START Summit 2026 Pitching Competitions

About

The START Summit 2026 Pitching Competitions invites early-stage startups from Europe and around the world to showcase their innovative projects in front of over 1,000 investors, with opportunities for equity-free funding, mentorship, and high exposure to industry leaders, culminating in a chance to win from a total prize pool of €100,000.

Benefits

• 💰Financial Support
  Up to 20,000 Swiss Francs in equity-free funding for SSIA, 10,000 Swiss Francs for deep tech group, and a total prize pool of 100,000 Euros for fellowships
• 🎓Mentorship Program
  Access to industry, academic, and mentor resources
• 🌐Network Access
  One-on-one connections with over 1,000 investors
• 📈Business Support
  High exposure opportunities and feedback from top VC judges
• 🎤Exposure Opportunities
  Special showcase for award winners

Eligibility Criteria

• 🌍 Geographic Eligibility
• Open to early-stage startups from Europe and globally
• 🏢 Legal Status
• Must be a startup team with innovative projects and product implementation capabilities
• 💼 Business Stage
• Targeting early-stage companies in technology, AI, deep tech, robotics, health tech, etc.
• 👥 Team Requirements
• Must consist of entrepreneurs or startup teams

Participation Commitments

• 📍 Physical Attendance
• Must attend the event in St. Gallen, Switzerland in March 2026
• 🎤 Presentation Requirement
• Must deliver a pitch during the competition

Target Region

Open to startups globally, with a focus on Europe

Target Sector

Technology, AI, deep tech, robotics, health tech, and more