People - 20.03.2026 - 11:55
Prof. Dr. Dietmar Grichnik, professor for Entrepreneurship and vice president at the University of St.Gallen, says in his laudatio during START Summit 2026: “Since 2011, I’ve had the pleasure of being here each year together with our President to present the “HSG Founder of the Year” Award. And today, it’s already the 16th edition! Over the years, we’ve shared this stage with incredible entrepreneurs: Caspar Coppetti, Melanie Gabriel, Raffael Wohlgensinger, and many more. This tradition shows how deeply entrepreneurship is rooted in the DNA of the University of St.Gallen. At HSG, we’ve always believed: entrepreneurial thinking can change the world. And every year, we honour someone who proves exactly that.”
Announcing the Founder of the Year 2026, Grichnik says: “This year’s “Founder of the Year” has not only built successful companies, he’s helped shape entire industries. His journey began here at HSG, where he launched and sold his first venture as a student. After a short stop at Boston Consulting Group, he followed his passion for building things that matter: In 2009, he founded a firm investing in the energy transition and sustainable infrastructure. Today it manages billions worldwide. Later, he co‑founded one of Switzerland’s pioneering crypto platforms, which became a landmark fintech success. More recently, he turned to the future of longevity, helping extend healthy human life, and even launched BlueCruise, an expedition exploring the world’s “Blue Zones,” where people live longer and healthier lives. At a time of climate change, tech disruption, and demographic shifts, he doesn’t think in quarters, he thinks in decades. So tonight, we honour a visionary builder, investor, and lifelong entrepreneur.” Through his entrepreneurial achievements, Tobias Reichmuth exemplifies wh HSG stands for strategically, as Professor Grichnik points out: “We want to build a bridge for knowledge transfer with other universities and organisations in the Alpine region, from Geneva to Munich. This should give rise to value-adding companies that serve society.”
Longevity is the science of healthy longevity. In English, this is also referred to as the “extension of healthspan” – so it is not simply about living longer, but about extending the number of healthy years. Research shows that it is now possible to slow down cellular ageing. In some areas, rejuvenation is even being achieved, emphasises Tobias Reichmuth in conversation with HSG Alumni. This could prevent age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cardiovascular diseases or type 2 diabetes. “For me, the topic of longevity is linked to entrepreneurship: I am convinced that research in this field will not only improve our lives but also open up new markets,” says Reichmuth, adding, “Maintaining good health is key. Enabling a healthy life through personalised prevention and preventing diseases from arising in the first place would significantly relieve the burden on the healthcare system in the long term.”
Through Maximon, Tobias Reichmuth has established several companies in the longevity sector:
At START Summit, the investor also likes to look back on his days as a student in St.Gallen: “HSG was more international than any other Swiss university – I really liked that! In the early 2000s, there weren’t as many different formats for entrepreneurship at the University of St.Gallen as there are today – my advice: make the most of the many opportunities, get involved in an initiative and take on responsibility early on. At HSG, you’ll find support, inspiration and a strong network.”
Reichmuth is also a frequent guest on campus, sharing his practical experience with students. “I always enjoy speaking at HSG – it’s not only fun, but also a great opportunity to recruit talented people,” says Reichmuth.
The Dr Werner Jackstädt Foundation award, worth CHF 10,000, was presented on Friday, 20 March 2026, at START Summit at the Olma exhibition centre in St.Gallen. In previous years, the prize was awarded to the following individuals and companies:
2025: Léa Miggiano of Carvolution
2024: Pascal Bieri of Planted
2023: Melanie Gabriel of Yokoy
2022: Raffael Wohlgesinger of Formo
2021: Dorina Bührle of Piavita
2020: Julian Teicke of Wefox
2019: Kilian Wagner, founder of VIU
2018: Valentin Stalf, founder of the smartphone bank N26
2017: Lea von Bidder, inventor of the fertility tracker Ava
2016: Caspar Coppetti, inventor of the on running shoes
2015: Laura Behrens Wu, founder of the shipping software company Shippo
2014: Alexander Graubner-Müller, founder of the micro-loan platform Kreditech
2013: Soma Analytics founder Johann Huber with his anti-stress app
2012: DeinDeal.ch founder Adrian Locher
2011: Dr Alexander Ilic, founder of the company Dacuda
