Constructor Institute of Technology Plans to Cease Operations in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, Refocusing on Growth at Constructor University Bremen and Online Education

Schaffhausen, 10 July 2025 – Constructor Institute of Technology (CIT), part of the international Constructor Group ecosystem, today announces its plan to exit Schaffhausen in 2026. This strategic move follows the recent communication by the Swiss Accreditation Council relating to CIT’s application for institutional accreditation. This marks the conclusion of an ambitious chapter in Constructor Group’s mission to attract top international talent and deliver world-class computer science education and research in Schaffhausen and signals a renewed focus on the Group’s thriving university in Bremen, Germany, and its rapidly expanding online education platform.

A Vision for World-Class Education

Since its inception, CIT has been guided by a bold vision: to establish a world-class computer science campus in Schaffhausen that would attract the brightest minds and most promising students from around the globe. Backed by significant investments totalling tens of millions of Swiss francs and the expertise of the Constructor Group, CIT set out to create an innovative academic environment, foster cutting-edge research, and contribute to the economic and intellectual vitality, human capital and innovation of the region. CIT consistently maintained high academic standards, aiming to emulate the success of elite Swiss educational institutions such as Institut auf dem Rosenberg and Le Rosey. Its educational model emphasised effectiveness and practical outcomes, appealing to students willing to invest in specialised, premium-quality education.

CIT has demonstrated that this vision can be realised through academic excellence and high-quality education. Over the last five years, more than 80 publications and four patents have emerged from CIT’s research. Since the first programme began, 52 students have graduated, 90 per cent of whom secured relevant jobs within months, including at leading organisations such as Meta, Google and UNICEF. The academic excellence is underscored by the fact that the Swiss Accreditation Council’s feedback on our application related to organisational matters, only, rather than academic factors. Additionally, Constructor Group has gained extensive experience in operating the top-ranked, accredited private Constructor University in Bremen, founded in 2001. Thanks to its accredited programmes, it equips students from over 110 countries with the skills needed to build their professional careers and foster critical thinking.

Over the past years, CIT has worked closely with the Canton of Schaffhausen and local stakeholders and is grateful for the support received. The Institute has been proud to call Schaffhausen home and to have contributed to the local community through educational initiatives, research collaborations, social engagement, and the creation of new opportunities for students and staff as well as the local economy.

Challenges to Realising the Vision

Despite these efforts, the academic quality and significant investments, CIT has faced several challenges that have ultimately made it impossible to realise its vision in Schaffhausen. The recent response from the Swiss Accreditation Council relating to CIT’s application for institutional accreditation was a decisive factor. Specifically, we strongly disagreed with the Council’s comments relating to CIT’s quality control measures and financial sustainability. At Constructor Group, we maintain and adhere to the highest international quality control standards at Constructor University Bremen, and have a track record of successfully implementing and running profitable entities. Although CIT successfully implemented its goals of world-class science and education, this was not enough to gain the backing of the Swiss authorities at regional and federal level. Requests for support from the Department of Education did not result in the assistance required.

Accreditation is a fundamental requirement for any higher education institution in Switzerland. While CIT respects the position of the Swiss authorities, it is important to note that the process highlighted the unique challenges faced by new and innovative institutions seeking to establish themselves in Switzerland. The standards and requirements for accreditation, while rigorous and necessary, do not always consider the specific circumstances of young institutions or the evolving needs of the global education landscape.

In addition to the accreditation process, CIT’s model required the development of a dedicated campus in Schaffhausen to accommodate up to 1000 students. CIT has already invested heavily in faculty recruitment, research infrastructure, and preliminary campus planning over the past five years. Moreover, a robust pipeline of industrial partners, investors, and donors had been assembled and were ready to engage once accreditation was secured and campus development formally launched.

However, although this vision for CIT was well understood by the local authorities, the necessary conditions were not facilitated. CIT could not reach an agreement with the cantonal and city authorities regarding land and buildings to develop a state-of-the-art campus. In Bremen, support from the authorities, enabled investors to be attracted to real estate projects of significant economic value and return on investment. Without similar support in Schaffhausen, however, the construction of a new campus would have required hundreds of millions of Swiss francs without external investments and a timeline close to ten years – an undertaking that is not feasible under the current circumstances.

Furthermore, Switzerland’s immigration policies presented additional hurdles in attracting top international researchers and students to Schaffhausen. The ability to recruit and retain global talent is essential for any institution aspiring to be at the forefront of science and technology, and these constraints further limited CIT’s ability to fulfil its mission.

A Strategic Refocus for Constructor Group

Given these factors, CIT plans to cease its operations in Schaffhausen rather than continue with the application process for institutional accreditation. This will allow Constructor Group to concentrate its resources and energy on Constructor University in Bremen, Germany, and on its innovative online university platform. Both institutions currently have more than 3000 students enrolled and are central to Constructor Group’s vision of providing world-class education and research opportunities to talented individuals, regardless of their location.

Constructor University in Bremen has already established itself as a leading international university, attracting students and faculty from around the world and delivering high-impact research and teaching. The online university, meanwhile, is rapidly expanding its reach, leveraging digital technologies to make quality education accessible to a global audience.

By consolidating its efforts, Constructor Group will be able to accelerate the development of these institutions, invest in new programmes and technologies, and continue to drive innovation in higher education.

Gratitude and Looking Forward

CIT wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the Canton of Schaffhausen, its partners, staff, students, and the wider community for their support and collaboration over the past years. While the outcome is not what was originally envisioned, CIT remains proud of what has been achieved and confident that the investments made will continue to benefit the region and the broader educational landscape. Additionally, CIT wishes the Canton of Schaffhausen every success in pursuing similar projects in the field of computer science. This is an important way of attracting talent and continuing to develop the region.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone in Schaffhausen who believed in our vision and supported our efforts. This has been both an important and deeply rewarding chapter for Constructor Group and for me personally, so this wasn’t an easy decision, ” said Dr. Serg Bell, Founder & Chairman of the Board of Constructor Group and Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors at Constructor University. “While we are disappointed not to be able to continue our journey here due to various factors, this has never been a question of our academic quality and excellence. As a young institution, we are proud to have achieved so many milestones in such a short period of time. CIT members have published over 80 articles in top peer-reviewed academic journals, and our technological achievements are best demonstrated by the four patents we have obtained to date. Our academic programmes and research involve faculty and students from more than 25 nationalities. We remain committed to our mission of advancing education and research, and we are looking forward to building on our successes in Bremen.”

“This plan allows us to focus our resources where we can have the greatest impact,” said Prof. Nicolas Gisin, Member of the Constructor Group Strategic Advisory Board. “Constructor University Bremen, which has received full support from the state authorities, and our online platform are both thriving, and we are excited to accelerate their growth as part of our commitment to providing world-class education for the next generation of leaders and innovators.”

A Continued Commitment to Excellence

Constructor Group remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence in education, research, and innovation. The lessons learned in Schaffhausen will inform future initiatives, and the Group will continue to seek new opportunities to collaborate with partners in Switzerland and beyond.

As CIT plans to conclude its operations in Schaffhausen in 2026, the focus now shifts to ensuring a smooth transition for students, staff, and partners, and to supporting the continued growth and success of Constructor University in Bremen and the online university.

For further information, please contact:
Constructor Institute of Technology
Email: master-office@constructor.org

About Constructor Institute of Technology (CIT)

Situated in the heart of Schaffhausen, Constructor Institute of Technology is a research and higher education institute founded by tech entrepreneur Dr. Serg Bell. Since its founding in 2019, CIT has emerged as a bold and agile player in the Schaffhausen and global education and research landscape. It is part of the international Constructor ecosystem, which includes universities, research centers, and innovation hubs connected across Europe and beyond.

CIT’s mission is to educate the next generation of scientists, engineers, and leaders by combining applied research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and deep-tech innovation. The institute focuses on key future-driven fields such as computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and digital engineering—positioning itself as a critical bridge between academia and industry.

As a catalyst for innovation and talent development, CIT plays a vital role in Schaffhausen’s economic and technological transformation, bringing scientific expertise into the local economy and helping shape the region’s strategic future.