HSG START Accelerator Launches Second Cohort of 8 Deeptech Startups

2026-03-23 - 09:00

The HSG START Accelerator has launched its second cohort at START Summit 2026 in St. Gallen. The programme will provide the startups with mentoring, network access, and support to develop their business models. The 8 deeptech startups are: Aithon Robotics ExoSphere FireDrone GoNeon Lightlink Instruments NoxBlanc Optohive SurfAce Cleantech It will conclude with a Demo Day on 12 May 2026, where the teams will present their innovations to investors. The University of St. Gallen (HSG), the START Foundation, and Switzerland Innovation Park East (SIP Ost) established the HSG START Accelerator in St. Gallen. The programme supports European startups in the early growth phase and receives funding from the Canton of St. Gallen, the Ernst Göhner Foundation, the Metrohm Foundation, and Swisscom. This year, the accelerator is also participating in the “DO it in St. Gallen” initiative, launched at START Summit 2026 to further develop St. Gallen as an innovation hub. Featured image credit: HSG Start Accelerator press release