Turn Ideas Into
Real Ventures
Sigmund supports tourism professionals ready to launch or grow a business, and university students who want practical, purpose-driven experience.
We do this through partnership programs that connect classrooms, founders, and industry.
Unlocking Entrepreneurial
Potential in Students Worldwide
Two core programs connecting classrooms with real-world tourism innovation
Sigmund on the Syllabus
Course-embedded projects where students submit their own ideas to OPEN · SOURCE
Solve a Challenge on Sigmund
Live industry briefs where student teams consult for real tourism businesses
Why Partner With Sigmund?
Benefits for all academic partnership programs
No program fees
Not-for-profit platform focused on collaboration
Real-world application
Work on live projects with startups
Academic credit
Assessed as course projects
Career readiness
Gain insight into startup culture
Networks
Connect with founders and industry leaders
What Our University Partners Say
NYU Jonathan M. Tisch Center
Professor Nicolas
"We see great merit in The Sigmund Project's model and believe we can work together to bring greater innovation to the global tourism industry. We look forward to seeing what ideas are presented by our students."
Capilano University
Professor Roy
"This was fantastic. It's a great project for this course and fun too. I'd like to discuss setting this up again for my next semester course."
University of Cape Town x Sigmund
Honours students developed growth strategies for five members of The SigmundVerse
SigmundVerse Member: With Heart Travel
A joy- and purpose-led travel brand seeking clarity during growth.
What The Students Did:
Mapped and simplified brand under 'With Heart Travel' umbrella
Defined three core customer segments with tailored messaging
Suggested content calendar, email automations, and CRM setup
SigmundVerse Member: Steri Tours
Cultural and conservation-focused travel company ready to scale.
What The Students Did:
Designed two new travel packages for student groups
Built 12–18 month partnership plan with 3–5 universities
Proposed SEO upgrades and social content scheduling
SigmundVerse Member: Baboo Travel
AI-driven travel platform seeking better conversions.
What The Students Did:
Refined positioning to focus on affluent 55+ travelers
Suggested partnerships with travel clubs and senior networks
Mapped user journeys and recommended UX improvements
SigmundVerse Member: Look@
Interactive public art experience ready for next stage.
What The Students Did:
Proposed AR-based photo enhancements and referral rewards
Outlined Shopify souvenir shop for passive revenue
Designed metrics dashboard for tracking footfall and conversions
SigmundVerse Member: Videreo
Creator-led travel platform expanding into South Africa.
What The Students Did:
Developed micro-influencer onboarding plan for Cape Town
Outlined four growth tactics including curated trip bundles
Proposed trust-building strategies using peer video content
Hong Kong Polytechnic University x Sigmund
Postgraduate students completed 13-week consultancy projects for SigmundVerse Member: Aarya Village Travel
SigmundVerse Member: Aarya Village Travel
Aarya was looking to expand into Hong Kong and Mainland China markets. Enter Hong Kong Polytechnic University Postgraduate students. They...
Analyzed luxury traveler preferences and behaviors
Conducted detailed market research on competitors and demand patterns
Developed targeted marketing strategies and campaigns
Identified potential outbound tour operator partnerships
Student-Led Ideas on OPEN · SOURCE
When students submit their ideas to Sigmund's platform as part of course-embedded projects—from AI crowd management and sustainable routes to accessibility, ecotourism, and waste reduction
No student ideas yet. Check back soon!
Sigmund Support Program
Helping purpose-driven tourism ventures grow with creative capital and long-term support
People
Positive social impact and community benefit
Planet
Environmental responsibility and sustainability
Profit
Viable path to financial sustainability
Creative Capital vs. Traditional Capital
We Provide:
- Technical and product support
- Access to trusted vendors and tools
- Strategic, marketing, and governance guidance
- Customer insight and user-research support
Our Goal:
Give founders flexibility and security to grow in a way that fits their vision, with ongoing post-program support rather than one-off advice.
All returns are reinvested into the Sigmund fund to support future like-minded companies—keeping the program sustainable and impact-focused.