We envision a future in which Switzerland, and furthermore, Europe are a seeding ground for entrepreneurial talent and innovation.
The variety of our projects allows us to have a lasting effect on the entrepreneurial ecosystem by covering everything from the first steps of becoming an entrepreneur to scaling an existing product to unprecedented levels.
At START Foundation, we function as the backbone of all our projects. We ensure the lasting success of each initiative by preserving the knowledge we've gained over the past 25+ years and providing strategic guidance without removing operational control from our exceptional project teams. We achieve this by promoting an active exchange of ideas, competencies, knowledge, and strategies among our projects and the stakeholders of the ecosystem.
START Global
START Global, established by students at the University of St. Gallen in 1996, has grown into a prominent leader in fostering entrepreneurship across Europe and remains the largest student-run initiative of its kind.
Over time, the brand "START" has expanded beyond START Global, evolving into a broader entity with a wider reach and impact. While START Global continues to serve as the main organization, overseeing various chapters and START Network, the START brand has grown to encompass a larger scope, supporting and driving innovation in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
START Global maintains its central role, but the START brand now represents a larger network of initiatives and connections, including global chapters and an extensive alumni network.
START Global
START Summit
START Summit
START Hack
START Fellowship
START Fellowship
START Campus
A home for the entrepreneurial ecosystem and a space for entrepreneurs to develop and grow. In 2025, START established a dedicated facility spanning almost 2,000 square meters, serving as a permanent hub for the START Network. This space is designed to support its projects and its people, including workspaces for selected startups, various projects, and other key members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Our Campus features versatile spaces for events, informal gatherings, formal meetings, content production, and more. START Campus is not just an office but a dynamic hub for all things entrepreneurship!
We aim to foster an active network along the innovation axis from Lausanne to Zurich, St.Gallen, Munich, and beyond by providing a fertile ground for interaction and co-creation among all START partners, supporters, and members.
Accelerator Program
The path to entrepreneurship in Europe is not straightforward yet. We've historically struggled to scale Startups into significant successes compared to the U.S. There are cultural barriers, there are practical barriers, and there are financial barriers.
However, we are strong believers that Europe’s strength lies in its excellent tech talent. Europe’s fundamental research and academia is as strong as in the U.S. and China and there’s more public support than ever before. Yet, we're missing out on world-class Startup entrepreneurs. There’s a lack of turning technology into companies, and 95% of patents filed in Europe are inactive.
Our mission is simple yet ambitious: We look for founders who integrate science and groundbreaking engineering at the heart of their ventures, and we raise their ambition and ability to succeed.
The Accelerator program grants you access to business insights and skills, as well as access to people who will make a positive long-term contribution to your Startup. Our background is in business and investing, and yours is in technology. And together, we are hard to beat.
What we offer
We don’t just give money; we get you ready to raise institutional funds – get the goose, not the egg.
We grant you access to a network of industry leaders, potential investors and, entrepreneurs – a seeding ground for success.
We give you access to expert sessions and top-notch coaching – no bullshit, straight to the point.
We provide you with three concrete outcomes
Increase the likelihood of raising funds
"Raising the ceiling” and showing you the way to get there
Fast track to build your business knowledge and network
