Pitch it. Build it. Change the future.
Where founders step onto the stage to present pioneering ideas that shape tomorrow.
Join the START Pitching Competitions — the place where vision meets opportunity.
And for investors: meet top early-stage founders- and discover tomorrow’s breakthroughs before anyone else.
Pitch it. Build it. Change the future.
Where founders step onto the stage to present pioneering ideas that shape tomorrow.
Join the START Pitching Competitions — the place where vision meets opportunity.
And for investors: meet top early-stage founders- and discover tomorrow’s breakthroughs before anyone else.
Investors attending
year after year
Step on stage
and unlock your next chapter.
Pitching at START Summit means presenting your vision where innovation meets opportunity.
Showcase your idea in front of 7,000+ attendees and 1,000+ investors, gain visibility, and build momentum alongside Europe’s next generation of founders.
Startups Benefit From:
Present your startup to thousands of attendees and industry leaders.
Global exposure
Direct investor access
Meet top-tier European VCs, angels, and corporates
Expert feedback
Learn from experienced founders, specialists, and jury members
Networking opportunities
Access mentoring, exclusive gatherings, and key community events
Momentum boost
Strengthen your story, gain traction, and unlock new opportunities
Step 1: Buy a ticket
Buy a Startup Ticket and personalize it with your data.
Step 2: Download the Networking platform
Register on our Networking platform with the link provided in the e-mail.
Step 3: Apply on the Networking platform
Follow the instructions on the app and apply for Pitching Competitions.
How to apply
Apply Now
Where investors discover
what’s next.
At START Summit, investors connect directly with the strongest startups across several innovation verticals. After the pitches, founders and investors meet face-to-face in the Private Pitching Lounge - creating a curated space for deal flow and discovery.
Key Values for Investors:
Premium deal flow across multiple industries
Meet top founders selected through a competitive screening process
Discover emerging technologies before they reach the market
Exclusive Pitching Lounge access for in-depth discussions with the participating Startups next to the Pitching Stage
FAQ
DO I NEED A SUMMIT TICKET?
Yes, a valid START Summit ticket is required.
WHAT STAGE SHOULD MY STARTUP BE IN?
From idea to early traction.
HOW ARE STARTUPS SELECTED?
Based on innovation, team strength, and potential impact.
WHERE CAN I APPLY?
In our Event app, after you bought your Ticket.
DO I NEED A SUMMIT TICKET?
Yes, a valid START Summit ticket is required.
WHAT STAGE SHOULD MY STARTUP BE IN?
From idea to early traction.
HOW ARE STARTUPS SELECTED?
Based on innovation, team strength, and potential impact.
WHERE CAN I APPLY?
In our Event app, after you bought your Ticket.
AI Innovation Vertical
Who we’re looking for:
Startups building AI-first or AI-enabled solutions — from machine learning platforms to intelligent automation and data-driven innovation.
HealthTech & Longevity
Who we’re looking for:
Startups shaping the future of longevity, biotechnology, medtech, digital health, or AI-driven life sciences.
More to be announced
Two more verticals coming soon. Stay tuned
Summiteers – Building the frontier of Deep Tech
Who we’re looking for:
Startups shaping the future of longevity, biotechnology, medtech, digital health, or AI-driven life sciences.
Benefits:
Exposure to top health & longevity investors
Spotlight in a rapidly growing innovation field
More than a pitch.
Your gateway to
the ecosystem.
The START Pitching Competitions are a core pillar of START Summit.
Each year, the most promising startups present their ideas to Europe’s top investors, founders, and industry leaders.
After pitching, every startup gains access to the exclusive Pitching Lounge - a private space where founders and investors connect, discuss opportunities, and build meaningful relationships.
It’s not just about pitching. It’s about exposure, momentum, and joining one of Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems.
START Summiteer Deep Tech
Who We’re Looking For
Startups developing breakthrough technologies — advanced engineering, frontier science, and deep-tech innovation.
Awards & Benefits
10,000 CHF prize for the winner (equity free)
Important
The competition has multiple rounds. Quarterfinals are on March 18 (one day before START Summit, attendance required). Semifinals and the Final take place during the Summit.
Swiss Sustainable Impact
Who We’re Looking For
Swiss-based startups driving sustainability, climate innovation, circularity, environmental impact, or social transformation — with potential for global scale.
Award
Swiss Sustainable Impact Award: 10,000 CHF plus 30,000 CHF in legal consulting from Lenz & Staehelin.
Benefits
Semifinalists receive free START Summit tickets and recognition as one of Switzerland’s top sustainable ventures.
Important
SSIA has two rounds — Semifinal and Final — both held during START Summit.
Our Current Pitching Competitions
More than a pitch.
Your gateway to the ecosystem.
The START Pitching Competitions are a core pillar of START Summit.
Each year, the most promising early-stage startups present their ideas to Europe’s top investors, founders, and industry leaders.
After pitching, every startup gains access to the exclusive Pitching Lounge - a private space where founders and investors connect, discuss opportunities, and build meaningful relationships.
It’s not just about pitching. It’s about exposure, momentum, and joining one of Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems.
Step on stage
and unlock your next chapter.
Pitching at START Summit means presenting your vision where innovation meets opportunity.
Showcase your idea in front of 7,000+ attendees and 1,000+ investors, gain visibility, and build momentum alongside Europe’s next generation of founders.
Startups Benefit From:
Present your startup to thousands of attendees and industry leaders.
Global exposure
Direct investor access
Meet top-tier European VCs, angels, and corporates
Expert feedback
Learn from experienced founders, specialists, and jury members
Networking opportunities
Access mentoring, exclusive gatherings, and key community events
Momentum boost
Strengthen your story, gain traction, and unlock new opportunities
Investors attending year after year
Step 1: Buy a ticket
Buy a Startup Ticket and personalize it with your data.
Step 2: Download the Networking platform
Register on our Networking platform with the link provided in the e-mail.
Step 3: Apply on the Networking platform
Follow the instructions on the app and apply for the Pitching Competitions.
How to apply
Apply Now
START Summiteer Deep Tech
Who We’re Looking For
Startups developing breakthrough technologies — advanced engineering, frontier science, and deep-tech innovation.
Awards & Benefits
10,000 CHF prize for the winner (equity free)
Important
The competition has multiple rounds. Quarterfinals are on March 18 (one day before START Summit, attendance required). Semifinals and the Final take place during the Summit.
Swiss Sustainable Impact
Who We’re Looking For
Swiss-based startups driving sustainability, climate innovation, circularity, environmental impact, or social transformation — with potential for global scale.
Award
Swiss Sustainable Impact Award: 10,000 CHF plus 30,000 CHF in legal consulting from Lenz & Staehelin.
Benefits
Semifinalists receive free START Summit tickets and recognition as one of Switzerland’s top sustainable ventures.
Important
SSIA has two rounds — Semifinal and Final — both held during START Summit.
Our Current Pitching Competitions
Where investors discover
what’s next.
At START Summit, investors connect directly with the strongest startups across several innovation verticals. After the pitches, founders and investors meet face-to-face in the Private Pitching Lounge - creating a curated space for deal flow and discovery.
Key Values for Investors:
Premium deal flow across multiple industries
Meet top founders selected through a competitive screening process
Discover emerging technologies before they reach the market
Exclusive Pitching Lounge access for in-depth discussions with the participating Startups next to the Pitching Stage
More to be announced
Two more verticals coming soon. Stay tuned
Summiteers – Building the frontier of Deep Tech
Who we’re looking for:
Startups shaping the future of longevity, biotechnology, medtech, digital health, or AI-driven life sciences.
Benefits:
Exposure to top health & longevity investors
Spotlight in a rapidly growing innovation field
FAQ
DO I NEED A SUMMIT TICKET?
Yes, a valid START Summit ticket is required.
WHAT STAGE SHOULD MY STARTUP BE IN?
From idea to early traction.
HOW ARE STARTUPS SELECTED?
Based on innovation, team strength, and potential impact.
WHERE CAN I APPLY?
In our Event app, after you bought your Ticket.
DO I NEED A SUMMIT TICKET?
Yes, a valid START Summit ticket is required.
WHAT STAGE SHOULD MY STARTUP BE IN?
From idea to early traction.
HOW ARE STARTUPS SELECTED?
Based on innovation, team strength, and potential impact.
WHERE CAN I APPLY?
In our Event app, after you bought your Ticket.
AI Innovation Vertical
Who we’re looking for:
Startups building AI-first or AI-enabled solutions — from machine learning platforms to intelligent automation and data-driven innovation.
HealthTech & Longevity
Who we’re looking for:
Startups shaping the future of longevity, biotechnology, medtech, digital health, or AI-driven life sciences.
More to be announced
Two more verticals coming soon. Stay tuned
Summiteers – Building the frontier of Deep Tech
Who we’re looking for:
Startups shaping the future of longevity, biotechnology, medtech, digital health, or AI-driven life sciences.
Benefits:
Exposure to top health & longevity investors
Spotlight in a rapidly growing innovation field
Pitch it. Build it. Change the future.
Where founders step onto the stage to present pioneering ideas that shape tomorrow.
Join the START Pitching Competitions — the place where vision meets opportunity.
And for investors: meet top early-stage founders- and discover tomorrow’s breakthroughs before anyone else.
More than a pitch.
Your gateway to the ecosystem.
The START Pitching Competitions are a core pillar of START Summit.
Each year, the most promising early-stage startups present their ideas to Europe’s top investors, founders, and industry leaders.
After pitching, every startup gains access to the exclusive Pitching Lounge - a private space where founders and investors connect, discuss opportunities, and build meaningful relationships.
It’s not just about pitching. It’s about exposure, momentum, and joining one of Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems.
Step on stage
and unlock your next chapter.
Pitch your vision where innovation meets opportunity.
Present in front of 7,000+ attendees and 1,000+ investors, gain visibility, and build momentum with Europe’s next generation of founders.
Startups Benefit From:
Present your startup to thousands of attendees and industry leaders.
Global exposure
Direct investor access
Meet Top-Tier European VCs, Angels, and Corporates in the Pitching Lounge
Expert feedback
Learn from experienced founders, specialists, and jury members
Networking opportunities
Access mentoring, exclusive gatherings, and key community events
Momentum boost
Strengthen your story, gain traction, and unlock new opportunities
Investors attending year after year
Where investors discover
what’s next.
At START Summit, investors connect directly with the strongest startups across several innovation verticals. After the pitches, founders and investors meet face-to-face in the Private Pitching Lounge - creating a curated space for deal flow and discovery.
Key Values for Investors:
Premium deal flow across multiple industries
Meet top founders selected through a competitive screening process
Discover emerging technologies before they reach the market
Exclusive Pitching Lounge access for in-depth discussions with the participating Startups next to the Pitching Stage
Our Current Pitching Competitions
START Summiteer (Deep Tech)
Who We’re Looking For
Startups developing breakthrough technologies — advanced engineering, frontier science, and deep-tech innovation.
Awards & Benefits
10,000 CHF prize for the winner (equity free)
Important
The competition has multiple rounds. Quarterfinals are on March 18 (one day before START Summit, attendance required). Semifinals and the Final take place during the Summit.
Swiss Sustainable Impact Award
Who We’re Looking For
Swiss-based startups driving sustainability, climate innovation, circularity, environmental impact, or social transformation — with potential for global scale.
Award
10,000 CHF plus 30,000 CHF in legal consulting from Lenz & Staehelin.
Benefits
Semifinalists receive free START Summit tickets and recognition as one of Switzerland’s top sustainable ventures.
Important
SSIA has two rounds — Semifinal and Final — both held during START Summit.
AI Innovation Vertical
Who we’re looking for:
Startups building AI-first or AI-enabled solutions — from machine learning platforms to intelligent automation and data-driven innovation.
HealthTech & Longevity
Who we’re looking for:
Startups shaping the future of longevity, biotechnology, medtech, digital health, or AI-driven life sciences.
More to be announced
Two more verticals coming soon. Stay tuned
Summiteers – Building the frontier of Deep Tech
Who we’re looking for:
Startups shaping the future of longevity, biotechnology, medtech, digital health, or AI-driven life sciences.
Benefits:
Exposure to top health & longevity investors
Spotlight in a rapidly growing innovation field
Step 1: Buy a ticket
Buy a Startup Ticket and personalize it with your data.
Step 2: Download the Networking platform
Register on our Networking platform with the link provided in the e-mail.
Step 3: Apply on the Networking platform
Follow the instructions on the app and apply for the Pitching Competitions.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply Now
FAQ
DO I NEED A SUMMIT TICKET?
Yes, a valid START Summit ticket is required.
WHAT STAGE SHOULD MY STARTUP BE IN?
From idea to early traction.
HOW ARE STARTUPS SELECTED?
Based on innovation, team strength, and potential impact.
WHERE CAN I APPLY?
In our Event app, after you bought your Ticket.