What drives talented students to choose ESTIN?
To answer this question, ESTIN conducted a survey among current students and alumni, gathering insights into their academic experiences, career aspirations, and the factors that influenced their decision to join the institution.
The results reveal a common theme: students are not simply looking for a degree. They are looking for an environment where they can innovate, conduct impactful research, build startups, and prepare for the challenges of the digital economy.
A School Built for the Digital Age
Students consistently identified ESTIN’s specialized focus on computer science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and digital technologies as a key factor in their decision.
Unlike broader engineering programs, ESTIN offers a learning environment fully dedicated to the technologies shaping the future.
“I wanted to study at a school where digital innovation is at the heart of everything. ESTIN stood out immediately.”
From Classroom Learning to Real-World Innovation
One of the most distinctive aspects highlighted by respondents is ESTIN’s emphasis on project-based learning and problem-solving.
Students are encouraged to transform ideas into solutions through software projects, hackathons, research initiatives, and collaborative challenges that mirror real industry needs.
“At ESTIN, we don’t just learn technology—we create with it.”
A Thriving Startup and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
A significant number of students cited entrepreneurship opportunities as a major reason for choosing ESTIN.
Through its Incubator and the Entrepreneurship Development Center (CDE), the school has created an ecosystem where innovation can evolve into real ventures.
Today, several ESTIN students and graduates are founders or co-founders of startups operating in fields such as artificial intelligence, digital health, software engineering, smart agriculture, and digital services.
Students see entrepreneurship not as an extracurricular activity, but as a natural extension of their education.
“The incubator gave me the opportunity to transform an idea into a startup and connect with mentors, experts, and potential partners.”
“ESTIN showed me that innovation can create both economic and social impact.”
Research Excellence and a Strong Doctoral Culture
The survey also highlights the growing importance of research within the ESTIN ecosystem.
Students appreciate studying in an environment supported by active research laboratories and a rapidly developing doctoral community.
The Laboratory of Informatics and Advanced Digital Technologies (LITAN) plays a central role in fostering scientific excellence through research projects, publications, doctoral supervision, and collaborations with national and international partners.
The increasing number of doctoral theses defended at ESTIN and the growing scientific output of its researchers demonstrate the institution’s commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation.
“Being surrounded by researchers and PhD students creates a culture of curiosity and excellence.”
“The presence of strong research laboratories was an important factor in my decision to join ESTIN.”
Strong Industry Connections and Career Opportunities
Students also recognize the value of ESTIN’s growing network of industry partnerships.
Internships, collaborative projects, guest lectures, innovation programs, and engagement with leading organizations help bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.
Many alumni report that these experiences played a key role in securing employment opportunities and accelerating their careers.
“The practical experience I gained during my studies gave me a competitive advantage in the job market.”
A Community of Ambitious Learners
Beyond academics and research, students describe ESTIN as a community driven by ambition, collaboration, and a shared passion for technology.
Whether through student clubs, innovation competitions, entrepreneurial projects, scientific events, or community initiatives, students find numerous opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
“What makes ESTIN special is the people. You are surrounded by individuals who constantly push you to improve and think bigger.”
Shaping the Digital Leaders of Tomorrow
The survey results confirm that ESTIN has become much more than a higher education institution.
It is a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, research, and technological excellence—where students are empowered to become startup founders, engineers, researchers, and future leaders of the digital economy.
For the vast majority of respondents, choosing ESTIN was not only about obtaining a diploma. It was about joining an ecosystem that provides the knowledge, opportunities, and support needed to turn ambition into achievement.
As one alumnus summarized:
“ESTIN doesn’t simply prepare students for the future—it gives them the tools to build it.”