ETH Zurich and the University of St.Gallen redefine executive education with emba X, a new model of responsible leadership

A joint initiative between ETH Zurich and the University of St.Gallen aims to redefine executive education through a new 18-month programme centred on technology, leadership and social impact

Two of Switzerland’s leading tertiary institutions have teamed up to offer a new Executive MBA designed for senior professionals who aim to lead at the nexus of technology, leadership and social impact.

The 18-month part-time programme, called emba X, brings together ETH Zurich’s engineering and technology strengths with the University of St.Gallen’s record in leadership and general-management education.

Its key features emphasise socially responsible leadership, technology integration and broad organisational impact, while core topics include technology, international management, leadership, business innovation and social responsibility.

Teaching is said to be structured around several elements: “eXploration Weeks”, which revisit leadership, technology and general-management essentials via hybrid sessions; “eXperiential Weeks”, offering intensive five-day immersive modules linked to real-world strategic themes; two major “emba X Projects” enabling participants to apply their knowledge to business-model innovation and company-specific challenges; and a Personal Development Programme that builds behavioural competencies in self-leadership, team leadership and integrative leadership.

The curriculum, which is delivered in English and awards 75 ECTS credits, incorporates 55 days of on-campus teaching in Zurich and St. Gallen, plus 12 days online live sessions and 12 weeks of self-paced online study.

ETH Zurich brings its expertise in science, engineering and technology to the partnership. The University of St.Gallen, meanwhile, contributes its Triple Crown-accredited business education and leadership focus.

By combining expertise in technology with knowledge in management and leadership, emba X is structured to reflect the requirements of contemporary executive roles, where digital innovation, organisational decision-making, and social impact are closely linked. This interdisciplinary design, bringing together two world-class institutions, positions the programme as one of the most relevant EMBA options in today’s global business landscape.

Running from February 2026 to July 2027, the programme is a premium Executive MBA in Europe. Early-application rate and tuition incentives available.

Applicants must have at least 10 years of work experience, of which at least five must be in a leadership role, hold a recognised undergraduate degree and be fluent in English.

The hybrid format, and the emphasis on technology and social impact, are intended to differentiate it in a crowded market.

Given the requirements, the target cohort is likely to consist of senior and experienced leaders — those with a track record of leadership who are looking to upskill their existing capabilities.

Further Information

Produced in partnership with ETH Zurich and the University of St.Gallen. For further details about the emba X programme, visit www.embax.ch

_{Main image: Designed for experienced leaders, emba X combines innovation, strategy, and social impact in a joint Executive MBA from ETH Zurich and the University of St.Gallen. Credit: Supplied}