SUPSI
The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (, SUPSI) is one of the Universities of Applied Sciences of the Swiss Confederation. SUPSI offers more than 30 bachelor and master courses, complementing theoretical scientific knowledge and practical technological advances applied to real projects. Various departments of SUPSI are mainly based in Southern Switzerland. History. SUPSI was established on 11 March 1997 by Canton Ticino and it received federal recognition in 2003. The new institution integrates preexisting specialized schools and public and private research institutes which date back to 1852 with the Cantonal High School initiated by Carlo Cattaneo  and providing higher education courses in mechanics and architecture. In 1997 SUPSI integrates within its new organization: In 1997 SUPSI is divided into four departments: Construction and Territory, Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, Applied Art and Business Administration. In the following years other specialized schools and public and private research institutes were integrated: Organization and administration. As a Swiss University of Applied Sciences ("Fachhochschule", "Haute école specialisée", "scuola universitaria professionale"), SUPSI is an autonomous organization, and it has a university status with a focus on professional training and applied research. Its four institutional mandates are first and second level university  education (bachelor's degree and master's degree), continuing education, applied research and consulting and support services to businesses and institutions. The governance of SUPSI is based on: From a financial point of view, SUPSI is supported by Ticino cantonal contributions, contributions from the Swiss Confederation and is self-financing. The support of Canton Ticino is regulated by a performance contract based on the number of students enrolled and on the volume of projects acquired. Departments and associated schools. SUPSI is organized in departments and associated schools. The associated schools are managed by private institutions, and they are integrated within  SUPSI general administration. Departments include institutes, laboratories, and centres of expertise; they are organized in academic disciplines. Due to the progressive integration of preexisting specialized schools and public and private research institutes, the structure of the departments changes through time Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care. The departments works in basic training, continuing education, research and services. Department of Innovative Technologies. The focus of the Department of Innovative Technologies is applied engineering sciences in the industrial sector, technological and IT services for both educational and research purposes. Within the department there are: Department of Teaching and Learning. The  department works in education, research and services. Campus. SUPSI is located in southern Switzerland, in cantons Ticino, Valais and Graubünden. Academics. The first SUPSI diplomas are awarded in 2000 in architecture, civil engineering, computer science, electronic engineering, interior design, visual communication, conservation and restoration, business administration and social work. In 2001 the Canton Ticino Chamber of Commerce for Industry and Craftsmanship, the Association of Ticino Industries, the Ticino Banking Association and by Ticino Section Swiss Construction Companies establish the Ticino Economy Prize (Premio dell'Economia Ticinese) for the best SUPSI graduates; in 2011 the Prize Talenthesis is established. Continuing education. SUPSI  provides further trainings and qualifications: Research. A research service is co-managed by SUPSI and Università della Svizzera italiana.