An entrepreneurial mindset is highly valued at the University of St. Gallen (HSG). The HSG Entrepreneurship programme introduces the university community to the many facets of entrepreneurship and promotes technology-oriented and knowledge-intensive startup and innovation projects. Our students, researchers and employees receive support in a variety of ways: through relevant courses, student initiatives or very specific offers from our entrepreneurship centre at the HSG.
The "HSG Best Founders Programme" promotes entrepreneurial thinking and action by inspiring and motivating students, graduates and researchers to become entrepreneurs. The programme supports every stage of the entrepreneurial journey, from ideation workshops and incubation to consulting and grants of up to CHF 100,000 for developing business models and establishing spin-offs.
The labels "HSG Startup" and "HSG Spin-Off" recognize and support innovative startups founded by members of the HSG community. The labels are awarded to ventures demonstrating exceptional potential, innovation, and a solid business model. Companies with these labels benefit from enhanced credibility, networking opportunities, and access to resources that can drive their success. The HSG Startups and Spin-Offs are the best proof of the success of all entrepreneurial activities at the University of St.Gallen.
HSG Entrepreneurship, headed by Prof. Dr. Dietmar Grichnik, is the driving force behind all entrepreneurship topics at the HSG and advises prospective founders. It brings together students, researchers and staff at HSG with external partners from research and practice and coordinates the courses offered on entrepreneurship and much more. Students and other members of the university are always welcome to seek individual coaching, to exchange ideas with the entrepreneurship team and to pave the way for the next steps in the start-up process. Around 300 coaching sessions take place at the University of St.Gallen every year.
Entrepreneurship and innovation are two key drivers of economic growth and guarantors of sustainable prosperity. That is why the Global Centre for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (GCEI) is dedicated to both topics with the aim of becoming a global think tank in this field. The GCEI is an initiative of the Institute of Technology Management and the Swiss Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
Ready to start, scale and innovate your own business with the St.Gallen Navigators? The HSG offers practical and scientifically sound support for all phases of entrepreneurial activity.
The high value placed on entrepreneurship at the HSG is also reflected in a wide range of teaching and continuing education programmes. Almost all degree programmes include compulsory or elective modules on entrepreneurship, and the highly sought-after Master in Business Innovation is the starting point for many students on their path to entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is also a major focus in our continuing education programmes such as the MBA, EMBA and emba X.
Established in 2024, the HSG START Accelerator foundation supports national and international start-ups in their professionalisation with a special support programme. The founding partners are the HSG, START Global and Switzerland Innovation Park Ost. HSG START Accelerator aims to become a leading accelerator programme in Europe, supporting strong technology-oriented start-ups on their growth path.
“HSG Entrepreneurship transfers knowledge into successful ventures for start-ups, scale-ups, corporates and NPOs. We want to harness Switzerland's innovative power to solve societal challenges and empower entrepreneurial top talents.”
“At HSG I learned the tools I needed for my entrepreneurial career. Even as a 22-year-old student body president, I was responsible for a budget in the millions and 150 student volunteers. What other university can offer you this?”
“As a real hands-on institution, HSG gave me a taste of entrepreneurship early on. The joy of having a positive impact in business is exemplified at HSG.”
Vice-President for Innovation & Quality
Co-Head of Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Co-Head of Entrepreneurship & Innovation
