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Selection Day Top 50

WIN PRIZE MONEY. GET VISIBILITY. ACCESS OUR NETWORK.

THANK YOU FOR WELL OVER

200 APPLICATONS!

We are currently reviewing all applications and will soon announce the Top 50 startups. Our selection is based on the following criteria:

  1. Entrepreneur Profile
  2. Innovative Character
  3. Relevance for Society
  4. Feasibility
  5. Chances of Success
  6. Market Competitiveness

OUR SELECTION PROCESS – WHERE WE’RE AT

1. APPLICATIONS

JURY PICKS TOP 50

The application window closed on January 6. We are now reviewing submissions and will announce the Top 50 soon.

2. SELECTION DAY TOP 50

JURY PICKS TOP 15

The Selection Day takes in February, 2025 at Kulturfabrik Kofmehl in Solothurn and is livestreamed.

3. PRESENTATION DAYS

JURY PICKS TOP 10

During Presentation Days in April, 2025, the Top 15 startups have more in-depth talks with our jury at the de Vigier Sommerhaus in Solothurn.

4. AWARD CEREMONY

JURY PICKS UP TO 5 WINNERS

In June, 2025, the Top 10 pitch in front of a live audience at the de Vigier Sommerhaus and viewers online. Up to 5 winners receive a coveted award.

Switzerland needs young entrepreneurs. Therein lies the future.

Bill de Vigier, Founding Father

Switzerland needs young entrepreneurs. Therein lies the future.

Bill de Vigier, Founding Father

WE CARE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY AND ABOUT YOU AS A LEADER.

We are not only looking for groundbreaking products and business ideas, but also for strong and honorable leaders who can serve as role models for other young entrepreneurs.

  • You get national and international visibility and credibility. We livestream our big events and investors view our shortlist as a good pre-selection of startups they want to take a closer look at.

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

  • The prize money comes with no strings attached. It’s yours to spend, we hope you achieve great things with it!

  • We’ve been around since 1987 and have awarded about 150 winners with a total of CHF 14.9 million in prize money. Our board and jury consist of highly accomplished people with lots of experience and genuine passion for this foundation’s cause: to support young entrepreneurs.

WE CARE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY AND ABOUT YOU AS A LEADER.

We are not only looking for groundbreaking products and business ideas, but also for strong and honorable leaders who can serve as role models for other young entrepreneurs.

  • You get national and international visibility and credibility. We livestream our big events and investors view our shortlist as a good pre-selection of startups they want to take a closer look at.

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

  • The prize money comes with no strings attached. It’s yours to spend, we hope you achieve great things with it!

  • We’ve been around since 1987 and have awarded about 140 winners with a total of CHF 14 million in prize money. Our board and jury consist of highly accomplished people with lots of experience and genuine passion for this foundation’s cause: to support young entrepreneurs.

14.9 M

CHF awarded since 1989

151

startups received support

≈ 82%

are still operating in the market

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR SELECTION DAY ON FEBRUARY 25, 2025 !

Join us for the livestream as the Top 50 startups pitch their ideas. Save the date and watch it all unfold live right here on our website