SWITZERLAND’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS STARTUP AWARDS.

Up to 5 x CHF 100´000 for Swiss startups. No strings attached.

GET VISIBILITY. BRING IN MONEY. DO GREAT THINGS.

OUR SELECTION PROCESS – WHERE WE’RE AT

1. APPLICATIONS

JURY PICKS TOP 50

We take applications every fall, usually from the beginning of October to the beginning of January.

MORE ABOUT APPLYING

SELECTION DAY TOP 50

JURY PICKS TOP 50

The Selection Day took place on February 23 at Kulturfabrik Kofmehl in Solothurn.

3. PRESENTATION DAYS

JURY PICKS TOP 10

During Presentation Days on April 25 and 26, 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

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

WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SELECTION DAY TOP 50

On February 23 a total of 50 startups pitched in one day in front of a live audience at Kulturfabrik Kofmehl in Solothurn. The event was also streamed online.

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.