MCI Welcome 2026: Celebrating the Start of the Academic Year with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® welcomes new students at Congress Innsbruck | Keynote by Oleksandra Matviichuk on freedom and democracy | Honorary professorship awarded to Markus Tomaschitz

With a distinguished lineup of speakers and guests, MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® officially opened the 2026/27 academic year at its annual Welcome Event at Congress Innsbruck. The event focused on welcoming new students, inspiring perspectives on freedom and social responsibility, and the conferral of an honorary professorship on Dr. Markus Tomaschitz, MBA. A particular highlight was the keynote address by Ukrainian human rights activist Oleksandra Matviichuk, head of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Center for Civil Liberties.

MCI Rector Andreas Altmann welcomed the incoming students to The Entrepreneurial School® and emphasized the importance of education, initiative, and personal responsibility in a world marked by profound change.

“Democracy, freedom, the rule of law, and prosperity cannot be taken for granted. They must be continuously redefined, actively upheld, and put into practice every day. These are the values we at a university want and indeed have a responsibility to instill in our students. It is then up to the next generation to preserve these values and achievements and carry them forward into the future.”

Oleksandra Matviichuk on the Fragility of Freedom

A highlight of MCI Welcome 2026 was the keynote address by Oleksandra Matviichuk, titled “The Fragility of Freedom.” The Ukrainian human rights lawyer and head of the Center for Civil Liberties, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022, is internationally recognized for her commitment to human rights and democracy.

In her address, Matviichuk explored the fragility of freedom and democratic values in the face of war, violence, and authoritarian developments. She emphasized the responsibility of individuals to protect human rights and the rule of law, offering thought-provoking insights for the next generation of leaders.

Honorary Professorship Awarded to Markus Tomaschitz

Another highlight of the event was the ceremonial conferral of an honorary professorship (Prof. h.c.) on Dr. Markus Tomaschitz, MBA. Through this distinction, MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® recognizes outstanding individuals whose achievements and dedication have made significant contributions to business, academia, and society.

An International Start to the New Academic Year

MCI Welcome 2026 sent a strong message about international engagement, social responsibility, and future-oriented education. The event also reaffirmed MCI's commitment to empowering young people to think entrepreneurially, act responsibly, and actively shape the future.

The event concluded with an informal get-together, providing students with an opportunity to make new connections and exchange ideas with faculty, staff, and distinguished guests.