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# "The European Innovation Academy is a School for Life"
- URL: https://blog.inacademy.eu/tanja-gebhard-eia-hk/
- Published: 2019-03-13T04:31:55.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-02T11:49:17.000Z
- Author: adina@inacademy.eu
- Tags: Alumni, EIA Hong Kong, #Migrated-1790941373356, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-10-02 11:43

Tanja Gebhard lives in Switzerland, where she is currently working toward a master’s degree at the Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz University. Last July, she joined the [European Innovation Academy in Hong Kong](https://www.inacademy.eu/hongkong/?ref=blog.inacademy.eu). Highly passionate about new challenges and meeting new people, Gebhard interviewed with us and shared a little about her experience in the program.

### Tanja, Tell us a little bit about yourself! 

I’m 29 years old. My father is Swiss and my mother is from the Philippines. Currently, I’m working in a Swiss bank and doing my Master's in International Management as a part-time student.

### What are your biggest passions in life?

I am passionate about new challenges and meeting new people. Additionally, I'm crazy about movies!

![Tanja Gebahrd participant at EIA HK 2019](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/2e/4b2e60fe-b9cf-488a-8edf-a799c911f4cb/content/images/2026/10/tanja-gebhard-eia-interview.jpg)

### What were your expectations for EIA, and what did you get from the program? 

My biggest expectation was to learn how to create a startup at a fast pace. This was the main reason I applied for EIA. After those 10 days, I l had learned a lot. But my biggest challenge was dealing with so many different cultures and characters. This great challenge was also my greatest learning experience during the program.

### How would you describe your EIA experience?

The European Innovation Academy is a **school for life**.

### What was your favorite #eiamoment? 

All my best [#eiamoments](https://blog.inacademy.eu/top-startups-european-innovation-academy-hong-kong-2019/) came from working with my team. Despite not winning, I’m really happy and proud of the job we did. We created [SmartUp](https://sankacku.wixsite.com/smartuplandingpage?ref=blog.inacademy.eu) \- a networking platform where start-ups can be connected to each other as well as potential customers by sharing resources based on their needs.

![Tanja Gebhard pitching at EIA HK 19](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4b/2e/4b2e60fe-b9cf-488a-8edf-a799c911f4cb/content/images/2026/10/tanja-eia-hong-kong-19.jpg)

Tanja Gebhard pitching at EIA HK 19

### Any piece of advice for the next participants? 

Perseverance. Never forget this valuable word when joining the program.

**Can you share a quote that inspires you?**

“There is no better investment than investing in yourself.”

Do you want to read more inspiring stories from our participants? [Check out EIA's blog](https://blog.inacademy.eu/content/files/2026/10/alumni-16.html)!