees at SeedLegals - a high-growth tech startup in London backed by Index Ventures. At SeedLegals, she worked directly with founders, startup accelerators and investors to help automate the fundraising process. Gabriella has also worked as a charter broker for Camper & Nicholsons, and is currently a trainee solicitor with maritime law firm CJC in London. She also sits on the board of Young Professionals in Yachting (YPY) UK.
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Filippo Ceragioli
Director of Ceragioli-Storåkers Associates
An experienced entrepreneur and consultant with over 20 years of experience in the yachting industry, specializing in the areas of strategy design and implementation. In-depth knowledge and applied research in the field of eco-innovation and cutting-edge eco-design in the nautical sector.
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Paris Baloumis
Group Marketing Director of Oceanco
Paris Baloumis is Group Marketing Director of Oceanco—a world-leading builder of custom superyachts. Baloumis has held various positions at Oceanco. His 10+ years of experience at Oceanco have provided Baloumis with a profound insight into the company’s DNA and is well apprised of where Oceanco is headed in the future.
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Special Award in Fashion & Accessories
Yvette Weller
CEO & Founder of Vermillion
Wife, mother of two fabulous kids and founder & CEO of Vermillion, a successful fashion private labeling company. Vermillion develops, designs, sources, and sells custom-made collections for an extensive customer base. We are proud to announce that we have just been selected again to execute the tender of the Education Nationale de Jeunesse & Sports de Monaco to manufacture and sell the daily uniforms of the four primary schools in Monaco. Since 2018 we are making these sustainably Europe! Our biggest challenge of the past, present and future is to make a change in the traditional concepts of the fashion industry to operate greener. I am convinced that it is not too late, and we can make change as single actions can have far-reaching effects.
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Daniela Robba
Co-founder and CEO of TwinOne
Business and Strategy Advisor, with twenty years of experience in cross-channel Marketing, Media & Communication, initially working for Broadcasters such as MTV and RAI and holding leading roles in Bipop Research (Digital Magics Group), FullSix, TheBlogTV and DigiTouch Group. Lecturer at NetComm Academy and Luiss Hub Masters.
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Anna Padovan
Senior Digital Buyer and Merchandiser
A degree in Management Engineering and a MSc in Luxury Management contributed to conjugate analytical skills with a strong passion for the fashion industry. Alumna at IUM attending MScLUX, after a few experience in buying in department stores, retail mono brand and digital brand, she is now Senior Digital Buyer and Merchandiser at New Guards Group, working closely with street style luxury brands. Recently she came back to the IUM as course leader in Fashion buying and merchandising for the MScLUX."
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Maurizio Vela
Owner of Mcva Sarl
Talents scouting / agent and brand developer of new contemporary, conceptual and avant-garde fashion designers. Maurizio Vela is a head-hunter of new creative designers (mostly best graduated at St. Martin in London). He helps these creative guys to build-up their brand (from the production network to the communication, catwalk and distribution and establishment) and then he sells them from his Showroom in Paris to the high-hand boutiques and dept. stores (example Selfridges, Dover St. Mkt in London, Antonioli Milan, L’eclaireur Paris, Tsum Moscow, Barney’s NYC, Isetan Jpn, Maxfield LA, H Lorenzo LA etc worldwide) during the Paris fashion weeks. The brands are Couture and Prêt à Porter (man and woman) and they’re strictly distributed from Paris only.
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Peter Madsen
Peter MADSEN - Founding Partner and CEO at White Castle Partners and UNITE
Founding Partner and CEO at White Castle Partners and UNITE, Peter is an entrepreneur and executive search professional drawing on over two decades of unparalleled experience building market-leading companies and assisting the world's most disruptive companies reach their full potential. He is passionate about his work and is proud to contribute to the success of organizations that continue to change the world.”
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Panos Papandreou
Founder of Espace | Monochrome
Espace | Monochrome is a fashion & creative workshop, based on a concept of its founder Panagiotis Papandreou. His vision is to search & present up and coming brands from different parts of the world to selected international buyers. The portfolio includes brands that exhibit quality, innovation and style. Our commercial network comprises of high-end international multi-brand retailers, as well as specialty & department stores. Espace Monochrome has its headquarters in Monte Carlo and presents the collections at its Milan showroom. The company participates in international premium fashion trade shows and provides buying office services to selected buyers. Panagiotis Papandreou holds an MBA specializing in Fashion & Design Management from Bocconi University and a BSc in Business & Communication studies from Boston University. He has worked as a Senior Account Manager at Saatchi & Saatchi, Leo Burnett and DDB Needham, also as a product manager at Johnson & Johnson and as a Strategic & Marketing Consultant for luxury, fashion & design brands at intercorporate consulting in Milan, together with the director of Altagamma, Dr. Armando Branchini.
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Location
There are several ways to go to Monaco from the nearest airport in Nice:
- Taking a taxi from the airport to Monaco will take about 30 minutes and cost around 65-100 EUR
- The bus 110 Menton-Nice Airport Express takes 1 hour and costs 22 EUR (one-way trip). Place d’Armes is the closest stop to the University (5 minutes by foot).
- Taking Uber may be less expensive than taking a regular taxi.
- From the airport’s Terminal 1, take the tram L2 to Grand Arénas in the direction of Port Lympia. Walk to the Nice Saint-Augustin train station, from which you can take a train to Monaco-Monte Carlo. The journey will take approximately 1-1.5 hours and will cost between 8 and 10 EUR.
In Monaco, a local bus network allows its passengers to reach almost any location in a short time during the day. An ordinary bus fare is 1.5 EUR, and 2 EUR if you buy ticket on board. All buses run until 9.30 pm, then you can take a night bus that goes every hour through the whole Monaco.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: themark@monaco.edu