Take your startup to the next level.

WIN CHF 120 000

GET MAXIMUM VISIBILITY

ACCESS OUR NETWORK

Take your startup to the next level.

WIN CHF 120 000

GET MAXIMUM VISIBILITY

ACCESS OUR NETWORK

IT’S APPLICATION SEASON!

We help responsible leaders turn promising ideas into successful businesses by giving them prize money and boosting their startup’s credibility with our foundation’s trusted name.

Why startups apply

The leaders matter

We are not only looking for groundbreaking ideas, but also for responsible leaders who serve as role models for other young entrepreneurs.

Great visibility

You get national and international visibility and credibility. We livestream our big events and investors view our shortlist as a good source to find interesting startups.

No strings attached

The prize money comes with no strings attached. It’s non-dilutive and yours to spend – we hope you achieve great things with it!

Access our network

Enjoy access to our sterling network of coaches, entrepreneurs, alumni and investors. We care about you and want to open doors.

How it works

01. Submit your application

Since we place a lot of importance on leadership, we ask that the startup’s CEO applies and takes part in the competition personally. The deadline is January 5, 2026—so mark your calendar! You can apply in German, English, or French. Just set up your account, submit your application, and you’re all set. We’re excited to meet you!

02. Join the selection process

In February, the TOP 50 startups pitch their ideas in Solothurn. 15 Startups will meet the jury at the de Vigier Sommerhaus in Solothurn. They jury will put together a shortlist of 10 startups to present at the Award Ceremony, where the winners will be revealed. The TOP 50 event and the Award Ceremony are live-streamed, which gives startups visibility beyond Swiss borders.

03. Do great things

Whether you take home the prize or not, pitching in front of our selected audience (and the viewers online) puts your startup on the map and boosts your visibility. It’s your chance to meet investors and connect with other founders. Winners not only receive the prize money but also join a supportive alumni community.

“The prize money gave us a solid foundation, allowing us to wait for the right partners and negotiate the best deal instead of rushing into the first offer.”

Guillaume Perben, CEO Composite Recycling AG

FAQ – General questions

  • Company structure: Applicants must represent a for-profit company incorporated in Switzerland as a GmbH or AG.
    – Non-profit organizations or foundations are not eligible, unless a parallel for-profit entity exists.

  • Leadership role: Applicants should typically hold the CEO position or an equivalent strategic leadership role.
    – Exceptions may be made if roles are not yet clearly defined, provided another co-founder fulfills a similar leadership function.

  • Career stage: The award is designed to support young entrepreneurs in the earlier stages of their careers.
    – While exceptions on age have been made in the past, this remains the foundation’s focus.

  • Commitment: Applicants must be dedicated to their project full time.

  • Residence: Applicants must have their registered residence in Switzerland.

The W.A. de Vigier Award is open to all outstanding entrepreneurs, regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, or religion. We strongly encourage everyone to apply.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact our managing team at info@devigier.ch.

Every year, the W.A. de Vigier Foundation awards prize money up to 5 x CHF 120,000 per startup. You also get access to a fantastic network of investors, alumni and industry experts.

Entrepreneur Profile
We weigh the idea and the personality of the entrepreneur equally.

Innovative Character
How innovative is your solution?

Relevance for Society
What’s the overall relevance for society? To what degree does your solution satisfy an existing need?

Feasibility
We specifically look at the feasibility of the project’s realization from a technical and financial standpoint.

Chances of Success
How high are your chances of success, considering the size of your potential market? And how many jobs does your business create?

Market Competitiveness
How competitive are you on the market?

Check the dates and block them in your calendar, please.

Starting this year, recurring applications are generally not accepted. Exceptions may be made if significant changes have occurred since your last application. If this applies, justify the changes in your new submission.

FAQ – Submitting an application

No, all application documents and videos must be submitted directly through the application platform. External submissions (via email or otherwise) are not accepted.

While you can submit your application until midnight CET on the deadline day, it is strongly recommended not to wait until the final hours. High traffic on the platform may cause delays or technical issues, particularly with selfie video recordings.

  • Ensure your browser (e.g., Chrome, Safari) allows camera and microphone access for the selfie video recording.
  • Double-check that all required fields in the application are filled out.
  • If problems persist, contact info@devigier.ch with a description of the issue.

  • The platform only displays submitted application data to the administrators. Unsubmitted forms or partial entries cannot be viewed.
  • Ensure you upload the correct files, such as a current commercial register extract, and double-check for typos in your company’s registry number.

You can return to your application, correct the error, and resubmit it as long as it is before the deadline. Changes cannot be made after the platform closes.

Yes, you can edit your application and resubmit it before the submission deadline. Simply revisit your dossier, make the necessary updates, and click “Send” again.

The selfie video allows the Selection Committee to get a sense of your personality, passion, and communication style. It is an integral part of the application process and should be recorded directly on the platform.

  • No, the platform does not allow rewatching the selfie video after submission. However, if you see the message “Thank you! Your data has been saved successfully,” your video was recorded and uploaded correctly.
  • If you receive an error message when attempting to submit, it may indicate a problem with the video recording. You can resubmit your application after fixing the issue.

  • After completing all sections of the application, go to the final tab, tick the required declarations, and click “Send.”
  • If you see a confirmation message stating “Thank you! Your data has been saved successfully,” your application has been submitted.
  • Only fully submitted dossiers will be considered.

  • If you wish to withdraw your application, please email info@devigier.ch. Your data will be deleted after the application process concludes.
  • The foundation would appreciate feedback on why you decided to withdraw to help improve the process for future applicants.

Applicant data is securely stored and deleted once the application process concludes, unless it is part of an active dossier under consideration.

Submit your application by January 5, 2026.
We are looking forward to meeting you and your startup!