START Fellowship Accelerator 2025 for Young Founders (3months Program in Switzerland + Up to 60,000 CHF Equity-Free Funding)

Reach us on

Applications are open for START Fellowship Accelerator 2025. Applications are now open for the START Fellowship Accelerator, an exciting program designed to support and accelerate the growth of young founders by providing mentorship, networking, and funding opportunities within a dynamic startup ecosystem.

The START Fellowship Accelerator is a unique program designed to empower young founders from Latin America and Africa by immersing them in the European startup ecosystem over three months in Switzerland.

The program focuses on content, network, and fundraising through input sessions with experienced investors and entrepreneurs, classes at the University of St. Gallen, mentoring and coaching with experts, and funding opportunities to build a strong network of entrepreneurs and provide equity-free funding.

START Fellowship Accelerator Benefits

Embark on your entrepreneurial journey to Switzerland and accelerate your Startup through our focus areas of content, network and fundraising – all costs covered and opportunities to receive equity-free funding.

Conferences
- Get immersed in the most vibrant Startup hubs of Europe and connect with the key stakeholders of the entrepreneurial ecosystem at events, or trips.
CO-WORKING
- You’ll get 24/7 access to an inspiring office full of driven founders, unlimited coffee, and a space designed to boost productivity and motivation.
Workshops
- Hosted by experts from a wide range of backgrounds, our Workshops offer insights into key topics regarding your Startup, including Fundraising, Marketing, Sales and more.
Networking
- You’ll join exclusive events across Europe, connect with fellow founders, investors, and partners, and grow your network in the global startup ecosystem.
Mentoring
- Your two Mentors guide you throughout the entire accelerator in bi-weekly meetings, provide you with advice and all the support you need to see your Startup succeed.
Investment Committee
- You’ll have the opportunity to pitch in front of a jury and compete for up to 60k in equity-free funding to accelerate your startup’s growth.
Demo Day
- At the end of the accelerator, you’ll pitch your Startup to investors and ecosystem leaders, with the chance to secure funding and gain high-level exposure.
Founder Scholarships
- We cover your apartment, health insurance, and food allowance—so you can focus entirely on building your Startup without financial worries.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should be between 18 and 25 years old
Committed to founding a startup
Have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or prototype
Possess C1-level English proficiency
Be enrolled or willing to enroll in a partner university in Latin America or Africa.