Exclusive Brands Torino, the Department of Management of the Università di Torino and SAA – School of Management lead the “Master’s in Innovation and Management for SMEs”: applications are now open.

Blended learning and internships at 39 historic and outstanding companies in Piemonte, aimed at training the managers of the future in SMEs and enhancing the local area.

Turin, 23 February 2026

Applications are now officially open for the First-Level University Master’s Degree in “Innovation and Management for SMEs,” a unique opportunity for recent graduates and professionals who wish to update their skills and establish themselves within the outstanding productive fabric of Piemonte.

The first Master’s program of its kind, established by the Department of Management of the Università di Torino in collaboration with Exclusive Brands Torino and SAA – School of Management, was created to offer a distinctive educational path. It features an exceptional faculty that combines the authority of university professors with the practical experience of managers and professionals from 31 companies and 8 official suppliers of the first network of Piedmont-based enterprises established within Unione Industriali Torino, with the aim of promoting a contemporary, inclusive, and responsible vision of excellence in Italy and on international markets.

The value of the Master’s program lies in the strong network that supports its teaching activities. The synergy between the Università di Torino and the Exclusive Brands Torino network enables participants to develop a strategic vision through a practical approach, networking activities, and project work.

Thanks to an interdisciplinary perspective, the program ensures a solid education strongly oriented toward the job market, with concrete opportunities for professional placement and growth.

Exclusive Brands Torino brings together historic and leading companies. United by a strong territorial identity, these businesses—mostly family-owned—represent the industrial heritage of Piemonte and transmit its values of tradition, quality, and responsibility. The network fosters dialogue among centers of excellence, stimulates virtuous synergies, and guides companies toward development paths that combine history and innovation, consolidating a cohesive and future-oriented entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“With this Master’s program, I hope that young people will learn to recognize and appreciate the excellence of Piemonte, unique realities that should not be forgotten. Only by understanding and valuing these roots will they, in the future, be able to develop entrepreneurial projects capable of combining tradition, modernity, and sustainability, contributing to the growth of a region rich in resources and potential, which deserves to be fully enhanced,” commented Giulio Trombetta, President of EBT and President and CEO of Costadoro S.p.A..

“The direct connection between the University and businesses has always been one of our missions: the talent bridge offered by the Master’s program in SMEs is a unique opportunity for our territory,” stated Davide Caregnato, Director of SAA – School of Management.

“Torino is a major business hub, and this is a way to demonstrate it. Staying in Torino after graduation is, for us, an added value,” reiterated Vanessa Carioggia, Board Member of EBT and Co-Founder and CEO of Holding Canale Arte s.r.l..

Teaching structure and “blended” format:

The Master’s program lasts one year (60 ECTS credits), for a total of 1,500 hours, including lectures, individual study, and a curricular internship.

● Period: April 2026 to March 2027.

● Attendance: Part-time (approximately 2–3 days per week) in a blended format (asynchronous online sessions, in-person classes at SAA – School of Management (Via Ventimiglia 115, Torino), and at partner companies).

Selection will be based on an evaluation of the CV (degree grade, thesis topic, and experiences related to the Master’s program) and a motivational interview. At the end of the selection process, a ranking list of eligible candidates will be drawn up, and—within the limit of available places—successful applicants will be offered enrollment in the Master’s program. A final examination with a thesis defense is also planned.

Fees:

The enrollment fee for the Master’s program is €3,817.50 (payable in three installments). A €300 discount is available for registrations received by March 6.