START FELLOWSHIP
Accelerator
START FELLOWSHIP ACCELERATOR
START Fellowship Accelerator is a unique program aimed at empowering young founders from Latin America and Africa! Immerse yourself in the European Startup ecosystem over a period of 3 months in Switzerland through input sessions with experienced investors and entrepreneurs, classes at the University of St. Gallen, mentoring and coaching with experts, alongside funding opportunities. Build a strong network of like-minded entrepreneurs forming a tight-knit community, and receive potential investments to make your Startup grow exponentially.
What you will get out of it!
Embark on your entrepreneurial journey to Switzerland and accelerate your Startup through our focus areas of content, network and fundraising - all costs covered and opportunities to receive equity-free funding.
Conferences
Get immersed in the most vibrant Startup hubs of Europe and connect with the key stakeholders of the entrepreneurial ecosystem at events, or trips.
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CO-WORKING
SPACE
You’ll get 24/7 access to an inspiring office full of driven founders, unlimited coffee, and a space designed to boost productivity and motivation.
Workshops
Hosted by experts from a wide range of backgrounds, our Workshops offer insights into key topics regarding your Startup, including Fundraising, Marketing, Sales and more.
Networking
You’ll join exclusive events across Europe, connect with fellow founders, investors, and partners, and grow your network in the global startup ecosystem.
Mentoring
Your two Mentors guide you throughout the entire accelerator in bi-weekly meetings, provide you with advice and all the support you need to see your Startup succeed.
Investment
Committee
You’ll have the opportunity to pitch in front of a jury and compete for up to 60k in equity-free funding to accelerate your startup’s growth.
Demo Day
At the end of the accelerator, you’ll pitch your Startup to investors and ecosystem leaders, with the chance to secure funding and gain high-level exposure.
Founder
Scholarships
We cover your apartment, health insurance, and food allowance—so you can focus entirely on building your Startup without financial worries.
PAST SPEAKERS

Florian Huber
EWOR

Gabriel Bernasconi
BFF

Mateo Bryant
Minted

Andreas Goeldi
b2venture

Michael Cassau
SKROL, Grover

Bettina Hein
juli

Petter Made
EWOR, SumUp

Damaris Mendoza Loera
500 Global

Mariano Otero
Fever

Dr. Jan Brinckmann
ESADE

Felipe Delago
Merama

Sebastian Kreis
Xepelin

Daniel Gutenberg
Hookipa

Boris Manhart
Innosuisse

Borja Martel
Roxom

Mariano Mayer
Newtopia

Patrick Hertzog
Nexthink

Adrian Locher
Merantix Capital

Tina Rosenfeld
Camanchaca SA

Pascal Bieri
Planted
application requirements
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Enrollment at a partner university in LatAm or Africa (If you’re not already enrolled we still encourage you to apply since we can help you to get enrolled upon being selected for the program)
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You are between 18 - 25 years old
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Committed to founding
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You already have an MVP or a first prototype
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English C1 Level
Find out what happens once you apply!
Selection Process
04.08.2025
Application opens
14.09.2025
Application closes
22.09.2025 - 03.10.2025
First interview round (Alumni Interviews)
29.09.2025 - 10.10.2025
Second interview round (Team Interviews)
06.10.2025 - 17.10.2025
Third interview round (VC Interviews)
26.10.2025
Final selection of START Fellows
05.01.2026
START Fellowship Pre-Accelerator program starts
08.02.2026
START Fellowship Accelerator begins