Recently, the Olma halls in St. Gallen have been filled with innovative spirit, creative minds and successful young entrepreneurs. The START Summit is the annual summit where founders, investors and those interested in the start-up scene can be exchanged and inspired – in total, more than 3,000 visitors from more than 80 nations traveled to St. Gallen.
The conference is organized by students who all volunteer for START Global, a non-profit organization supported by the University of St. Gallen (HSG). In addition to the START Summit, START Global has hosted numerous other events since 1996, providing innovative ideas, platforms and support, as well as bringing together students, founders and investors. The focus is on technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR and VR), Blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT).
You dream of starting a startup? Then get inspiration, tips or capital at the various START events and build a network.
START Incubator
The START Incubator is by students for students. Startup founders can get support from numerous mentors, who provide advice and support to young entrepreneurs and share their know-how. For students, the START Incubator offers two options:
START Odyssey
For those who have an idea but are still without a team or financial resources, the START Odyssey is the perfect occasion. Works the other way around: Students who would like to immerse themselves in the startup scene, but have not had the sparkling idea themselves, can participate as a team member at the Odyssey. The process runs in four phases – from the application to the final pitch. Overall, this process lasts ten days and takes place at different locations – this year in St. Gallen, Zurich and Berlin. The participants are accompanied by coaches during the whole time. Apart from the travel expenses, the whole Odyssey is free for the students. The first two phases have already taken place this year, so no new ideas are accepted. But you still have the opportunity to promote yourself as a Team Member.
START accelerator
Anyone who is already the proud owner of a startup in the initial phase can help the accelerator program to fly high. The program lasts ten weeks and includes several boot camps and workshops in Switzerland and Germany. The crowning glory is the Investor Night, at which the founders pitch in front of investors. “The START Accelerator makes it possible to turn your ideas into reality,” says Martin Schumacher, who participated in the Accelerator program. This year’s accelerator is already in its final phase, so registrations are only possible for next year.
START hack
A must for all hackers who want to set up innovative solutions for real customers, such as the Swiss Radio and Television (SRF) or Volvo, within 35 hours. In between, the busy participants can enjoy a game of table football or a dip in the ball pool and fortify themselves with crepes and caffeinated drinks. The START Hack has been held for the fourth time this year, attracting 400 creative minds from around the world.
Did you feel like starting a startup? All START events will take place again in 2020. It’s best to sign up, work on your idea, get inspired, and get started next year.