Social Business Earth

09/06/2026

🌍✨ 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 (𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗠) at the 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

At the recent Social Business Conference 2026 held on May 21 in Lugano, Social Business Earth presented the Positive Impact Research Market (PIRM) initiative to social entrepreneurs and participants in attendance 👥💡

The project, developed by 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁à 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗦𝘃𝗶𝘇𝘇𝗲𝗿𝗮 𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 in partnership with 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵 and 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗛𝘂𝗯 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗼, and co-funded by 𝘀𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀, aims to connect students with organizations to co-develop thesis projects focused on real sustainability challenges aligned with the SDGs 🌱📊

💬 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀:
🏢Organizations propose real-world sustainability challenges
🎓 Students select topics that match their interests
🤝 Collaboration begins to co-create applied research with tangible impact
🌐 Knowledge exchange leads to practical and actionable solutions benefiting both sides

This initiative strengthens the bridge between academia and practice, fostering social innovation for a more sustainable future 🌍⚙️

📣 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
If you are a startup, company, or organization interested in proposing a sustainability challenge, get in touch with us via email or visit the project webpage to learn more. 🌐

➡️📩[email protected]
🔗 https://www.usi.ch/en/university/what-we-do/sustainability/thesis

⚠️ Please note: participating organizations must be legally registered.

04/06/2026

✨On May 21, social entrepreneurs from across the globe gathered in Lugano for the 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

We would like to thank all participants for joining us and contributing to an inspiring day of dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. 👥

This event would not have been possible without the support of our 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀, whose commitment helps strengthen the social entrepreneurship ecosystem and empower social businesses.

A heartfelt 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 to:

💡𝗔𝘅𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸, our Silver Sponsor, for supporting an event that brings together changemakers and organizations dedicated to creating positive social impact.

The networking aperitif was made even more special thanks to our Catering Sponsors:

🍷𝗧𝗲𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 𝗱𝗶 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗲, for offering a tasting selection of their excellent organic wines and for their commitment to promoting local sustainable production in Canton Ticino.

🌱 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘁𝘀, for enriching our aperò with their delicious plant-based creamery creations, combining exceptional taste with a strong commitment to sustainable food systems.

🏢𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗼 for their continued patronage of the event.

SBC was also proud to showcase:

💍 Jewelry by 𝗠𝘆𝗿𝗮 𝗟𝗮𝗯, winner of the , empowering blind and visually impaired people through the creation of handcrafted jewelry and reimagining Braille learning through tactile creativity and technology, while fostering skills development and inclusion.

🍵 Herbal teas by 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲, whose high-quality herbal teas support women in rural communities of Armenia through the sustainable harvesting of wild herbs used in their production.

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 also go to:

📸Our photographer and graphic designer Katia Vitale for the beautiful photos that captured the spirit of the event.

💻Our Technical Director Luca Sassoli de Bianchi for ensuring the seamless ex*****on of all technical aspects of the event.

🎶Our talented harpist Eleonora Murgia, who created an enchanting atmosphere throughout the event with her musical performances.

29/05/2026

🚀 Grazie ancora una volta a Generoso Chiaradonna per il resoconto pubblicato sul Corriere del Ticino sulla 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔!

In un ecosistema imprenditoriale sempre troppo orientato al profitto, la SBC 2026 raccontata dal Corriere del Ticino mette in luce un aspetto importante: le startup non sono più solo motori di innovazione tecnologica, ma anche strumenti concreti di trasformazione sociale.

E’ fondamentale rafforzare un ecosistema per realtà imprenditoriali capaci di coniugare crescita economica e impatto positivo sulla società, dimostrando come l’imprenditorialità possa diventare un vero alleato nel rispondere a sfide ambientali e sociali sempre più urgenti.

🌱 Il punto chiave?
Le startup ad alto impatto sociale non si limitano a “fare impresa”, ma costruiscono modelli sostenibili che generano valore condiviso: per le persone, per i territori e per il futuro, come le 5 realtà purpose-driven presentate alla SBC 2026: MyraLab, prima classificata al Sapiens Natura Prize, Mosaic Cuisine, seconda classificata, Agate Herbal Tea, terza classificata, Oldy by Right Association e Viazi Global.

💡 Iniziative di questo tipo sono fondamentali perché:
- valorizzano l’innovazione responsabile
- sostengono nuove generazioni di imprenditori consapevoli
- rafforzano ecosistemi locali più inclusivi e sostenibili

In un momento storico in cui l’innovazione corre veloce, diventa essenziale chiedersi non solo cosa si crea, ma anche che impatto ha ciò che creiamo.

👉 La direzione è chiara: il futuro dell’impresa sarà sempre più legato alla capacità di generare valore per la comunità e l’ambiente oltre al profitto.

L'edizione di quest'anno era dedicata al tema "Unlocking Potential, Trasforming Lives" - Cinque le iniziative selezionate che hanno presentato soluzioni per l'inclusione economica e sociale

27/05/2026

🌱Our Sapiens Natura Prize ceremony held during the Social Business Conference 2026, held on May 21 in Lugano. Learn more about this year's winners from different countries! 💡🌏🥇🥈🥉

27/05/2026

The melodic notes coming from the harp of the talented musician Eleonora Murgia added beauty to the Social Business Conference 2026.

Following the 2012, 2013, 2023, 2024, and 2025 editions, the Social Business Innovation Lab (SBI-LAB) — a partnership between Social Business Earth and Area ...

27/05/2026

SBC 2026 - Inspiring Keynote Speech by Dr. Bruno Roche, Founder of the Economics of Mutuality and One Society Foundation

Following the 2012, 2013, 2023, 2024, and 2025 editions, the Social Business Innovation Lab (SBI-LAB) — a partnership between Social Business Earth and Area ...

27/05/2026

SBC 2026 - Opening Remarks by Massimiliano Sassoli de Bianchi, President Area 302

Following the 2012, 2013, 2023, 2024, and 2025 editions, the Social...

27/05/2026

SBC 2026 - Opening Remarks by our CEO, Samantha Caccamo

Following the 2012, 2013, 2023, 2024, and 2025 editions, the Social Business Innovation Lab (SBI-LAB) — a partnership between Social Business Earth and Area ...

27/05/2026

🚀At the 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, held on May 21 in Lugano, five inspiring social startups dedicated to 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞, pitched for the 𝐒𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞.

The inspiring 𝐤𝐞𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 was delivered by Dr. Bruno ROCHE, founder of the Economics of Mutuality and the One Society Foundation. He highlighted the need for a fundamental shift in capitalism: from financial value extraction to mutual value creation, if we want to continue living as a human species on this planet.

🏆 The Prize supports 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬 in growing and scaling their impact through 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐬, providing access to both a grant and 𝐩𝐫𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠.

We are proud to announce the winners:
🥇 The winner of the 𝐒𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 is Myra Lab - Impresa Sociale!
MyraLab, from Italy, is a social enterprise reinventing 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 for blind and visually impaired children through tactile play and smart technology. The project stood out for making Braille education more 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐟𝐮𝐥, and 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠. Congratulations to founder Alessandra Natalino and her team!

🥈 Second place went to Mosaic Cuisine CH, recognized for its 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 in social inclusion in Switzerland.
Mosaic Cuisine, a Swiss social enterprise, empowers people with migratory backgrounds through 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭, and 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, combining social inclusion with authentic ethnic catering. Congratulations to Marianne ROCHE-BAYLE and her team!

🥉 Third place went to 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐚 from Armenia, recognized for its 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭.
Agate empowers disadvantaged women in rural communities by drawing on their 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 of herbs to produce ethically made herbal teas. Congratulations to Meri Barseghyan and her team!

📂 In addition, our 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝟓 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞 has been awarded to:
Viazi Global from Finland, for its commitment to empowering smallholder farmers in Africa while combating world hunger through 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 and engaging corporations in advancing the SDGs.

and

𝐎𝐥𝐝𝐲 of Right Association from Romania, for its inclusive care solutions, combining adaptive clothing for people with limited mobility with 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 and broader support for Roma communities.

🤝 𝐇𝐮𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 and 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬 to all the inspiring 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 shaping a more 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 and 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, and to all participants!

Photos by Katia Vitale
© Social Business Earth