START Summit 2026: Embrace New Horizons – St. Gallen, Switzerland
Overview
START Summit 2026 represents Europe’s flagship student-run conference dedicated to entrepreneurship and technological innovation. Organized by START Global at the University of St. Gallen, this high-energy event serves as a vital bridge between the next generation of founders and the established venture capital ecosystem. The summit is designed to foster a synergistic space where over 7,000 participants engage in meaningful dialogue to shape the future of global business and technology.
The 2026 edition, themed Embracing New Horizons, focuses on navigating the rapidly shifting landscapes of deep tech, sustainability, and digital transformation. Across two intensive days, the venue transforms into a bustling hub featuring world-class keynotes, intimate fireside chats, and technical workshops led by industry pioneers. It is a rare environment where student ambition meets professional expertise, creating a unique atmosphere of optimism and pragmatic problem-solving.
Recommended Products For This Event:
Anker Portable Power Bank
Fast, reliable backup power for phones on the go. Anytime, every day.
Buy on Amazon
Moleskine Classic Notebook
Premium notebook for capturing ideas anytime, anywhere. daily
use.
Buy on Amazon
Nomatic Conference Backpack
Durable backpack for carrying laptops, documents, and essentials daily.
Buy on AmazonBeyond the formal sessions, the summit is famous for its extensive networking opportunities, including the START Fair and high-stakes pitching competitions. Attendees can explore an exhibition floor featuring dozens of cutting-edge startups or utilize a dedicated event app to facilitate thousands of one-on-one meetings. Whether you are looking for your next investment, a future co-founder, or a career-defining connection, the event provides the platform to turn visionary ideas into reality.
Enjoy Your Event Stress-Free with Euro Travelo
Planning a trip to attend a festival, concert, or business event in Europe can be overwhelming—tickets, travel, accommodation, and local logistics all take time and effort. Euro Travelo makes it simple by providing everything you need through one trusted company. You save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish.
Event Highlights
- Pitching Competitions: Watch visionary founders showcase their ideas across various verticals on the grand stage to win prestigious awards and gain exposure to top-tier investors.
- START Fair Exhibition: Explore a dynamic exhibition floor where 80 plus cutting-edge startups showcase their innovations, offering a glimpse into the future of multiple industries.
- Networking App: Access a powerful matchmaking tool designed to facilitate over 12,000 one-on-one meetings between founders, investors, and talented individuals.
- Expert Workshops: Participate in over 30 hands-on workshops and Ask Me Anything sessions with industry leaders to gain practical insights and specialized knowledge.
Why Attend
Attending START Summit 2026 is an essential investment for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the European startup ecosystem. For founders and startups, the event offers unparalleled access to a dense network of venture capitalists, corporate partners, and potential customers ready to back the next generation of unicorns. Investors benefit from a curated deal flow and the opportunity to scout high-potential early-stage talent in a vibrant, concentrated setting.
The summit is equally beneficial for students and young professionals seeking to launch their entrepreneurial careers or find roles within innovative companies. By participating in speed dating sessions with corporates and learning directly from successful founders, attendees gain the tools and inspiration needed to navigate the complexities of modern business. The blend of high-level strategic insights and practical networking makes this event the ideal catalyst for professional growth and collaborative innovation.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: March 19 – 20, 2026
- Event Duration: Two full days of main programming preceded by a Day Zero for specific ticket holders.
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are available through the official START Global website and must be personalized via a link sent after purchase to activate networking features.
- Admission Type: Tiered registration including options for Students, Startups, Investors, Corporates, and General Attendees.
- Ticket Pricing: Tickets range from approximately 115 USD to 1,035 USD depending on the attendee category and registration timing.
- Special Seating Options: Access to specific stages and workshop rooms is generally included with all passes on a first-come, first-served basis.
- VIP Options: Investor and Corporate tickets include exclusive access to the Investor Lounge and specialized Day Zero networking tracks.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Venue Name: St. Galler Kantonalbank Halle
- Google Maps Address: Splügenstrasse 12, 9008 St. Gallen, Switzerland
Worried about accommodation? Hotels near this event sell out quickly, and prices tend to rise fast. Check out these accommodation options:
Contact Information
- Email: experience@startsummit.ch
- Official Website: https://www.startglobal.org/start-summit
- Social Media Links:
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/startglobal
- https://www.instagram.com/start_global
- https://www.youtube.com/@STARTGlobalAssociation
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Zurich Airport (ZRH) is approximately 50 miles from the venue and reachable by a direct 1-hour train ride.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: St. Gallen Main Station is the primary rail hub connecting the city to major European centers.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: Local bus lines 3, 4, or 6 run frequently from the main train station directly to the Olma Messen bus stop.
- Parking Availability: Limited parking is available at the event hall, though public transport is highly recommended due to high attendance.
- Directions by Car: Accessible via the A1 motorway using the St. Gallen-St. Fiden exit and following signs for Olma Messen.
What is this event?
START Summit is a premier European startup and technology conference organized entirely by students from the University of St. Gallen. It connects early-stage startups with world-class investors, industry leaders, and high-potential talent to foster innovation.
The event focuses on creating a seeding ground for new business ideas through a mix of keynotes, workshops, and networking. It serves as a central meeting point for the entrepreneurial ecosystem to discuss future trends and build strategic partnerships.
Why is it popular?
The summit is widely celebrated for its unique energy and the high quality of its networking opportunities, which often lead to real-world funding and collaborations. It bridges the gap between academic ambition and professional venture capital in a way few other events can.
Its popularity stems from the ability to attract top-tier speakers and global investors to the intimate setting of St. Gallen. The student-led nature of the event brings a fresh, vibrant perspective that resonates with both young innovators and seasoned executives.
Attendee Experiences
- The atmosphere is incredibly vibrant and it is definitely the best place in Europe to meet future unicorn founders.
- I found my co-founders here and the 1 on 1 meetings through the app were a total game changer for our startup.
- Massive energy throughout the two days and the afterparty is legendary for making informal business connections.
Attention!
We offer complete packages including Event Tickets, Accommodation, Transportation & more — so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Contact Us →Before you go, check these helpful travel products:
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What should I bring to the event for registration?
You should have your digital ticket QR code ready on your mobile device through the official event app to ensure a fast check-in process at the entrance. It is also highly recommended to bring a valid form of identification and plenty of digital business cards or LinkedIn profiles ready for the intensive networking sessions. Be sure to carry a portable power bank as the heavy use of the matchmaking app throughout the day can drain phone batteries quickly.
Are there options for food and drinks at the summit?
The venue hosts a diverse Food Festival that offers a wide array of high-quality local Swiss cuisine and international dishes to cater to all dietary preferences and requirements. Most ticket tiers include access to complimentary coffee, water, and light snacks throughout the day, while more substantial meals can be purchased from various vendors. The summit environment is designed to keep you well-fueled so you can focus entirely on the keynote speeches and scheduled workshop sessions.
Can I transfer my ticket to another person if I cannot attend?
Tickets are generally non-refundable but the organization allows for a full transfer of the pass to another individual as long as the personalization process has not been finalized. You must use the unique link sent in your confirmation email to update the name, contact details, and professional background of the new attendee. This flexibility ensures that the ticket can still be utilized by a colleague or peer if your personal travel plans happen to change unexpectedly.
Is there a specific program for the weekend after the summit?
The Swiss Weekend is a curated cultural experience held on the Saturday and Sunday immediately following the main summit days to provide a more relaxed setting for building relationships. Participants can join organized group activities such as mountain excursions, chocolate factory tours, or city walks around the historic Abbey District of St. Gallen. This extended program is an excellent way to deepen the connections made during the hectic summit days while enjoying the scenic beauty of Switzerland.
How do I apply to pitch my startup on the main stage?
Startups must submit a formal application through the START Global portal by the specified deadline and meet eligibility criteria such as being in the early funding stages. Selected teams undergo a rigorous vetting process and are eventually invited to pitch in front of a live jury consisting of industry experts and venture capitalists. Winning the competition provides significant visibility, potential investment leads, and access to a massive network of mentors who can help scale the business globally.
