About START Summit
START Summit is Europe's largest student-run startup conference, bringing together 7,000+ entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Join us on March 19-20, 2026 for two days of networking, keynotes, and startup showcases that shape the future of European entrepreneurship.
START Summit is Europe's largest student-run startup conference, uniting over 7,000 entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, and students in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Since its inception, the conference has established itself as a premier platform for innovation, networking, and knowledge exchange across the European startup ecosystem. The 2026 edition, taking place on March 19-20, will feature cutting-edge discussions on artificial intelligence, climate technology, deep tech, and the future of entrepreneurship. Attendees can expect inspiring keynotes from industry leaders, interactive workshops, startup pitch competitions, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Organized by START Global, a student initiative at the University of St. Gallen (HSG), START Summit embodies the power of student-driven innovation. The conference attracts a diverse mix of founders building the next generation of companies, investors seeking promising opportunities, corporate partners looking to engage with the startup ecosystem, and ambitious students eager to learn and connect. This year's summit introduces enhanced networking formats, expanded startup showcase opportunities, and deeper engagement with Europe's most promising ventures. Join us to experience the energy, ideas, and connections that define Europe's entrepreneurial future.
Embrace New Horizons
Innovation rarely happens in stable conditions. Over the past years, Europe's tech ecosystem has been shaped by disruption, volatility, and rapid shifts in technology, markets, and geopolitics. In that environment, a new generation of founders and builders has emerged - resilient, ambitious, and unwilling to wait for certainty before acting.
Embrace New Horizons is the guiding theme of START Summit 2026: a call to move beyond short-term thinking and actively shape what comes next. It reflects a mindset of building through uncertainty, adapting fast, and turning momentum into real progress - from breakthrough research to scalable companies, from conviction to execution.
Europe has the talent, capital, and infrastructure to lead the next wave of innovation. The question is whether we capture that value by building boldly: launching faster, learning publicly, partnering strategically, and solving the hard problems that will define the next decade.
At START Summit 2026 in St. Gallen, founders, investors, operators, and ecosystem leaders come together to accelerate that journey - sharing insights, forming partnerships, and pushing ideas into reality. The goal is simple: build what matters next.
START Global, Empowered by HSG Students
START Global is Europe's largest student-run entrepreneurship initiative, empowering the next generation of founders through education, networking, and hands-on experience.
We believe in the power of student-driven innovation and provide a platform where bold ideas can become reality.
START Global has been the bridge between academia and entrepreneurship for over 7 years, connecting 250+ passionate students with the startup ecosystem and creating a platform where 50,000+ attendees have discovered new horizons in innovation and business.
Press Kit
Download high-resolution images, logos, videos, and key information about START Summit 2026.
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Press Accreditation
Apply for a press pass to cover START Summit 2026. We'll review your application and confirm via email.
Applications received after this date will be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to availability.
Accreditation & Guidelines
What Qualifies as "Press"
We welcome applications from journalists, editors, photographers, videographers, and content creators working for:
- Established media outlets (print, online, broadcast)
- Reputable tech and business publications
- Industry blogs and newsletters with significant reach
- Freelance journalists with a track record of published work
What You Get
Accredited press receive:
- Full access to all conference sessions and keynotes
- Access to dedicated Media space, as well as START Summit Podcast Studio
- Priority access to speakers for interviews
- Press kit with high-resolution images and materials
- Networking opportunities with speakers and attendees
Got More Questions?
Our team is here to help. Reach out if you need assistance with press accreditation, media coverage guidelines, or anything else.
Media Partners
Leading publications and media outlets covering START Summit and the European startup ecosystem.
Press Releases
Latest announcements and updates from START Global and START Summit.
START Summit - Embrace New Horizons
30.01.2026START Summit is Europe's leading early-stage startup conference at the intersection of entrepreneurship and technology. Organised by students, it brings together founders, investors, corporates, researchers, and policymakers to discuss where innovation in Europe is heading. Over 7,000 attendees from Switzerland, Germany, and more than 30 other European countries are expected, along with participants from North and South America and Asia.
Media Coverage
See how leading publications have covered START Summit and the stories that matter.
Bettina Hein: «Startup dank Naivität, Chuzpe und Durchhalten»
Ende März findet seit fast 30 Jahren der Start Summit für Startups in St. Gallen statt. Der Anlass, organisiert von Studierenden, ist auf 7000 Teilnehmende angewachsen. Mitgründerin Bettina Hein ist heute innovative Technologieunternehmerin in der Schweiz und den USA.
Read ArticleThe Student-Run Conference Attracting Europe's Top VCs
START Summit 2026: From Unicorn Founders to Deeptech Leaders — Europe’s Startup Ecosystem Meets in St. Gallen
Read ArticleFrequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about press coverage and media accreditation for START Summit.