No, we're open to anyone who is seriously building something and ready to commit to four weeks of full focus.

Yes, but we primarily target the Alpine Axis. If you're from the region or part of a START chapter, you're welcome to apply.

No, AI-native company building is the core focus of the program. AI-native means AI is core to what you're building and how you build it. Not a feature on top, but the foundation of your product and your process.

You should have a concrete idea and have already started with drafting, building, or testing. Not a fully formed startup, but not just a vague concept either. We want to see that you've already begun,

Yes and most applicants do. You can build as a solo founder or look for a co-founder among the other participants during the program.

Yes, but apply individually and mention your co-founder in the application. We'll interview both of you, but admission isn't guaranteed for both. Each person is evaluated on their own.

Neither - you set your own schedule. There are weekly goals and milestones, but no fixed input sessions or lectures. You're here to build, not to learn how to build.

Yes, weekdays are in-person and attendance is required. Weekends are yours to use as you like.

The whole format is built around it. You live, eat and build with the same people for four weeks. The connections happen naturally.

ccommodation in St. Gallen for the full four weeks and dinner with the cohort every day. AI credits for development are also included.

Travel to St. Gallen and daily meals outside of the shared dinners are on you.

To support your building during the program, covering tools and infrastructure you need to develop your product. Details on which credits and amounts will be confirmed closer to the program start.

You leave with a working prototype and initial traction. From there, you can join SPH to keep building at START Campus, apply to another program, or continue independently. Either way, you become part of a growing alumni community that meets across batches over time.

A strong application shows two things: what you've built before, any project, product, or experience that proves you know how to execute and what you're actively working on right now. We're not looking for a perfect idea. We're looking for evidence that you build.

Within one week of your submission you'll know whether we want to schedule an interview. After the interviews, final decisions will be communicated shortly after, in early August.