For the first time, two companies are on the winners’ podium of the Startfeld Diamant: UpGrain AG and Brian AG. Netzoptimal AG receives the rough diamond for the best business idea.

Two diamonds: UpGrain and Brian
UpGrain from Appenzell transforms spent grains into valuable raw materials for the food industry. Europe’s largest plant for processing spent grains is located at the Locher brewery in Appenzell. UpGrain already sells the healthy food additives produced from the waste product of beer production all over the world.

Brian from St.Gallen is an AI-based learning platform that supports both teaching staff and students at schools and universities. Brian creates individual learning content from teaching materials. The AI is trained to impart complex knowledge and promote active learning and critical thinking. The University of St.Gallen is already using Brian in over 40 courses.

Christian Schmid, President of the Startfeld Diamant jury and CEO of SGKB: “The jury was faced with a real luxury problem: UpGrain AG and Brian AG convinced us in all respects, but the business ideas could not have been more different. The evaluation turned into a neck-and-neck race that deserved no loser. For the first time in history, we are therefore crowning two equal winners!” The prize money of CHF 30,000 will be split and rounded up by SGKB so that both winners will each receive CHF 20,000.

Netzoptimal AG wins diamond in the rough
Netzoptimal has developed intelligent, model-based approaches for optimizing energy grids. The start-up was founded in 2024 at Startfeld in St.Gallen. It helps energy suppliers and grid operators to avoid grid overloads and save costs. This business idea wins the rough diamond with CHF 10,000 in prize money. “Netzoptimal addresses a very complex and current challenge in Europe with a great deal of technical expertise,” says Christian Schmid.
Other start-ups from Eastern Switzerland awarded prizes

The other three finalists will each receive CHF 5,000:
Startfeld Diamant
– Trobart AG (Frauenfeld) has developed the circular and deconstructable wall system “Moduvo“, which saves resources in construction.

Rohdiamant
– Lightlink Instruments (St.Gallen) has developed a hyperspectral camera that enables the most accurate color measurements.
– 4xSleep (St.Gallen) has developed an innovative mattress that can be individually adjusted in terms of firmness and temperature.