THE NEXT APPLICATION WINDOW OPENS ON OCTOBER 1, 2025

Thanks for your interest in our startup awards! The application window for the 2025 cohort closed on January 6. Please visit this page again in October 2025 for the 2026 award season or – even better – set an email reminder to apply, right here:

email me in time to submit my application

Please mark the following dates in your calendar, in case you qualify for our TOP 50/TOP15/TOP10.
It is essential that the CEO of your company takes part in these events in person.

Presentation Top 15: Tuesday and Wednesday, May 7 and 8, 2025 (group split over the two days) in Solothurn

Connection Day for Top 15 – Wednesday, April 9, 2025 in Basel

Award Ceremony for Top 10 – Wednesday, June 18, 2025 in Solothurn

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR // ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The de Vigier Awards are for all outstanding entrepreneurs, regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, or religion. We strongly encourage everyone to apply. If you have any questions or reservations, do not hesitate to reach out to our managing team at info@devigier.ch.

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?

WHY APPLY?

HOW TO APPLY

The application deadline was January 6, 2025. Please visit this site again on October 1, 2025, when we’re open for applications for the 2026 cohort. Thank you!

FAQ

All entrepreneurs must apply personally and:

  • are able to present an innovative, future-oriented product or service concept
  • are dedicated to their project full time
  • have already or are about to establish a Switzerland-based company
  • have their registered residence in Switzerland
  • are (usually) not older than 45 years

The W.A. de Vigier Awards are for all outstanding entrepreneurs, regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, or religion. We strongly encourage everyone to apply. If you have any questions or reservations, do not hesitate to reach out to our managing team at info@devigier.ch.

Every year, the W.A. de Vigier Foundation awards prize money up to 5 x CHF 100,000 per startup. You also get access to a fantastic network of investors, alumni and industry experts.

Scroll up and find the list of criteria above.

Selection Day Top 50: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 in Solothurn

Presentation Top 15: Tuesday and Wednesday, May 7 and 8, 2025 (group split over the two days) in Solothurn

Connection Day for Top 15 – Wednesday, April 9, 2025 in Basel (date to be confirmed)

Award Ceremony for Top 10 – Wednesday, June 18, 2025 in Solothurn