To be an entrepreneur is a dream of many. In Switzerland, tens of thousands of companies are founded every year. At the University of St.Gallen (HSG), over 100 startups have been started, among them famous names like Abacus, Namics, Dacuda and DeinDeal.
That being said, Startup@HSG aimes to enhance the entrepreneurial spirit among the student body. Startup@HSG presents different perspectives of entrepreneurship and supports technological and knowledge intense projects at the HSG.
“HSG Gründer des Jahres” (HSG founder of the year)
The core element of Startup@HSG is the HSG Gründergarage (HSG founders’ garage). This annual event offers different events and encourages an entrepreneurial environment and supports students developing their own projects. Each year, the highlight of the event is Entrepreneurship Day, where the “HSG Founder of the Year” prize (10’000 CHF) is awarded.
Consultation, coordination and office space
The HSG Founders’ Lab promotes entrepreneurship and those students interested in one day starting their own firm. Consultants connect students and researchers from the HSG with external partners from research and practice. They also follow and track entrepreneurial activities at the university, coordinate teaching on entrepreneurship and much more.
Further, they offer scholarships to exceptional HSG students. These grants allow budding entrepreneurs to work intensely on their business idea and to enter the market. Office spaces are available on special conditions for founders as well. In these offices you can find student organisations like START global, YEC and other active HSG start-ups.
Support of social and sustainable founding projects
SnS Ventures (Social and Sustainable Ventures) is a joint venture that brings social and sustainable projects together with the University of Zurich. Along with promoting start-ups and hosting events, the organisation cultivates future entrepreneurs who are focused on social impact with coaches and mentors.