HSG students promote sustainable start-ups

Sustainability Week on campus, an initiative that brings together homeowners and investors for the construction of solar panels, and a fashion show for sustainable clothing are all projects launched by Oikos St.Gallen. Oikos is an association of HSG students and has around 160 volunteer members. “Our mission is to anchor sustainability in the business world and at the university,” says Vanessa Schüpbach.

She is the head of the latest Oikos project, Oikos Catalyst. On March 28, 2025, up to six start-ups will be able to pitch their business ideas at SQUARE HSG – a jury will then determine which startup will receive prize money.

This year's Oikos Catalyst has the motto “Today's Action, Tomorrow's Cities.” So start-ups are wanted that work on topics related to the sustainable transformation of cities. “Cities have a key role to play in overcoming the climate crisis. With Oikos Catalyst, we want to inspire and connect entrepreneurs, cities, investors and students,” says Schüpbach.

Oikos networks sustainability associations at HSG

In addition to the startup presentations, there will be an introduction by Christian Opitz, head of the HSG Center for Energy Management. “It is also conceivable that representatives of cities will attend the event,” says Schüpbach.

Oikos Catalyst sets a new focus topic each year for start-ups to apply for. In 2024, the topic was “The Future of Food.” Four startups presented their business ideas. Niatsu, a company that provides sustainability data to food producers, received prize money of 2,500 Swiss francs. The prize money for 2025 has not yet been decided and will be raised through crowdfunding, among other things.

Student Impact is a partner of Oikos Catalyst. This is also an association of volunteer HSG students who advise companies on sustainability issues. Since its founding in 2014, Student Impact has supported over 140 companies. “The collaboration between Oikos Catalyst and Student Impact connects two large associations at HSG that pursue sustainable goals. Building up such and other networks is an important basic idea of Oikos Catalyst,” says Schüpbach.

Interested startups can apply here until February 28. You can find out how to support Oikos Catalyst through crowdfunding here.