Could you share more about your internationalisation programs and how they support your home-grown tech businesses expanding globally?
START Global was founded in St. Gallen to provide entrepreneurial opportunities to students active in a corporate-focused environment. Over time, it expanded into a network of 20 Chapters spread across Europe and Latin America, driving innovation in their own ecosystem. Situated in cities with the highest relevance and potential to grow, our Chapters also play a key role in connecting the different countries they’re active in, merging their own strengths.
Can you share some of the exciting startups you’re currently working with, and which ones you believe have strong potential in the Singapore market?
Due to its nature, START Global mainly supports early-stage startups. It does so, through 2 main projects: START Summit, a 2-days conference focusing on early-stage startups, and START Fellowship, an philanthropic accelerator program bringing to Switzerland 30 founders from low and middle income countries.
With these projects, we support startups focusing on deeptech, SaaS, healthtech and biotech, as those are some of the main trends currently in our ecosystems.
How do you typically help startups connect with key stakeholders in Singapore, such as investors, resellers, or potential customers? Would you say events like SWITCH play a crucial role in that process?
Our interactions with Singapore at the SWITCH conference revealed significant potential thanks to the similarities between both countries. SWITCH and START Summit in Europe are key to their ecosystem, connecting stakeholders and providing entry points into new markets. They facilitate cross-border collaboration, helping startups and innovators expand their reach. By bridging ecosystems, such events create opportunities for knowledge exchange, investment, and growth on a global scale.
From your perspective, what are the most exciting opportunities or industries in Singapore right now that startups should be exploring? Are there specific verticals you’d like to dive deeper into or learn more about?
With the rise of AI, the Deeptech sector is booming. Its unpredictability makes it both challenging and exciting for venture capitalists. The vast growth potential, with applications in countless processes—many still undiscovered—makes it a key area of innovation. Singapore, with its strong universities and research institutions, has a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of this new era. By fostering Deeptech advancements, the region can position itself among global pioneers, driving groundbreaking developments and shaping the future of AI-driven industries.
Why should Singaporean startups explore your market as part of their own global expansion journey?
Switzerland has ranked as the world’s most innovative country for 14 years in a row, according to the Global Innovation Index. With top-tier research institutions and leading universities in tech and business, its ecosystem provides ideal conditions for venture creation. Its strong infrastructure and central location make it a key player in Europe, attracting major corporations that establish their headquarters here. This, in turn, creates opportunities for young startups looking to benefit from Switzerland’s thriving business environment, world-class talent, and access to global markets.
