The HSG START Accelerator held its first Demo Day on 2 December, where eight selected deeptech startups presented their business models to an audience of investors, partners, and guests.
Most of the participating startups are already in advanced discussions with investors or have completed a financing round.
The programme aims to connect technological excellence with entrepreneurial implementation, preparing European tech startups in the early growth phase for scaling and access to capital and markets.
The initiative is a collaboration between the University of St. Gallen (HSG), the START Foundation, and the Switzerland Innovation Park East, with support from the Canton of St. Gallen, other foundations, and private donors.
Over 150 participants attended the Demo Day at the University of St. Gallen’s SQUARE.
Eight startups were chosen from more than 130 applications across 30 countries, representing fields such as climatetech, drones, AI, medtech, and robotics.
Founders come from leading institutions including ETH Zurich, EPFL, Empa, the University of Zurich, and HSG.
“The last few weeks have shown how the founders have sharpened their positioning and worked on their business models to become investor-ready,”
said Nicolas Blanchard, CEO of the HSG START Accelerator.
Around 60 experts and mentors supported the startups, helping them refine business models, develop market strategies, and connect with potential investors.
The startups presenting included:
Augmedi
AI-based 3D learning platform for medical training.
Avientus
ETH Zurich spin-off offering drone logistics solutions.
Dexterous Endoscopes
EPFL spin-off developing a flexible surgical endoscope.
Forgis
AI-driven development for industrial robot systems.
Ionic Wind
Empa spin-off creating energy-efficient cooling technology.
Iron Energy
ETH spin-off producing iron-oxide-based long-duration energy storage.
Neurovia
EPFL spin-off developing minimally invasive implants interacting with the nervous system.
TreeScatter
AI platform generating detailed 3D models of forests for sustainable forestry.
The independent investment committee offered funding to Dexterous Endoscopes, recognising the startup’s product, market strategy, and growth potential.
Applications for the second batch, starting in March 2026, are now open for European tech startups ready for their next growth phase.
Featured image credit: HSG START Accelerator
