Hi! Here’s everything you need to know in preparation for Selection Day 2026!
Event Overview
📅 Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
📍 Location: Kulturfabrik Kofmehl, Kofmehlweg 1, 4503 Solothurn
⏰ Pitch Format: 3-minute pitch + 1.5-minute Q&A (strictly enforced)
📌 Slides Deadline: February 20, 2026 (upload to platform)
📋 Briefing: Group briefings will take place on-site at 4 intervals throughout the day (before each break).
👥 Who’s attending? Jury members, investors, media, alumni, and members of our network
🚗 Arriving by car? Find directions here
🚂 Getting here by public transport? Find directions here
This is a live, in-person event, and the initial applicant must present on-site.
Schedule
The exact pitch order is currently being finalized. You will receive your specific time slot and cluster information via email as soon as possible.
Group Briefings: To ensure you are fully prepared for the stage, we will hold four group briefings throughout the day. You will be assigned to a briefing group immediately preceding your cluster’s pitch block.
Action required
Action requiredPlease confirm your participation on stage as soon as possible.
While we hope you will join us for the full day to maximize networking, please help us host sustainably and avoid food waste by indicating whether you will stay for the networking lunch (12:00–13:00) and the closing apéro (16:00).
IMPORTANT: This is a live, in-person event, and the original applicant must present on-site. Substitutions, as well as co-pitching, are not permitted. Please note that if the original applicant is unable to attend, the application will unfortunately be withdrawn from the selection process.
Presentation & Slide Specs
Pitch Format
- Duration: Max. 3 minutes (strilcy enforced)
- Q&A: Followed by a 1.5-minute Q&A session with the Jury, on stage
- Core Focus: Your pitch should clearly highlight the problem you solve and your unique solution.
- Languages: You may pitch in English, High German (or French).
While the Selection Committee is polyglot, we recommend English or German to reach the widest possible audience. This is a recommendation only and not a selection criterion.
The submission deadline is February 20, 2026
Technical Slide Specs
All presentations will be merged into a single master file to ensure a seamless flow. No last-minute edits are possible on the day of the event.
- Format: PowerPoint (*.pptx) in 16:9 ratio with embedded fonts and video clips.
- Number of slides: a maximum of 6 is recommended
- Backup: You must also upload a PDF version for layout verification
- Custom fonts: If you use non-standard fonts, please upload your font files.
- Videos & Sound: Keep it simple! If you use videos or audio:
- Embed them in the PowerPoint.
- Email the raw video files to info@devigier.ch as a backup.
- Crucial: Clearly state in your email if the video includes sound or is silent.
- Deadline: All files must be uploaded to the platform by February 20, 2026.
Stage & Technical Setup
Stage Setup
On stage, you will have:
- A clicker to advance slides
- Two stage monitors (Confidence Monitors): One showing your current slide as shown on the main screen, one for your remaining time
- A headset microphone: to keep your hands free for gesturing
Dress Code
These requirements are primarily for technical reasons, to ensure the best video quality for the livestream and a smooth microphone setup:
❌ Patterns: avoid small patterns (dots, stripes) – these cause a “flicker” effect on camera
❌ Jewelry: no “dangly” earrings, as they often hit the headset microphone and create noise. Our stage manager will ask you to remove them.
✅ If you are wearing a dress or outfit without a waistband, please wear a belt. We need a solid place to clip the microphone’s transmitter pack.
✅ Dress code: Professional yet comfortable attire
Cluster & Pitch Order
Logistics & Call Times
Below is the indicative schedule for Selection Day 2026. Please note your cluster’s call time for the mandatory briefing session.
Please arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before your briefing time.
These briefings take place before each block to ensure you are tech-ready, comfortable, and that everything runs smoothly.
| Pitch Block | Cluster | Briefing Time |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–10:30 | Medtech, Life Sciences / Biotech / Pharma | 08:15 |
| 11:00–12:00 | Micro- & Nanotechnology, ICT / Digital Solutions | 10:15 |
| 13:00–14:15 | Interdisciplinary / Services | 12:15 |
| 14:45–16:00 | Cleantech | 14:00 |
Full Schedule & Lookbook
Once finalized, the detailed pitch order and the Candidates’ Lookbook will be published here. You will receive an email notification the moment this goes live.
Backstage & Networking
To ensure a smooth transition between speakers, you will wait backstage together with your cluster. This is a great opportunity to connect with your fellow founders and support each other before taking the stage!
Livestreaming, Recording & Social Media
Livestream & Recording
📡 Live Streaming
The entire event will be live-streamed on our website, so feel free to share the link with your fan club! You’ll also find social sharing options on the right to help spread the word.
🎥 Recording & Replay
The event will be recorded, but the full video will not be publicly shared. You will receive a private YouTube link (unlisted) so you can rewatch your pitch anytime.
🤖 Help Shape Startup Support in Switzerland
Contribute to a University of Basel study on startup challenges and the circular economy. Whether your model is “circular” or not, your feedback helps improve national support measures.
- Time: Appr. 8 minutes (anonymous)
- Goal: Inform startup policy and support
Social Sharing
We want as many investors, potential employees, and partners as possible to see your pitches. Help us spread the word!
As soon as the news is out, we will provide you with images and hashtags for LinkedIn and Instagram.
What to Expect
To get an idea, feel free to watch the video from 2024!