We focus on tech product startups in all areas, where founders integrate science and groundbreaking engineering at the heart of their ventures, which we can help to accelerate with the enterpreneurial expertise of the St.Gallen ecosystem. Please note that consultancies and pure service companies are not eligible for the accelerator.

The program primarily takes place in St.Gallen, Switzerland. Physical attendance is a mandatory requirement for most sessions and social activities.

Attendance for sessions, events and connecting with the ecosystem are expected, thus it is recommended to move near St.Gallen for three months. Co-working spaces across the city are offered by the founding partners.

Our startups get access to our accelerator facilities in St.Gallen, mainly at the Switzerland Innovation Park East, at the University of St.Gallen and the START Campus 

Please have a look at our program page with the detailed timeline of the next batch.

Every startup participating in the accelerator receives a scholarship of CHF 15,000, payed out in tranches across the run time of the program. Additionally, the HSG START Accelerator invests up to CHF 200,000 into selected startups. 

Yes, if you have raised no more than CHF 1mio in venture capital money or CHF 10mio in non-dilutive funding, you meet the criteria necessary.

The scholarship should be used to cover your expenses to attend the program. 

Any IP developed during the program remains yours. We focus on helping you commercialize your product.

Please have a look at our program page.

Please have a look at our program page with the detailed timeline of the next batch.

You can apply as a full-time student or employee, but if accepted, founders are expected to commit to working full-time on their startup during the program and beyond.

If you meet our criteria to enter the program, we strongly encourage you to apply, you could potentially accelerate your traction through the accelerator.

Yes, we do accept single founders to our program, but we strongly encourage to team up with a co-founder!

Yes, you can apply over different application cycles, but not twice as founder/startup to the same application window.

Yes, as long as you meet all the selection criteria and you can adhere to the in-person participation, you are welcome to apply.

During the last interview cycle, we provide direct and detailed feedback on your application. If you aren’t part of the last interview cycle, we are unfortunately not able to provide detailed feedback due to the amount of applications we receive.

Yes, all application materials are confidential and only reviewed by people working for our accelerator. For further information, please review our privacy policy.

There are no program fees for participating in the acceleration program. Thanks to the equity-free scholarship of CHF 15’000, your expenses are covered. Any exceeding cost need to be covered by the startup itself.

MVP = Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is an early version of a product that includes only the core features necessary to satisfy early customers and provide feedback for future product development. In terms of business growth for startups, having an MVP allows them to test their product in the market early, validate their business model, and make necessary adjustments based on real-world experience before investing significant resources into more extensive development.

Your company should be incorporated or soon to be incorporated. European startups are preferred. At least your core team should be based in Europe. 

Yes, we are. Reach out to careers@hsgstartaccelerator.org.

Please reach out to the team and let's discuss.

Please reach out to the team and let's discuss.

Please reach out to the team and let's discuss.

Please have them use your company or individual name under the referrals question in the application workflow.

Please review the current immigration laws of St.Gallen.

Yes. Your startup will get a desk.