W A de Vigier Foundation Startup Award

The W.A. de Vigier Award is the oldest prize for young entrepreneurs in Switzerland and, with annual prize money of up to CHF 500,000 (five times CHF 100,000), is one of the most highly endowed startup prizes in Switzerland. In addition the start-ups will get access to a fantastic network of investors, alumni and industry experts. Over the past 32 years, the foundation has distributed over CHF 11 million of seed money. The results are about 100 flourishing startups, successful IPOs, multiple company exits and above all, many newly created jobs.

Criteria

Entrepreneurs can apply who are able to present an innovative, future-oriented product or service concept are dedicated to their project full time have already or are about to establish a Switzerland-based company have their registered residence in Switzerland are (usually) not older than 45 years The following aspects are relevant for the evaluation of the projects: The entrepreneurial personality, the degree of innovation, the value for society as a whole, the technical and financial viability, market prospects and the potential for job creation.  It’s crucial that the CEO of the company applies and goes through the entire process personally.