26 students from 20 countries admitted for the Prestigious Ernesto Illy Master's in Coffee Economics and Science in Italy
January 10 - 2026
Coffee Geography Magazine
The journey from bean to cup is one of the world’s most complex agricultural and economic chains. Today, a new group of 26 aspiring professionals from across the globe embarks on a deep dive into this universe, as the fifteenth edition of the inter-university Master’s Program in Coffee Economics and Science – Ernesto Illy officially commences.
Conceived by illycaffè and the Ernesto Illy Foundation ETS, this unique program is designed to provide a 360-degree education on the biological, agronomic, technological, and economic dimensions of coffee. This year’s cohort, comprised of young graduates in economics, engineering, and agricultural sciences, represents a remarkable tapestry of 20 coffee-producing and consuming nations, from Brazil and Ethiopia to Italy and Norway. This diversity is a cornerstone of the program, fostering cross-cultural exchange and a truly global perspective on the sector’s challenges and opportunities.
Steering this edition is the newly appointed Director, Gerardo Patacconi, a seasoned expert selected for his profound knowledge of the coffee value chain. Patacconi, former Head of Operations at the International Coffee Organization (ICO) and a veteran of UNIDO, brings decades of experience in agro-industrial development and sustainability. He will guide both the strategic and educational trajectory of the program.
Anna-Illy-President-of-the-Fondazione-Ernesto-Illy-and-Board-Member-of-illycaffe
“We are pleased, as the Ernesto Illy Foundation, to commit ourselves to nurturing young talents entering the world of coffee,” said Anna Illy, President of the Ernesto Illy Foundation and member of the Board of Directors of illycaffè. “For 15 years, the Master’s Program has trained highly qualified professionals who will enhance the excellence of this product on an international level, promoting innovation throughout the entire value chain. This year’s program has been overseen by the new Director, Gerardo Patacconi, whose leadership and in-depth sector expertise will further enrich the educational journey.”
The academic pathway is rigorous and immersive, featuring over 400 hours of instruction delivered by 60 lecturers in a hybrid format. Beginning online, the program will transition to in-person sessions in Trieste from May 2026, culminating in a final project on a subject studied during the course. The program’s strong academic backbone is provided in collaboration with the University of Trieste, the University of Udine, SISSA, and the Trieste Science and Technology Park.
Accessibility and support remain key priorities. The Ernesto Illy Foundation ETS provides 17 students with financial aid each year—12 with full scholarships and 5 with partial scholarships—a commitment reinforced by the continued support of the Friuli Foundation.
Since its inception, the Master’s program has engaged more than 290 students from over 40 countries, creating a dynamic international network of specialists. These alumni are equipped not only with technical expertise but also with a commitment to the ethical and sustainable approach that defines illycaffè’s model—a focus on safeguarding and promoting sustainable quality from farm to cup.
As illycaffè, a Trieste-based family company founded in 1933, serves millions of cups daily worldwide, its parallel investment in knowledge through this Master’s program underscores a long-term vision. It is an investment in the people and ideas that will shape the future of coffee, ensuring that excellence, innovation, and sustainability remain at the heart of the industry for generations to come.