The Foundation
We build the talent layer for the AI-first economy.
START Foundation is a tax-exempt non-profit foundation.
Who we are
A Swiss charitable foundation.
START Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable foundation seated in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Under Swiss foundation law, we pursue a public-benefit purpose: building practical, interdisciplinary competencies for the next generation of talent, builders, and institutional leaders.
That gives START a credible long-term institutional form for partnerships, philanthropy, and programme support — one built around public benefit rather than short-term transactions.
Seat
St. Gallen, Switzerland
Legal form
Tax-exempt charitable foundation
Legal framework
Swiss foundation law
Donations
Donations and eligible support are generally tax-deductible
Our Mission
We create an environment in which talents can develop competencies, build network, collaborate across disciplines and learn from peers through starting, building, and scaling their own practical projects.
Interdisciplinary
Technical and commercial perspectives cross-pollinate inside one builder environment.
Practically relevant
Competencies are built through real projects — not only through abstract curriculum.
Built for any path
Entrepreneurship is one valid outcome, but the skills remain valuable across careers.
Our foundation model
Public private partnership.
START operates as a public private partnership—working with the public sector, the private sector, and highly renowned academic institutions.
Public sector
We work with public-sector partners committed to long-term talent development and public benefit.
Private sector
We work with private-sector partners who bring practical relevance, operator perspective, and executional strength.
Academic partners
On top of that, we partner with highly renowned academic institutions that strengthen talent access and institutional credibility.
Governance
Board of Trustees
Operating Team
Connect
Get in touch
Whether you're ready to build, exploring a partnership, or considering philanthropic support, we respond personally to every serious inquiry.
For Students
Join the builder community, bring your project, and find the peers and structure to build something real.
For Organisations
Engage with the next generation of builders, project teams, and practical talent before the market does.
For Institutions
Explore partnerships that strengthen the talent corridor between academia and the real economy.
Private Individuals & Family Offices
Support Switzerland's next generation of builders through tax-deductible philanthropic support.
or email us directly at info@start-foundation.com