Meet our Top 17!

These startups are competing for up to five W.A. de Vigier Awards, each worth CHF 120 000.

Meet our Top 17!

Riccardo Acciarino // OOVIE Studios SAsophie2026-03-10T23:36:17+01:00

Riccardo Acciarino // OOVIE Studios SA

Arka Banerjee // 80SBio AGsophie2026-03-10T23:37:13+01:00

Arka Banerjee // 80SBio AG

Gwenael Hannema // OrthoSens SAsophie2026-03-10T22:42:34+01:00

Gwenael Hannema // OrthoSens SA

Samuel Heiniger // Iron Energy AGsophie2026-03-10T22:43:30+01:00

Samuel Heiniger // Iron Energy AG

Seoho Jung // Chiral Nano AGsophie2026-03-10T22:43:42+01:00

Seoho Jung // Chiral Nano AG

Jonathan Koifman // FrostForge SAsophie2026-03-10T22:43:53+01:00

Jonathan Koifman // FrostForge SA

Sébastien Le Fouest // Windworks SAsophie2026-03-10T22:44:10+01:00

Sébastien Le Fouest // Windworks SA

Hagen Lihl // UpGrid AGsophie2026-03-10T22:44:22+01:00

Hagen Lihl // UpGrid AG

Giancarlo Mattiello // Cria Technologies SAsophie2026-03-10T22:44:36+01:00

Giancarlo Mattiello // Cria Technologies SA

Maude Rolland // VECTOPIAsophie2026-03-10T22:44:50+01:00

Maude Rolland // VECTOPIA

Robert Schreiber // Alpinasana AGsophie2026-03-10T22:45:04+01:00

Robert Schreiber // Alpinasana AG

Arthur Sebesteny // Dental Roboticssophie2026-03-10T22:45:16+01:00

Arthur Sebesteny // Dental Robotics

Eliott Sounigo // LAYERED GmbHsophie2026-03-10T22:45:26+01:00

Eliott Sounigo // LAYERED GmbH

Martin Stadler // Qendrasophie2026-03-10T22:45:32+01:00

Martin Stadler // Qendra

Silvan Suter // Thermal Transformer AGsophie2026-03-10T22:45:40+01:00

Silvan Suter // Thermal Transformer AG

Emily Thompson // Augury Medical GmbHsophie2026-03-10T22:45:47+01:00

Emily Thompson // Augury Medical GmbH

Fabian Wiesemüller // FireDrone AGsophie2026-03-10T22:45:55+01:00

Fabian Wiesemüller // FireDrone AG

Our selection process – where we’re at

01. APPLICATIONS

JURY PICKS TOP 50

The application window closed on January 5. The jury is currently reviewing the applications and picking the Top 50 startups.

02. SELECTION DAY

JURY PICKS TOP 15

At Selection Day on March 3, 2026, 50 startups will pitch at Kulturfabrik Kofmehl in Solothurn.
The jury has the tough job to pick their Top 15.

03. PRESENTATION DAYS

JURY PICKS TOP 10

During Presentation Days on May 5 to 7, 2026, the Top 15 startups have more in-depth talks with our jury at the de Vigier Sommerhaus in Solothurn.

04. AWARD CEREMONY

JURY PICKS UP TO 5 WINNERS

On June 10, 2026, the Top 10 pitch in front of a live audience at the de Vigier Sommerhaus. Up to 5 winners will receive a coveted award.

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.