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FAQ

General
Arriving at the conference
Tickets
Startups
Investors
Students

FAQ

General

WHERE WILL START SUMMIT 2025 TAKE PLACE?
START Summit 2025 will take place in the Olma Halls in St Gallen on the 20th and 21st of March 2025. For our investors, media and partners, we will have our special Day-0!
WHERE CAN I REGISTER FOR THE ONLINE PLATFORM?
Being registered in our online platform is the key to experiencing START Summit to the fullest! After buying your ticket, you’ll receive your registration link in an email. The platform will open in March so that you can schedule meetings and register for formats and events, so make sure you’re signed up in good time. Don’t forget to download the mobile app prior to your visit!
CAN I SCHEDULE MEETINGS IN ADVANCE?
Yes – pre-scheduling your meetings is an important part of making sure you can enjoy a productive START Summit. You can use the filter to differentiate between nationality, industry and job, and you’ll be able to book your meetings in our online platform or within the app.
HOW DO I CONTACT THE START SUMMIT TEAM?
Getting in touch with our team is really easy – all you need to do is send us an email at growth@startsummit.ch and we’ll be happy to answer any of your questions.
DO I NEED TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOPS?
Yes, due to limited seats in our workshop sessions, you’ll have to be quick and register before they’re all taken. You can register for workshops via our online platform.

Arriving at the conference

WHERE CAN I STAY DURING START SUMMIT?
We’ve gathered a list of partner hotels where attendees can stay during the Summit. If you’d prefer a quieter stay, there are some nice hotels just outside of the city and it will only take you around 20 minutes to commute to the conference halls with public transportation. We will ensure that START Summit is easily reachable by bus or train from every stay. You can find more info about hotels in St. Gallen here.
WHERE IS THE CLOSEST AIRPORT?
The closest airport is in Zürich, which is approximately an hour away by train.

Tickets

HOW CAN I PAY FOR MY TICKET?
You can pay for your ticket via credit card, Paypal and many other ways. Take a look at our ticket website to see all payment options.
WHERE CAN I FIND MY TICKETS?
After buying your tickets, you’ll receive an email with an invitation link where you’ll be able to register on the event platform. If you bought more than one ticket, you can use the invitation link multiple times. Note that the proper tickets in QR-format will only be generated shortly before START Summit. Until then, you only need to sign up on our event platform, Brella.
CAN I CHANGE THE INFORMATION ON MY TICKETS?
The name of the ticket holder only needs to be declared when registering for the platform. After that, you won’t be able to change the name on your ticket. If you need further assistance, please get in touch with us at growth@startsummit.ch.
DO I NEED TO PRINT MY TICKET?
You won’t need to print your ticket to enter the event – we’ll just need to scan the ticket QR code in your app. 
CAN I TRANSFER MY TICKET TO ANOTHER PERSON?
Yes, but only under special circumstances. If that applies to your situation, please reach out to growth@startsummit.ch.
CAN I BUY A PASS ON BEHALF OF SOMEONE ELSE?
Yes, you will be able to buy tickets for third parties like your team. You can declare at check-out who will be joining the conference.
WILL I BE REFUNDED IF I CAN’T MAKE IT?
By default, START Summit tickets are non-refundable. However, if the inability to attend was caused by extenuating circumstances, we may be able to refund your ticket. Please get in touch with our team at  growth@startsummit.ch
DOES EVERY MEMBER OF MY STARTUP NEED THEIR OWN TICKET?
Yes, the Startup ticket is only valid for one person.
CAN I BUY TICKETS IN BULK?
Yes, If you're interested in purchasing a larger number of tickets, please get in touch with us at  growth@startsummit.ch.

Startups

WHO CAN BUY A STARTUP TICKET?
Every employee, intern, or founder is eligible to buy a Startup ticket. Please note that each start-up ticket is only valid for one person and not the whole Startup team.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE SUMMITEER PITCHING COMPETITION?

Applications opening for the Summiteer pitching competition will be announced at the end of October through our Social Media channels.

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR A START FAIR BOOTH?
The opening of the applications for START Fair booths will be announced at the end of October on our Social Media channels.
CAN I BOOK ONE-ON-ONE MEETINGS WITH INVESTORS OR OTHER STARTUPS PRIOR TO THE EVENT?
Yes! Our in-app Matchmaking tool lets you reliably connect with investors and other members in the  START Global entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Matchmaking tool enables participants to discover the most interesting fellow attendees and schedule meetings with them in advance of START Summit. You’ll be able to filter participants by industry, funding stage, or nationality.

Investors

WHO CAN BUY AN INVESTOR TICKET?
If you’re a decision-maker for a firm interested in investing in start-ups or venture capital funds, the investor ticket is for you. You might be a VC, Angel, LP or CVC. 
WHAT KIND OF STARTUPS CAN I FIND AT START SUMMIT?
START Summit offers a huge variety of start-ups from different sectors. We divide Startups into different verticals (such as FinTech, DeepTech, Consumer, etc.) so you’ll be able to find start-ups in your sector of interest as easily as possible. You’ll mostly find pre-Seed, Seed and Series-A Startups, but there may also be well-established companies that have already passed these stages in attendance.
CAN I BOOK ONE-ON-ONE MEETINGS WITH STARTUPS OR OTHERS PRIOR TO THE EVENT?
Yes! Our in-app Matchmaking tool lets you reliably connect with investors and other members in the  START Global entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Matchmaking tool enables participants to discover the most interesting fellow attendees and schedule meetings with them in advance of START Summit. You’ll be able to filter participants by industry, funding stage, or nationality.
HOW CAN I CONTACT THE SUMMIT TEAM?
If you have any business inquiries, you can reach out to our team at growth@startsummit.ch.
CAN MY COMPANY MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT AT START SUMMIT?
If your fund/company would like to make a special announcement (e.g. new fund closing) at START Summit, please reach out to growth@startsummit.ch!

Students

WHICH FORMATS REQUIRE REGISTRATION?
Registration is required for our workshops, as there are a limited number of seats available. You’ll need to upload a copy of your CV in order to register, so make sure you have an up-to-date version ready.
WILL THERE BE FREE STUDENT ACCOMMODATION?
Yes, a limited number of student accommodations will be available for students who want to attend START Summit 2025. However, availability is very limited. 

General

START Summit is Europe’s leading student-run conference for entrepreneurship and technology, bringing together over 7000 startups, investors, corporates, and young talents for two days of inspiring stage sessions, hands-on workshops, and high-impact networking.

With a strong focus on innovation, fundraising, and ecosystem-building, START Summit provides a unique platform for early-stage startups to connect with investors, for corporates to discover disruptive ideas, and for students to dive into the world of entrepreneurship.

Beyond the main conference, START Summit offers exclusive side events, pitching competitions, and interactive sessions to maximize learning and networking opportunities. Whether you’re looking to build, invest, or connect, START Summit is the place to be.

START Summit 2025 will be held at the Olma Halls in St. Gallen, Switzerland, on March 20–21, 2025. Additionally, we will host a special Day-0 event on March 19 for selected startups, investors, media representatives, and partners. Details about applications will be shared through our social channels once they open.

Public transport:

  • By bus: From St. Gallen Train Station, take bus lines 3, 4, or 6 to the stop “Olma Messen”.
  • By train: The nearest train station is St. Gallen St. Fiden, located just a 4-minute walk from the Olma Halls. However, if you’re arriving at St. Gallen Train Station, you can also reach the venue conveniently by taking bus lines 3, 4, or 6 to the “Olma Messen” stop.
  • By plane: The closest airport is Zürich Airport, approximately one hour by train from St. Gallen.

Accommodation:

We’ve pre-selected several hotels for attendees. You can find details about the hotels in St. Gallen here. If you prefer a quieter stay, there are also excellent hotels just outside the city, only about 20 minutes away by public transport.

Our online platform will open about three weeks before the event. Registering on the platform is essential for making the most of your START Summit experience. After purchasing your ticket, you will receive a registration link via emailapproximately three weeks before the event. The platform will allow you to schedule meetings, sign up for workshops, and register for side events. Be sure to sign up early and download the mobile app before attending!
Yes! Pre-scheduling meetings is key to making your START Summit experience as productive as possible. You can use filters to search for participants based on nationality, industry, and job role and book meetings through the online platform or mobile app. These features will be available as soon as the platform is launched.

Yes, workshops have limited seating, so you’ll need to register in advance before spots fill up. Workshop registration is available via our online platform.

For side events, you can browse and apply to participate via our event page. Additional side events will be announced over time, so keep checking back for updates and sign up for our newsletter!

START Summit side events take place before, during, and after the main event, creating unique networking and learning opportunities beyond the conference itself. These events include exclusive investor dinners, startup meetups, industry-specific gatherings, and casual networking sessions across St. Gallen. They allow attendees to connect in a more personal setting, making START Summit a truly immersive experience.

New side events will be announced regularly, so keep an eye on our website and social channels for updates!

Yes! Many of our top speakers will host Ask-Me-Anything (AMA) sessions after their stage appearances. These sessions have limited capacity, but they offer a unique opportunity to interact with speakers directly.
We recommend arriving in St. Gallen on March 19, 2025, the day before START Summit officially begins, especially if you are attending one of our Day-0 events. Please ensure you apply in advance, as access is not guaranteed.
Absolutely! We are always looking for new network partners to bring great communities to START Summit. If you’re interested in collaborating with us, please reach out at growth@startsummit.ch, and we’ll be happy to discuss potential partnership opportunities.
You can reach out to us anytime at growth@startsummit.ch regarding any questions you may come up with. For bulk ticket purchases or any questions regarding your visit, also feel free to contact us via email. We’ll be happy to assist you!

Tickets

You can purchase your ticket directly on our ticket page. We accept a wide range of payment methods, including debit and credit cards, PayPal, Twint, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and many more.

If none of these options work for you, please contact us at growth@startsummit.ch, and we’ll do our best to assist you.

We offer different ticket categories for Startups, Investors, Students, Corporates, and General Attendees. All tickets provide access to the two-day event and the full START Summit experience, including networking opportunities, stage sessions, and side events.

However, some workshops and side events may be exclusive to specific ticket categories. You can find a detailed overview of what each ticket includes on our ticket page.

After purchasing your ticket, you will receive a confirmation email with your invoice. A few weeks before the event, you’ll also receive an invitation link to register on our event platform and be able to access your ticket trough the event app.
Your QR ticket for check-in will be generated shortly before the event, so don’t worry if you don’t have it yet! Just make sure to sign up on the event platform as soon as you receive the registration link.

Yes, you can purchase multiple tickets for your team or other attendees. During checkout, you’ll be asked to assign each ticket to the correct participant. This allows you to complete all purchases in one transaction while ensuring each attendee is properly registered.

Yes, ticket transfers and information changes are possible, but only under special circumstances. If you are unable to attend due to unforeseen events or need to update your registration details, please contact us at growth@startsummit.ch.

Please note: Changes cannot be made in the final week before the event.

To speed up check-in and avoid long lines, we will offer pre-badge pickup at various locations, such as Zürich Airport and St. Gallen Train Station, in the days leading up to the event.

The exact pickup locations and times will be announced before the event. If you don’t pick up your badge in advance, you can still collect it on-site at the venue.

START Summit tickets are generally non-refundable. However, in cases of extenuating circumstances, we may be able to offer a refund. If you are unable to attend due to unforeseen events, please reach out to us at growth@startsummit.ch, and we’ll review your case.
No, there’s no need to print your ticket! Your QR code ticket will be available on our event app, and you’ll simply need to show it at check-in to claim your badge and enter the event.

Yes! If you require a visa invitation letter to attend START Summit, we can provide one.

Before reaching out, please check the Swiss visa requirements for your country. Once you have the necessary information, email us at growth@startsummit.ch, and we’ll assist you in obtaining the required documentation.

Yes, we offer bulk ticket purchases. If you are interested in buying a large number of tickets for your organization or group, please contact us at growth@startsummit.ch, and we’ll provide further details.
Yes, every ticket is valid for one person only. If multiple team members from your startup are attending, each person will need their own ticket.

startups

Any founder, employee, or intern of a startup is eligible to purchase a Startup ticket. However, please note that each Startup ticket is valid for one person only—not for the entire team.

We welcome startups of all kinds and stages, whether incorporated or not. However, some competitions at START Summit may require your startup to be a registered legal entity.

START Summit is designed to empower and accelerate startups by providing unparalleled networking, exposure, and funding opportunities. As a startup at START Summit, you can:

  • Pitch on the main stage for a chance to win CHF 500,000 at the START Summiteer Competition.
  • Showcase your startup for free with a START Fair booth, putting your company in front of investors and potential partners.
  • Connect with top investors through our Matchmaking tool, scheduling 1:1 meetings in advance.
  • Compete in industry-specific pitching competitions, such as the Deeptech Pitch, SaaS Pitch, or Swiss Sustainable Impact Award.
  • Join exclusive networking events, including the Founder Day-0 event and investor roundtables.

Whether you’re looking to raise funding, gain visibility, or form key partnerships, START Summit provides the ideal platform to take your startup to the next level.

The Founder Day-0 event is an exclusive pre-START-Summit gathering for startups, taking place on March 19, 2025 - the day before START Summit officially begins. This event is designed to help early-stage founders build meaningful connections, gain insights from experienced entrepreneurs and investors, and set the stage for a successful START Summit experience. It is by application-only - more details will be announced soon.

The START Fair program provides startups with a free exhibition booth at START Summit, allowing them to showcase their vision to investors, corporates, and potential customers.

You can find all eligibility criteria and apply for a booth on this page.

The START Summiteer competition is our flagship startup pitch competition, offering selected startups the chance to pitch on the main stage for a CHF 500,000 investment.

To be eligible, your startup must:

  • Have less than CHF 500,000 in total funding
  • Be founded in 2022 or later
  • Be an independent legal entity

This competition is a huge opportunity to gain visibility, attract investors, and secure funding for your startup. If you meet the criteria, you can find more details and apply here.

In addition to the START Summiteer competition, we are hosting several industry-specific pitching competitions this year, including:

  • Swiss Sustainable Impact Award – Focused on startups with a strong sustainability mission.
  • Deeptech Pitching Competition – Spotlighting cutting-edge innovations in technology.
  • SaaS Pitching Competition – For startups developing scalable software solutions.

Applications for all competitions are currently open! You can find more details and apply here.

Yes! Our Matchmaking tool, available through the START Summit app, allows you to connect in advance with investors, fellow founders, and other key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Using the Matchmaking tool, you can:

  • Discover relevant attendees based on industry, funding stage, or nationality.
  • Filter and connect with potential investors and partners.
  • Schedule meetings before the event to make the most of your time at START Summit.

This tool ensures that you can make high-value connections and set up strategic meetings before the conference even begins.

Investors

The Investor ticket is designed for decision-makers from firms interested in investing in startups or venture capital funds. This includes:

  • Venture Capitalists (VCs)
  • Angel Investors
  • Limited Partners (LPs)
  • Corporate Venture Capitalists (CVCs)

If you’re actively looking to invest in early-stage startups and high-growth ventures, the Investor ticket provides full access to START Summit’s networking, deal-making, and exclusive investor events after application.

START Summit provides investors with a dynamic environment to connect with startups, fellow investors, and key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Key opportunities include:

  • Meeting early-stage startups across multiple industries.
  • Applying for the exclusive Investor Day-0 event, designed for high-level networking and discussions.
  • Using the in-app Matchmaking tool to schedule 1:1 meetings with startups and investors before the event.
  • Gaining insights into emerging sectors through keynote speeches and panel discussions.

With thousands of entrepreneurs and investors in attendance, START Summit is the ideal place to build connections and explore new investment opportunities.

START Summit attracts startups from a wide variety of industries, including:

  • FinTech
  • SaaS
  • DeepTech & Hardware
  • Consumer Tech
  • HealthTech & BioTech
  • AI & Data
  • SpaceTech
  • DefenseTech
  • Sustainability & Impact
  • GreenTech & ClimateTech
  • Mobility & Transportation
  • Cybersecurity
  • AgriTech & FoodTech
  • EdTech
  • Web3 & Blockchain
  • SportsTech & Gaming
  • IndustrialTech
  • PropTech & ConTech

Most startups at the event are in the pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A stages, but later-stage companies also attend to network and explore new partnerships.

Yes, you can purchase multiple tickets for your team or other attendees. During checkout, you’ll be asked to assign each ticket to the correct participant. This allows you to complete all purchases in one transaction while ensuring each attendee is properly registered.

Once you have registered on our event app, you will gain access to the full list of attendees, including all participating startups. This allows you to explore startup profiles, research their backgrounds, and plan your meetings in advance.

The Investor Day-0 event is an exclusive, application-only pre-Summit gathering taking place on March 19, 2025. It is designed specifically for investors and includes:

  • High-level networking with VCs, LPs, Angels, and CVCs.
  • Industry insights and discussions on emerging investment trends.
  • Curated matchmaking opportunities to connect with startups and fellow investors.

As space is limited, participation is by application only. More details will follow soon.

Yes! Our Matchmaking tool, available through the START Summit app, allows you to connect in advance with:

  • Startups looking for investors and funding.
  • Fellow investors for co-investment opportunities.
  • Industry leaders and potential business partners.

The tool lets you filter attendees by industry, funding stage, and nationality, making it easy to find the right connections before the event even begins.

Yes! If your company or fund would like to make a special announcement - such as a new fund closing, a major partnership, or a product launch - START Summit provides a great platform to reach a highly engaged audience.

For more details and possibilities, please reach out to us at growth@startsummit.ch.

Students

The Student ticket is available to students from all countries and educational backgrounds. This includes:

  • University students (Bachelor, Master, PhD)
  • Students from higher grades in secondary schools who are eager to explore entrepreneurship and technology.

If you’re a student looking to expand your network, gain industry insights, and connect with startups and investors, the Student ticket gives you full access to START Summit at a special discounted rate.

START Summit is the perfect place for students to immerse themselves in the startup ecosystem, gain industry insights, and kickstart their entrepreneurial journey. As a student, you can:

• Connect with leading startups, investors, and corporate innovators to explore career and internship opportunities.

• Engage in exclusive student networking sessions and meet like-minded peers from across the world.

• Gain insights from top entrepreneurs and industry experts through keynote speeches and panel discussions.

• Participate in interactive workshops and side events to develop hands-on skills.

• Explore internship and job openings at the START Fair and through networking with top companies and startups.

• Compete in innovation challenges and pitching competitions that could help launch your startup idea.

• Enjoy the full START Summit experience at Summit Afterhours and the Afterparty, where attendees come together to connect, unwind, and celebrate.

Whether you’re looking for career inspiration, mentorship, or unforgettable experiences, START Summit provides the perfect platform to learn, connect, and have fun.

Yes, a limited number of free accommodations will be available for students attending START Summit 2025. However, space is very limited, and we recommend applying as soon as possible once registrations open. The spaces will be given out on a first-come-first-serve base.

If you’re on a tight budget or want to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Europe’s leading startup conferences, you can apply to be a volunteer at START Summit.

As a volunteer, you’ll get:

  • Free access to the full event.
  • The chance to work closely with the organizing team.
  • Exclusive networking opportunities with startups and investors.

Volunteering is a great way to gain hands-on experience, meet inspiring people, and be part of something exciting. Find out more and apply here.

Corporate & attendees

The Corporate ticket is designed for professionals working in established companies who are looking to:

• Engage in Corporate Venture Clienting, an exclusive opportunity for corporates to connect with startups offering cutting-edge solutions tailored to corporate challenges.

• Discover innovative startups and emerging technologies.

• Explore strategic partnerships with founders, investors, and other corporates.

• Gain industry insights through expert panels and discussions.

• Engage in deal-making opportunities and connect with key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Whether you’re from a large multinational, a fast-growing scale-up, or an innovation-focused enterprise, the Corporate ticket provides full access to START Summit’s networking, keynotes, and side events.

START Summit is a powerful platform for corporations to engage with the startup ecosystem and drive innovation. As a corporate attendee, you can:

  • Meet high-potential startups to explore investment or partnership opportunities.
  • Gain insights from industry leaders on disruptive technologies and market trends.
  • Network with top investors, founders, and executives in networking sessions.
  • Participate in exclusive roundtables and workshops tailored for corporate innovators.
  • Strengthen your brand presence by engaging with young talents and entrepreneurs.

If your company is looking to stay ahead of industry disruptions, connect with innovative founders, or invest in breakthrough technologies, START Summit provides the ideal setting.

Yes! If your company or fund would like to make a special announcement - such as a new fund closing, a major partnership, or a product launch - START Summit provides a great platform to reach a highly engaged audience.

For more details and possibilities, please reach out to us at growth@startsummit.ch.

The Attendee ticket is designed for individuals who want to experience START Summit but do not qualify for Student, Startup, Investor, or Corporate tickets. This includes:

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs exploring the startup ecosystem.
  • Tech enthusiasts and industry professionals interested in the latest trends.
  • Business professionals looking to network with startups and investors.
  • Innovation-focused individuals who want to connect with the startup world but don’t fit into other ticket categories.

If you’re eager to immerse yourself in innovation, connect with like-minded people, and gain insights from industry leaders, the Attendee ticket gives you full access to keynotes, workshops, networking sessions, and more.

Media

START Summit is Europe’s leading student-run conference for entrepreneurship and technology, bringing together thousands of startups, investors, and industry leaders. As a media representative, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Gain exclusive insights into the latest trends in startups, venture capital, and innovation.
  • Interview top founders, investors, and speakers shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
  • Get early access to breaking news from emerging startups and disruptive technologies.
  • Network with key players in the startup ecosystem, from early-stage founders to corporate executives.
  • Attend invite-only media events and press conferences.

Whether you’re a journalist, blogger, or content creator, START Summit provides a dynamic platform to cover the next big stories in tech and entrepreneurship.

For media inquiries, accreditation or media-partnership collaborations, please contact us at growth@startsummit.ch. Our PR team will provide further details and assist with your participation.

Yes that is possible. Contact us via growth@startsummit.ch.