Engage with the builders
A strategic invitation to engage with the builders creating tomorrow's economy.
Direct access to ambitious builders at ETH, HSG, and FH OST — before they graduate.
Why engage with START Foundation
Access talent before the market does
Meet and work alongside ambitious builders at ETH, HSG, and FH OST during their most formative years — before they enter the job market or raise their first round.
Shape what gets built
Bring real problems, case studies, or R&D challenges into a hands-on environment. Students build solutions. You get direct insight and first access to the output.
Invest in the ecosystem
Switzerland's long-term competitiveness depends on closing the gap between academic excellence and entrepreneurial output. You can be part of closing it.
Philanthropic Engagement
Donors
Help ensure that Switzerland's best talent can build without artificial barriers. Donor contributions fund project stipends, campus infrastructure, interdisciplinary programs, and the support structures that make serious student-led work possible.
CHF 5K
funds one student project for a semester
CHF 25K
sponsors a full hacker house cohort
CHF 100K+
enables a named program or partnership
START Foundation is a tax-exempt non-profit foundation registered in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Donations may be tax-deductible depending on your jurisdiction.
Work With START FoundationStrategic Partnership
Industry, SME & Trade Partners
Join a growing consortium of companies that engage directly with START's builder community. Partnerships are structured around real exchange — not passive sponsorship.
Project Sparring
Bring a real problem or challenge into the Student Project House. Work alongside students as they prototype solutions under time pressure.
Talent Pipeline
Meet builders early. Partner companies get structured access to students and alumni through events, workshops, and informal introductions.
Events & Presence
Participate in hacker houses, demo days, and fireside chats. Position your brand as a builder-first organization in front of the next generation.
R&D Collaboration
Co-design a program or challenge with START Foundation's team. Particularly suited for SMEs and industry partners exploring AI-first transformation.
Material Support
In-Kind Sponsors
Help equip the campus and the people building on it. In-kind contributions go directly into the hands of students building real projects.
Software & SaaS licenses
Development tools, design platforms, AI APIs, cloud credits, and productivity software.
Hardware & Equipment
Prototyping equipment, electronics, displays, and workspace technology.
Expert Time & Mentorship
Structured hours from practitioners, operators, and domain experts — the most valuable in-kind contribution we receive.
Space & Logistics
Venues for events, transport, catering for intensives, and physical infrastructure support.
Get in Touch
Let's build something together.
Whether you're exploring a first conversation or ready to commit — get in touch. We respond to every serious inquiry personally.