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Engage with the builders

A strategic invitation to engage with the builders creating tomorrow's economy.

Direct access to ambitious builders at ETH, HSG, and FH OST — before they graduate.

Why engage with START Foundation

Why engage now.

START creates early, credible access to ambitious talent, builders, and practical projects across leading universities.

01

Access talent before the market does

Meet and work alongside ambitious builders at ETH, HSG, and FH OST during their most formative years — before they enter the job market or raise their first round.

02

Shape what gets built

Bring real problems, case studies, or R&D challenges into a hands-on environment. Students build solutions. You get direct insight and first access to the output.

03

Invest in the ecosystem

Switzerland's long-term competitiveness depends on closing the gap between academic excellence and entrepreneurial output. You can be part of closing it.

Philanthropic Engagement

Donors

Donations to START are tax-deductible and help sustain the mission long term, paired with the opportunity to engage with a generation of builders across a variety of formats.

Tax-deductible support

START is a tax-exempt foundation in St. Gallen, making contributions a credible way to back practical talent development with public relevance.

Builder engagement across formats

Supporters can engage with the next generation of builders through programs, challenges, formats, conversations, and selected collaboration opportunities.

START Foundation is a tax-exempt non-profit foundation registered in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Donations may be tax-deductible depending on your jurisdiction.

Get in touch to support the mission

Our supporters

The people and institutions helping carry START forward.

Our supporter circle brings together long-term individuals, foundations, and public institutions that believe in practical talent development.

Founding Partners HSG ETH Student Project House

Hilti Family Foundation
Canton of St.Gallen:Department of Economic Affairs

Key Enablers

Adrian Keller
Michael Pieper
Rainer-Marc Frey
Urs Wietlisbach
Felix Grisard
Simon Michel
Florian Schweitzer
Eric Schachenmann
Ernst Göhner Stiftung
Michael Hinderer
Carsten Koerl
Reto Naescher
Andreas Goeldi & Bettina Hein
HSG Foundation

Supporters

Pascal Gueissaz
Martin Kessler
Daniel Aegerter
Daniel Gutenberg
Sylvie Mutschler von Specht
Peter Wuffli
Steinegg Stiftung
Thomas Jung
Hermann Arnold

Strategic Partnership

Industry, SME & Trade Partners

Join a growing consortium of companies that engage directly with START's builder community. Partnerships are structured around real exchange — not passive sponsorship.

Project Sparring

Bring a real problem or challenge into the Student Project House. Work alongside students as they prototype solutions under time pressure.

Talent Pipeline

Meet builders early. Partner companies get structured access to students and alumni through events, workshops, and informal introductions.

Events & Presence

Participate in hacker houses, demo days, and fireside chats. Position your brand as a builder-first organization in front of the next generation.

R&D Collaboration

Co-design a program or challenge with START Foundation's team. Particularly suited for SMEs and industry partners exploring AI-first transformation.

Material Support

In-Kind Sponsors

Help equip the campus and the people building on it. In-kind contributions go directly into the hands of students building real projects.

Get in Touch

Let’s build something together.

Whether you're exploring a first conversation or ready to commit — get in touch. We respond to every serious inquiry personally.