Switzerland Innovation Park Ost

Startup Lunch Rapperswil
2025-11-19 12:00 - 13:00 (Europe/Zurich) | Startup Space Rapperswil, New Jonastrasse 59, Rapperswil-Jona, St. Gallen, 8640
That’s what it’s all about

Get to know other founders
Get to know other people in the startup ecosystem
Exchange of experiences

To the registration

We meet monthly at the Startup Space in Rapperswil-Jona for a startup lunch – in an informal atmosphere, with inspiring people and tangible added value. Depending on requirements, we also offer other event formats or focus on specific specialist topics. This is an offer from Startfeld in collaboration with Impulsort .
A fee of 5.- will be charged. Registration is necessary for organizational reasons.
The STartup lunch coming soon
Date Time
November 19, 2025
12:00 – 1:00 p.m
Place
Startup Space RapperswilNeue Jonastrasse 598640 Rapperswil-Jona
Registration

Startfeld Partner Lunch - Wenger Vieli
2025-11-27 11:45 - 13:00 | Innovation Park East, Lerchenfeldstrasse 3, St. Gallen, 9014, Schweiz
That’s what it’s all about
Employee participation programs
Participation programs such as share options or equity plans are becoming increasingly relevant for start-ups. They help to retain talent in the long term and share success fairly. However, the structure is complex: legal requirements, tax consequences and different model forms require a clear overview.
Wenger Vieli Start-up Desk shows what options are available, what to look out for legally and how to avoid typical pitfalls – in a practical, understandable and directly applicable way.

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PArtner LUNCH IN BRIEF
At the service provider lunches, Startfeld service providers talk about their experiences. At this event, WengerVieli will provide you with valuable insights and give you important tips in just 30 minutes that you can implement directly in your startup. During the lunch that follows, open questions can be discussed and in-depth conversations can be held.
The service provider lunches are free of charge. Registration is still necessary.
Date
November 27, 2025
Place
Switzerland Innovation Park East
Lerchenfeldstrasse 3
9014 St.Gallen

REGISTRATION

Startup Lunch at the OST - Campus Rapperswil
2025-12-02 12:00 - 13:00 | FH OST, Campus Rapperswil-Jona, Oberseestrasse 10, Rapperswil, 8640, Schweiz
Be inspired and discover the entrepreneurial spirit within you!
Startfeld is bringing a new event format to the OST that motivates students to develop their own ideas and put them into practice. Whether you are already working on an exciting project or simply want to build something new together with others – here you will get fresh impetus and real insights from the start-up world.

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The Startup Lunch in a nutshell
The two Rapperswil start-ups Moost and Carl share their personal insights: How they got started, the hurdles they had to overcome and what drives them to keep going today. Authentic, honest and inspiring.
After the talk, we cordially invite you to join us for a sandwich aperitif – the perfect opportunity to network, exchange ideas and perhaps also make initial contacts for your own project.
Date & time
December 02, 2025
12:00 – 1:00 p.m
Place
OST – Ostschweizer Fachhochschule Campus Rapperswil | Room 8.U44Oberseestrasse 108640 Rapperswil-Jona
Organizers

Registration

Growing old at home - an opportunity for real estate companies
2025-12-03 08:00 - 12:00 | Innovation Park East, Lerchenfeldstrasse 3, St. Gallen, 9014, Schweiz
Content is protected.

Service provider lunch: Creative Capsule
2025-12-09 11:45 - 13:00 | Innovation Park East, Lerchenfeldstrasse 3, St. Gallen, 9014, Schweiz
That’s what it’s about
More detailed information about the event will follow soon.

For registration

Die Veranstaltung wird in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Rheintaler Gründer Netzwerk (RtGN) durchgeführt und findet in Buchs statt.
At the service provider lunches, Startfeld service providers talk about their experiences. At this event , Creative Capsule will provide you with valuable insights and give you important tips in just 30 minutes that you can immediately implement in your startup. During the lunch that follows, open questions can be discussed and in-depth conversations can be held.
The service provider lunches are free of charge. Registration is still necessary.
THE SERVICE PROVIDER LUNCH IN BRIEF

Date
22 August 2024

Location
Innovation Park East
Lerchenfeldstrasse 3
9014 St.Gallen
REGISTRATION

Beer at 4!
2025-12-11 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-03-26 16:00 - 18:00 | Innovation Park East, Lerchenfeldstrasse 3, St. Gallen, 9014, Schweiz
That’s what it’s all about
Meet interesting people, exchange ideas about innovations and enjoy a cold beer, a bratwurst and a Bürli.

come over

“Beer at 4!” is a casual networking event for tenants, co-workers and anyone interested who would like to exchange ideas over a cold beer and get to know each other better. The beer at 4! takes place once a quarter at 4 p.m.

LinkedIn Masterclass - Unlock your Professional Potential
2026-01-14 | Innovation Park East, Lerchenfeldstrasse 3, St. Gallen, 9014, Schweiz
We are delighted to offer our tenants, partners and our network the exclusive LinkedIn workshop with LinkedIn Ambassador Klaus Hengstmann.
Since the 360Brew update in November 2025, LinkedIn no longer rewards reach through mass, but clarity, relevance and genuine interaction.
In this Best Practice Masterclass you will learn in 5 days, in 3 modules, how to continuously optimize your LinkedIn presence for a successful 2026.
The event offers you the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the most important LinkedIn trends and developments and to exchange ideas with other participants from the SIP network.
Program
MODULE 1LinkedIn Trends & Success Criteria (Basics):
Your profile is your digital stage: In this module, you will build a presence that not only informs customers, investors and partners, but also convinces them. Find out how your LinkedIn profile will not only be found but also classified as relevant after the new LinkedIn algorithm update in November 2025 – and how you can gain improved visibility with just a few small optimizations for 2026 2 days, January 14 and 15, 2026
MODULE 2LinkedIn Content Management & Performance (Advanced):
You will learn how LinkedIn will better reward your content in 2026 and how to build relevant reach and real relationships for you week after week through targeted posts, comments and formats.2 days, February 04 and 05, 2026
MODULE 3LinkedIn Lead Management (Professional):
They optimize their LinkedIn performance with innovative AI tools. 1day, 04 March 2026

Date
2 days, January 14 and 15, 2026
2 days, February 04 and 05, 2026
1 day, March 04, 2026
Costs
499.00 CHF
Place
Switzerland Innovation Park East Lerchenfeldstrasse 3 9014 St.Gallen
Target group
The masterclass is aimed at tenants, partners, start-ups, research and innovation founders from Switzerland Innovation Park East who want to use LinkedIn to attract customers, approach investors and position themselves for growth.

Microsoft Roadshow @ Switzerland Innovation Park East
2026-01-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Innovation Park East, Lerchenfeldstrasse 3, St. Gallen, 9014, Schweiz
The Switzerland Innovation Parks × Microsoft national collaboration brings world-class support and AI capability development to every Switzerland Innovation Park. Join this session to learn how your startups, spin-offs, SMEs team can access cloud credits, AI training, mentorship, and scaling support.
What You Will Learn
– How to access Microsoft for Startups credits ($1k-$150k)– How Microsoft supports AI adoption and scaling– How AI Skilling tools support beginners & SMEs– How to use the AI Business School program
Date & Location
Date: Wednesday, 14.01.2026Time: 12.00 – 13.00 p.m.
Location: Switzerland Innovation Park East Lerchenfeldstrasse 3 9014 St.Gallen
> To the route map
Who this is for

Startups & spin-offs developing proprietary software/AI
Deep-tech + hardware+software startups
SMEs beginning or accelerating AI adoption
Teams seeking AI security insights

Speakers

Andrew Reid, Commercial Partner & Startup DirectorMicrosoft Switzerland

Primo Amrein, AI National Skills Director Microsoft Switzerland

Language
English

To the registration

Registration

Startup Lunch Rapperswil
2026-02-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Startup Space Rapperswil, New Jonastrasse 59, Rapperswil-Jona, St. Gallen, 8640
That’s what it’s all about
Information will follow soon!

To the registration

Rapperswil start-ups share their personal insights: How they got started, the hurdles they had to overcome and what drives them to keep going today. Authentic, honest and inspiring.
After the talk, we cordially invite you to join us for a sandwich aperitif – the perfect opportunity to network, exchange ideas and perhaps also make initial contacts for your own project.
THE PARTNER LUNCH IN BRIEF
Date
February 02, 2026
Place
OST – Ostschweizer Fachhochschule Campus Rapperswil | Room 8.U44Oberseestrasse 108640 Rapperswil-Jona
Organizers

REGISTRATION

Innovation Camp
2026-02-12 18:00 - 2026-02-14 21:00 | Innovation Park East, Lerchenfeldstrasse 3, St. Gallen, 9014, Schweiz
Take part in the 2nd Innovation Camp in the city of St.Gallen! During the three-day event, between 80 and 100 participants will develop solutions for real challenges faced by companies.
The companies, as challenge providers, work together with the participants, such as students from OST , the University of St. Gallen , the vocational school as well as private individuals, to find solutions.
The Innovation Camp combines two main focuses: In the hackathon, participants delve deeper into the world of digital solution finding, while in the makeathon they move into the world of haptic and mechatronic solutions.

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Program
Camp schedule:Program | Innovation Camp
Date
February 12 – 14, 2026
Place
Switzerland Innovation Park East Lerchenfeldstrasse 3 9014 St.Gallen
Registration
Registration

INNOVATION FORUM: Artificial intelligence - from tool to transformation
2026-02-26 13:00 - 17:15 | Innovation Park East, Lerchenfeldstrasse 3, St. Gallen, 9014, Schweiz
AI is changing the rules of the game – are you ready?

How artificial intelligence is actually helping SMEs

Artificial intelligence is changing the business world – but how can it be put to practical use in day-to-day business? Under the motto “From AI tool to transformation in the company”, we will highlight relevant developments, upcoming trends and specific applications for SMEs.
You can look forward to inspiring keynotes, practical insights, interactive breakout sessions and open discussions – ideal for deepening your know-how and making new contacts in the innovation ecosystem.
When & where?
Date: Thursday, 26.02.2026Time: 1.00 – 5.15 pm
Location: Switzerland Innovation Park East Lerchenfeldstrasse 3 9014 St.Gallen
> To the route map
For whom
The Innovation Forum is aimed at entrepreneurs, managers and those responsible for innovation as well as interested experts from industry.
Price
The ticket price is CHF 195.
A special price of CHF 120 applies for members of SIP Ost or members of the IHK St.Gallen-Appenzell. Please enter your discount code when entering your address.
Program
13.00 Arrival and coffee
13.15 Opening and welcome
13.20 Eastern Switzerland Digitalization & AI BarometerDr. Caroline Obolensky, TIDIT
13.30 AI as a location factor – Why technology adaptation is becoming an economic strategyDr. Marc Holitscher, Microsoft
13.55 From research to practice: risks and potential of AI Prof. Dr. Mascha Kurpicz-Briki, Bern University of Applied Sciences
14.20 Panel discussion Marc Holitscher & Prof. Dr. Mascha Kurpicz-Briki
14.35 Breakout session (first of the six sessions)
15.20 Break & Networking
16.00 Breakout session (second of the six sessions)
16.45 Between tradition, data and success: How FC St. Gallen uses AI for sport, fans and business models Beat Kronenberg, FC St. Gallen
17.10 Closing remarks 17.15 Apéro riche
Registration
Registration
Moderation
Impulse interview

Sofia Truniger University of St.Gallen___Moderator

Dr. Caroline ObolenskyThurgau Institute for Digital Transformation ___Eastern Switzerland Digitalization & AI Barometer
Speaker

Dr. Marc HolitscherMicrosoft____AI as a location factor – Why technology adaptation is becoming an economic strategy

Prof. Dr. Mascha Kurpicz-Briki Bern University of Applied Sciences____From research to practice: risks and potential of AI

Beat KronenbergFC St.Gallen____Between tradition, data and success:How FC St.Gallen uses AI for sport, fans and business models

Claudio Minder & Karl Müller IV kybun joya___Breakout Session 1

Nico ForsterAI Pulse___Breakout Session 2

David Buchmann & Michael BlickenstorferHuber Windows AG – Rimon Technologies GmbH___Breakout Session 3

Dr. Eva RitzIBM___Breakout Session 4

José Näf Seamless AG & KMUmeetKI___Breakout Session 5

Patrik BreitenmoserWhy AI ___Breakout Session 6
Breakout Sessions
Help shape your forum! Secure two breakout sessions
practical, interactive, relevant
Breakout Session 1:
AI in everyday life: from customer service to game changer – practical examples from kybun Joya
Claudio Minder & Karl Müller IVkybun Joya
How does a sluggish organization become an agile, AI-supported company? This session provides a practical demonstration of how kybun Joya is using AI to transform back office and customer service – speeding up processes, improving quality and reducing the workload on employees. Perfect for anyone who is about to make a change or would like to get to know AI in practice.
Breakout Session 2:
Man and machine interacting: How AI agents are changing the way we work
Nico ForsterAI Pulse
Participants will receive a practical overview of the phases of AI transformation: from the first experiment to holistic implementation. They will be shown how AI agents are changing the way we work and what new forms of collaboration are emerging between humans and machines.
Breakout Session 3:
Digital Walter: taking advantage of your own data
David Buchmann & Michael BlickenstorferHuber Fenster AG | Rimon Technologies
Strengthening independence: The session shows how companies can take the pressure off key personnel and secure knowledge through structured onboarding. Huber Fenster shows how the “Digital Walter” and AI are introduced step by step. Participants will gain practical insights for sustainable knowledge retention.
Breakout Session 4:
From buzzword to business value: successful AI applications with pilot engineering
Dr. Eva RitzIBM
This session shows how initial ideas are turned into AI projects with tangible business value. Based on IBM Client Engineering’s pilot engineering method, we will guide you through the process from use case identification and concept validation to the first functional AI pilot. The focus is on value creation, feasibility and a user-centered design that provides orientation for successful implementation.
Breakout Session 5:
The AI-supported knowledge worker: working in the age of AI agents
José Näf seamless
The world of work is characterized by a flood of information and high speed. But how can this pressure be turned into an advantage thanks to AI? Using use cases from a medical technology startup, the session will show how multimodality and intelligent agents can increase productivity, ensure quality and turn a flood of information into clear insights – a glimpse into the future of knowledge work.
Breakout Session 6:
Be Your Own Dev: How to automate annoying everyday processes yourself (without studying IT)
Patrik BreitenmoserWhy AI
The session shows how AI agents, vibe coding and low-code tools can analyze and automate business processes without technical hurdles. A compact practical example shows how AI can provide direct support in everyday work. Ideal for anyone who wants to understand what is already feasible today – and how they can get started themselves.
Program
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Arrival and coffee
Welcome and opening of the Innovation Forum
Eastern Switzerland Digitalization & AI BarometerDr. Caroline Obolensky, Thurgau Institute for Digital Transformation
AI as a location factor – Why technology adaptation is becoming an economic strategyDr. Marc Holitscher, Microsoft
From research to practice: risks and potentials of AI Prof. Dr. Mascha Kurpicz-Briki, Bern University of Applied Sciences
Panel discussionMarc Holitscher, Microsoft & Prof.Dr. Mascha Kurpicz-Briki, Bern University of Applied Sciences
Breakout Sessions 1. realization
Break
Breakout session 2. realization
Between tradition, data and success: How FC St.Gallen uses AI for sport, fans and business modelsBeat Kronenberg, FC St.Gallen
Closing words
Joint aperitif riche

Many thanks to our sponsors!
Gold sponsor

Silver sponsor

Wine sponsor

Review

Organizers

REGISTRATION

A special price of CHF 120 applies for members of SIP Ost or members of the IHK St.Gallen-Appenzell. Please enter your discount code when entering your address.

Starting field Partner Lunch: LEXR
2026-03-03 11:45 - 13:00 | Innovation Park East, Lerchenfeldstrasse 3, St. Gallen, 9014, Schweiz
Convertible loan agreements
This article gives you a practical insight into how convertible loan agreements (CLAs) work. LEXR explains the legal and financial principles, highlights typical clauses and terms as well as possible pitfalls.
LEXR also shows why CLAs are an attractive form of financing, particularly in the early stages of a company, and why their number should be sensibly limited.
The aim is to provide start-ups with the necessary know-how for the next round of financing and to prepare them optimally for negotiations with investors.

To the registration

At the Partner Lunch, Startfeld service providers talk from the inside. At this event, our partner provides valuable insights and gives you important tips in just 30 minutes that you can implement directly in your startup. During the lunch that follows, open questions can be discussed and in-depth conversations can be held.
The partner lunches are free of charge. Registration is still necessary.
THE PARTNER LUNCH IN BRIEF
Date
Date: March 03, 2026
Time: 11:45 – 13:00
Place
Switzerland Innovation Park EastLerchenfeldstrasse 39014 St.Gallen
> To the route map
REGISTRATION

Beer at 4! at the OST in Rapperswil
2026-03-10 16:00 - 18:00 | FH OST, Campus Rapperswil-Jona, Oberseestrasse 10, Rapperswil, 8640, Schweiz
That’s what it’s all about
Meet interesting people, exchange ideas about innovations and enjoy a cold beer, a bratwurst and a Bürli.

come over

“Bier um 4!” in Rapperswil is an informal networking event for lecturers, students and all interested parties who would like to exchange ideas and get to know each other better over a cold beer.
Date & time
Date: March 10, 2026
Time: 16.00 – 18.00 hrs
Place
OST – Ostschweizer FachhochschuleOberseestrasse 10P.O. Box 14758640 Rapperswil
Forecourt of building 8 on the Rapperswil-Jona campus (see picture)

Catering
Butcher’s shop Brönnimann Jona
Organizers

Registration

Course: Additive manufacturing of metals
2026-03-17 08:30 - 17:00
In recent years, the additive manufacturing of metals has developed from a prototype technology to a manufacturing process that can be used on an industrial scale. It opens up new degrees of freedom in design and functional integration and enables components that are difficult or impossible to manufacture using conventional processes.

For further information and registration

Course objective and structure
Additive manufacturing is changing the way metal components are designed and manufactured. New degrees of freedom in design, functionality and use of materials are opening up for the design of components – provided that the underlying processes and materials are understood.
This one-day course offers a practical overview of the most important metallic AM processes and shows how powder, process parameters and post-treatment shape the microstructure and thus the component properties. Typical challenges and economic application scenarios are also discussed.
When & where?
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Empa, AcademyÜberlandstrasse 1298600 DübendorfSwitzerland
For whom
Engineers, technicians, designers and anyone else involved in the additive manufacturing of metals in product development, production or quality assurance.
Course content

Overview of metal additive manufacturing processes (powder bed and DED processes, sinter-based processes)
Powder production and powder properties for AM
Important alloy systems (steels, Ni, Al, Ti alloys and special materials)
Thermal and mechanical post-treatment processes
Characterization and properties of additively manufactured components
Economic aspects and evaluation of use cases

Speaker
Dr. Christian Leinenbach is head of the “Advanced Processing & Additive Manufacturing of Metals” group at Empa in Dübendorf and Thun and a lecturer in metals science and technology at EPFL. His work focuses on the development of new alloys and composite materials for additive manufacturing and the optimization of additive manufacturing processes for metals.
Registration
Link to registration
Organizer

Startfeld Partner Lunch in Buchs: LEXR
2026-03-17 11:45 - 13:00 | Innovation Park East, Lerchenfeldstrasse 3, St. Gallen, 9014, Schweiz
Convertible loan agreements
This article gives you a practical insight into how convertible loan agreements (CLAs) work. LEXR explains the legal and financial principles, highlights typical clauses and terms as well as possible pitfalls.
LEXR also shows why CLAs are an attractive form of financing, particularly in the early stages of a company, and why their number should be sensibly limited.
The aim is to provide start-ups with the necessary know-how for the next round of financing and to prepare them optimally for negotiations with investors.

To the registration

At the Partner Lunch, Startfeld service providers talk from the inside. At this event, our partner provides valuable insights and gives you important tips in just 30 minutes that you can implement directly in your startup. During the lunch that follows, open questions can be discussed and in-depth conversations can be held.
The partner lunches are free of charge. Registration is still necessary.
The partner LUNCH IN BRIEF

Date & time
Date: March 17, 2026
Time: 11:45 – 13:00
Place
OST – Ostschweizer FachhochschuleWerdenbergstrasse 49471 Buchs SG, Switzerland

REGISTRATION

START Summit 2025
2026-03-19 09:00 - 2026-03-20 18:00 | Olma Hall SGKB, Splügenstrasse 12, St. Gallen, St. Gallen, 9008, Schweiz
THIS IS WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT
We are making ourselves strong for startups! For the first time, we are joining forces as nine leading institutions in the region to jointly promote the startup ecosystem. At the START Summit, under the motto “St.Gallen – Success Through Access”, we will show how short paths and strong partnerships support innovations from the idea to scaling. Through our strategic partnership with START Global, we will position St.Gallen even more strongly as a hotspot for startups and future makers in the coming years.
The event at a glance
START Summit is Europe’s leading startup conference, organized by students – for makers like you. Immerse yourself in the world of innovation, discover the latest trends and make valuable contacts with founders, investors and industry experts. Find out which ideas are shaping the future and become part of the movement yourself!
Date & time
20.03.-21.03.2025
09.00 – 17.30
Place
Olma Fairs St.Gallen
Hall SGKB
Splügenstrasse 12
9008 St.Gallen
Buy tickets here!

Beer at 4! @ START Summit
2026-03-20 16:00 - 18:00 | Innovation Park East, Lerchenfeldstrasse 3, St. Gallen, 9014, Schweiz
Great ideas start with great conversations.
Join us for a beer.
Discover how we support startups at STARTFELD.Connect with our team and learn more about theopportunities for founders within our innovationecosystem.

Join us!

Discover how we support startups at STARTFELD. Connect with our team and learn more about the opportunities for founders within our innovation ecosystem.

Beer is on us!First come, first served
Beer and Cheer
Date & Time
March 20, 2026 | 16:00
Location
START Summit, St.Gallen STARTFELD & HSG START ACCELERATOR Booth in the Alpine Area
Olma Trade Fairs St.GallenHall SGKBSplügenstrasse 129008 St.Gallen

Starting field Partner Lunch schochauer AG
2026-03-31 11:45 - 13:00 | Innovation Park East, Lerchenfeldstrasse 3, St. Gallen, 9014, Schweiz
The personal backup for emergencies
The consequences of an accident with the onset of incapacity and the consequences in the event of death are shown based on a specific life situation. Find out where the law restricts your freedom of action and how you can preserve your ability to act and protect your startup or company by taking your own precautions. The focus is on the targeted protection of founders and entrepreneurs and their businesses.

To the registration

At the Partner Lunch, Startfeld service providers talk from the inside. At this event, our partner provides valuable insights and gives you important tips in just 30 minutes that you can implement directly in your startup. During the lunch that follows, open questions can be discussed and in-depth conversations can be held.
The partner lunches are free of charge. Registration is still necessary.
THE PARTNER LUNCH IN BRIEF
Date & time
March 31, 202611.45 – 13.00
Place
Innovation Park EastLerchenfeldstrasse 39014 St.Gallen
Speaker
MLaw Simone ScherrerAttorney-at-law and notary publicschochauer ag, St. Gallen
REGISTRATION

IP Awareness & Value Creation
2026-04-16 13:00 - 18:00 | EAST – Eastern Swiss University of Applied Sciences (Campus Buchs), Werdenbergstrasse 4, St. Gallen, book, 9471, Schweiz
AI as a tool and risk in the innovation-driven knowledge system
In this event organized by Ost – Ostschweizer Fachhochschule – in cooperation with the DCIF, you will learn how companies can raise their innovative strength and value creation to a new level through clever management of intellectual property and how conscious knowledge management can turn experts and R&D departments into powerful sources of solutions.

For further information and registration

You will learn how artificial intelligence should be used as a powerful tool in innovation-driven, dynamic knowledge systems in order to minimize the associated risks. In addition, the experts’ presentations will provide inspiring insights and strategies for the secure use of IP and for successful value creation in the age of AI.
When & where?
Thursday, April 16, 20261:00 – 6:00 p.m.
OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, Campus Buchs
Werdenbergstrasse 49471 Buchs
For whom
The event is aimed at specialists and managers from industry and society, R&D and innovation professionals, start-ups, experts in competitive intelligence, technology transfer and business development, as well as members of the institute and students.
Price
The event is free of charge
Program
13.00 – 13.15 WelcomeProf. Dr.-Ing. Knut Siercks, OST
13.15 – 13.45 Introduction: IP awareness as the key to value creationMag. iur. Dr. rer. nat. Dr. oec. HSG Bernd-Günther Harmann, Kaminski Harmann Patent Attorney, Vaduz
13.45 – 14.15 Knowledge management as strategic capitalJonathan Gordon-Till, Mango Knowledge Solutions LLP, Oxford
14.15 – 14.45 Patent management, licenses & copyrightDr. Vera Vallone, Kellerhals Carrard, Zurich
14.45 – 15.30 Networking break
15.30 – 16.00 Artificial intelligence in the IP context – tool and risk factorMichael Eichenberger, CEO stepping stone AG, Bern
16.00 – 16.30 IP awareness & value creation through competitive intelligenceMarcus Schwarzhaupt, Global Head of IP, Hilti Corporation, Schaan
16.30 – 17.00 Collective expertise, human judgment & innovationUrsula Teubert, DCIF
17.00 – 18.00 Network aperitif / Meet the Experts
Registration
Link to registration
Organizer

Starting field Partner Lunch
2026-04-21 11:45 - 13:00 | Innovation Park East, Lerchenfeldstrasse 3, St. Gallen, 9014, Schweiz
That’s what it’s all about
The legal experts from Vectra Advisors provide a practical insight into the most important “legal secrets” from real startup cases – from founder participation and vesting to financing rounds, investor rights and IP protection through to competition rights and due diligence. Included: clear learnings, typical stumbling blocks and concrete tips to make start-ups investor-ready from the outset.

To the registration

At the Partner Lunch, Startfeld service providers talk from the inside. At this event, our partner provides valuable insights and gives you important tips in just 30 minutes that you can implement directly in your startup. During the lunch that follows, open questions can be discussed and in-depth conversations can be held.
The partner lunches are free of charge. Registration is still necessary.
THE PARTNER LUNCH IN BRIEF
Date
April 21, 2026
11:45 – 13:00
Place
Innovation Park EastLerchenfeldstrasse 39014 St.Gallen
Room: Field 1
REGISTRATION

Founder Breakfast
2026-04-28 07:30 - 08:30 | BZBS Buchs, Hanflandstrasse 17, book, St. Gallen, 9471, Schweiz
That’s what it’s all about
On April 28, 2026, the Founder Breakfast with Daniel Gillmann, founder of Solve Engineering, will take place at the BZBS in Buchs. Daniel built his company from the ground up, successfully scaled it and later sold it to Variosystems – experiences from which he will talk openly and practically.
Over coffee and fresh croissants, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the highs, lows and decisive decisions of a growing tech company and to talk directly to Daniel. An inspiring start to the day.

To the registration

The Founder Breakfast is an uncomplicated, morning networking format where founders come together in a relaxed atmosphere over coffee and croissants. The focus is on exchanging ideas: sharing experiences, asking questions, learning from each other and making new contacts. The format is ideal for starting the day with inspiring conversations and fresh impetus from the start-up community.
Founder Breakfast in brief
Date & time
April 28, 20267.30 – 8.30
Place
BZBS Buchs siteHanflandstrasse 179471 Buchs
Conference room A314Atrium
Speaker

Daniel Gillmann
Organizer

REGISTRATION

Partner Lunch Rapperswil
2026-04-29 11:45 - 13:00 | Smartfeld Rapperswil-Jona, New Jonastrasse 59, St. Gallen, Rapperswil-Jona, 8640, Schweiz
That’s what it’s all about
Vectra Advisors will provide practical insights into financing options for young start-ups – from convertible loans to classic financing rounds. The event will be held in English.
More information will follow soon!

To the registration

At the Partner Lunch, Startfeld service providers talk from the inside. At this event, our partner provides valuable insights and gives you important tips in just 30 minutes that you can implement directly in your startup. During the lunch that follows, open questions can be discussed and in-depth conversations can be held.
The partner lunches are free of charge. Registration is still necessary.
THE PARTNER LUNCH IN BRIEF
Date
April 29, 2026
Place
Smartfeld Rapperswil-JonaQuadrit Campus House/Wing C OG Neue Jonastrasse 598640 Rapperswil-Jona
Organizers

REGISTRATION

Sustainability that pays off - Entrepreneurs' Forum 2026
2026-05-08 08:00 - 12:30 | Innovation Park East, Lerchenfeldstrasse 3, St. Gallen, 9014, Schweiz
Sustainability is no longer an add-on.It determines how competitive, resilient and future-proof a company is.
And yet many companies are facing the same challenge:

where to start
What really makes a difference?
What pays off and what doesn’t?

Between increasing requirements, new regulations and growing competitive pressure, one thing is clear:
Companies need orientation and concrete solutions.

Register now

After this morning you will know:

which measures are economically worthwhile today
how other companies implement sustainability in practice
where real levers lie in your company
how to deal strategically with new requirements
which next steps you can take directly

Clarity instead of complexity. Implementation instead of theory.
When & where?
Date: Friday, 08.05.2026Time: 08.00 – 12.30 hrs
Location: Switzerland Innovation Park East Lerchenfeldstrasse 3 9014 St.Gallen
> To the route map
You will receive a free public transport ticket when you register.
For whom
For companies that:

not just reacting, but actively shaping
Seeing sustainability as a strategic opportunity
Look for concrete approaches – instead of abstract concepts
want to specifically strengthen their future viability

Registration
Secure your place
Register now
Program
07:30 Registration and welcome coffee
08:00Opening and welcome – Why sustainability is an economic issue todayThomas Tanner,The value creators Selina Wenk, Innovation Park EastWhat already works and pays off today08:05Sustainability that pays off – why sustainability must be measurableRuedi WagnerInnovation Park East08:30Circular building technologySina Büttner, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and ArtsBreakout Sessions09:0010:15Two sessions – choose two different sessionsBreakout Session 1: New business opportunities through the circular economyCedric Gysel, Be CircularBreakout Session 2: Transformation MobilityDr. Michael Semmer, Mobility Transformation GmbHBreakout Session 3: Making sustainability measurable – the key to future economic viabilityDr. Daniel Stadel, Plan8t GmbH09:45Networking with coffee & croissantsImpact & future11:00Bidirectional charging – the new economic potential of e-mobilityDaniel Sieveking, Helion Energy AG11:25Energy transition as an entrepreneurial opportunity using the example of the transformation of Hoval AGLuigi Di Cola, Hoval11:50KeynoteProf. Dr. Judith Ströhle, University of St. Gallen12:15Closing wordsThomas Tanner, The value creators Selina Wenk, Innovation Park East12:30Lunch & Networking
Speaker

Daniel SievekingHelion Energy AG

Prof. Dr. Judith Ströhle University of St. Gallen

Luigi Di ColaHoval

Ruedi Wagner Innovation Park East

Dr. Michael SemmerMobility Transformation GmbH
___Breakout Session 1

Sina Büttner Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Breakout Sessions

Cedric GyselBe Circular____Breakout Session 1

Dr. Michael SemmerMobility Transformation GmbH____Breakout Session 2

Dr. Daniel Stad Plan8t GmbH____Breakout Session 3
Breakout Sessions
Help shape your forum! Secure two breakout sessions
practical, interactive, relevant
Breakout Session 1:
New business opportunities through the circular economy
Cedric GyselBe Circular
The circular economy opens up new opportunities for companies to create value, be close to their customers and become more independent of resources. In this interactive breakout session, Cedric Gysel from be circular will use practical examples from industry and innovation to show how companies can recognize the opportunities of the circular economy and develop initial starting points for their own business model.
Breakout Session 2:
Mobility transformation

Dr. Michael SemmerMobility Transformation GmbH
From current challenges to concrete solutions:In this breakout session, you will gain insights into how mobility can be rethought today and in the future – from individual needs and employee mobility to logistics and automated driving. After a compact input, you will work in groups on specific issues and derive practical insights for your own company.
Breakout Session 3:
Making sustainability measurable

Dr. Daniel Stadel Plan8t GmbH
In this breakout session, you will learn how you can easily record the sustainability performance of your products and services and derive specific recommendations for action. Practical examples will be used to show why this is increasingly crucial for SMEs in particular – not only with regard to regulatory requirements, but above all for economic decisions and long-term sustainability.
Many thanks to our sponsors!

Review

Organizers

REGISTRATION

Secure your place now

Startup Lunch Rapperswil
2026-05-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Startup Space Rapperswil, New Jonastrasse 59, Rapperswil-Jona, St. Gallen, 8640
That’s what it’s all about
The two start-ups Progrivity AG and CoolMedTravel provide personal insights into their start-up stories with a background at OST. They talk about how their ideas came about, the challenges they overcame along the way and what drives them today to develop their companies further. Authentic, honest and inspiring.
We will organize sandwiches so that you don’t have to go hungry. Please register by 11.05. so that we can order the right number.

To the registration

Rapperswil start-ups share their personal insights: How they got started, the hurdles they had to overcome and what drives them to keep going today. Authentic, honest and inspiring.
After the talk, we cordially invite you to join us for a sandwich aperitif – the perfect opportunity to network, exchange ideas and perhaps also make initial contacts for your own project.
THE PARTNER LUNCH IN BRIEF
Date and time
May 13, 2026
12.00 – 13.00
Place
OST – Ostschweizer Fachhochschule Campus Rapperswil | Room 8.U44Oberseestrasse 108640 Rapperswil-Jona
Organizers

REGISTRATION

Starting field Partner Lunch
2026-05-19 11:45 - 13:00 | Innovation Park East, Lerchenfeldstrasse 3, St. Gallen, 9014, Schweiz
Labor law & leadership that really work in everyday startup life

Startups quickly lose money and time in employment law – typically when hiring (contract/trial period/wage components), in operations (overtime/overtime, vacation/part-time, expenses/wage deductions, absences) and in terminations (deadlines/locking periods, lack of documentation). Syna shows in a practical way what is mandatory in the OR/ArG, where there is room for maneuver and how to reduce risks with a clean setup. Participants receive a toolbox with checklists, samples and calculation aids as well as short paths for support in specific cases. Goal: Labor law becomes a strength – not a brake pad.

To the registration

At the Partner Lunch, Startfeld service providers talk from the inside. At this event, our partner provides valuable insights and gives you important tips in just 30 minutes that you can implement directly in your startup. During the lunch that follows, open questions can be discussed and in-depth conversations can be held.
The partner lunches are free of charge. Registration is still necessary.
The Partner Lunch in a nutshell
Date
May 19, 2026
11.45 – 13.00
Place
Innovation Park EastLerchenfeldstrasse 39014 St.Gallen
Speakers
Freddie Köchli and Vincenzo UrsoSyna Eastern Switzerland
REGISTRATION

Starting field Partner Lunch in Buchs
2026-05-26 11:45 - 13:00 | Innovation Park East, Lerchenfeldstrasse 3, St. Gallen, 9014, Schweiz
At the next Startfeld Partner Lunch in Buchs, Schochauer will show why data protection is far more than just a legal obligation for start-ups. Young companies in particular are data-driven, scale quickly and often operate in regulated markets – professional handling of data is therefore a real competitive advantage.

To the registration

At the Partner Lunch, Startfeld service providers talk from the inside. At this event, our partner provides valuable insights and gives you important tips in just 30 minutes that you can implement directly in your startup. During the lunch that follows, open questions can be discussed and in-depth conversations can be held.
The partner lunches are free of charge. Registration is still necessary.
The Partner Lunch in a nutshell
Date
May 26, 2026
11.45 – 13.00
Place
Hightech Campus Buchs, BZBS, Room A314
Speaker

Nina Oehy Schochauer
REGISTRATION

Starting field diamond
2026-06-03 18:30 - 23:00 | Innovation Park East, Lerchenfeldstrasse 3, St. Gallen, 9014, Schweiz
Starting today. Get started tomorrow.
Startfeld Diamant is the St.Galler Kantonalbank’s award for innovative companies in Eastern Switzerland and will be presented for the fourteenth time in 2025.
The prize is endowed with a total of CHF 60,000. The nominated companies are supported and promoted with advice and management coaching. And even more importantly, the young companies gain access to a broad network of knowledge and contacts throughout Eastern Switzerland.
The St.Galler Kantonalbank also awards a public prize worth CHF 2,500 and a rough diamond worth CHF 10,000. Participation is definitely worth it!
The event shortly
The application process for the Starting Field Diamonds is divided into two steps. In a first step, a preliminary jury will nominate six finalists from all the applications received – three in the “Development Phase” category and three in the “Ideas Phase” category.
In the second step, the business model of the nominated startups is critically examined and further optimized in cooperation with experts. In addition, startups benefit from communication measures that significantly increase the visibility of their idea or product.
The application is made via the St.Galler Kantonalbank website.
The most important information in brief
Date

Target group : Startups – from the idea to the commercial enterprise to the high-tech company
Region : Based in Eastern Switzerland
Founded: not yet founded or after January 1, 2019

Location

Business model : Innovative business idea?
Positioning : differentiation in the market?
Competence & Team : Know-how and partnerships?
Finances : Understandable financial plan?

Prize money

Diamond : 30,000 francs
Rough diamond : 10,000 francs
Finalists: 5,000 Swiss francs each

In addition to the prize money, all finalists will have the opportunity to participate in exclusive management seminars, receive media coverage and access to an innovation-oriented network.
Language
January 19, 2025
Time schedule
January 19, 2025
Application phase: Startups from Eastern Switzerland can apply for the Startfeld Diamond until January 19.
February 01 – 28, 2025
In February, the public can cast their vote for their favorite startup.
February 2025
From all applications, three startups from the “Diamond” category and three from the “Rough Diamond” category will be nominated.
March – April 2025
The nominated startups can optimize their business model in management seminars.
May 2025
The finalists present their optimized concepts to the jury.
June 4, 2025
The winners from each category will be announced at the awards ceremony.
Starting field diamond

More info

Technology Day 2026
2026-06-09 13:00 - 18:00 | EAST – Eastern Swiss University of Applied Sciences (Campus Buchs), Werdenbergstrasse 4, St. Gallen, book, 9471, Schweiz
Cooperation as a motor for innovation

Innovation rarely happens on its own. The great advances of our time are the result of collaboration, interdisciplinary thinking and the courage to share knowledge. Cooperation combines different perspectives, skills and experiences – and thus creates space for new ideas and sustainable solutions.

Registration via the organizer’s website

Under the title “Cooperation as a motor for innovation“, the Technology Day 2026 will demonstrate and discuss how partnerships between research, industry, education and practice can enable groundbreaking developments. When people and organizations combine their strengths, synergies are created that go far beyond the sum of individual contributions.
The event offers a platform for exchange, networking and inspiration. It brings industry and research together to shape the future together – open, curious and solution-oriented.
At Technology Day 2026, new connections will be made, collaborations deepened and impetus for innovation provided.
When & where
Tuesday, June 9, 202613:00 – 18:00
OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied SciencesCampus Buchs
Program
To the program
Event website
Technology Day 2026 | OST

Startfeld Investors Day
2026-06-10 17:30 - 20:30 | Innovation Park East, Lerchenfeldstrasse 3, St. Gallen, 9014, Schweiz
That’s what it’s all about
As a match-making event, Investors Day offers selected, innovative startups from different industries in the startup and growth phases as well as high-profile investors the opportunity to meet.
Only startups and investors are present at Investors Day. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to exchange ideas and get to know each other better.

Investors Day coming soon
The startups are accompanied by coaches from the Innosuisse-Swiss Agency for Innovation Promotion and/or Startfeld and receive mandatory pitch training in the run-up to Investors Day.
Date & time
June 10, 2026
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m
Place
Innovation Park East
Lerchenfeldstrasse 3
9014 St.Gallen
> to the route plan
agenda

Pitches from the startups (including Q&A)
Startup Fair and Networking

quality assurance
Only startups that meet one of the following criteria will be admitted:

Innosuisse Startup (Coaching Acceptance)
Starting field funding package
SICTIC – startup

The startups

Amela Biosciences develops designed, animal-free protein bioinks for reproducible in vitro biology. Researchers in cell-based research can replace extracted biological matrices with fully defined protein systems with predictable behavior and controllable biological function. By separating biological signals from material properties, bioinks can be selected based on defined, application-relevant parameters instead of adapting experiments to available materials. The platform enables reproducible results across experiments, labs and production batches and integrates into existing workflows as a scalable solution.

MOOST is a SaaS platform for energy suppliers that uses AI to translate existing household energy data into personalized, action-guiding recommendations and automatic optimizations. The solution can be integrated directly into utilities’ existing apps and customer portals – without additional hardware or a new end customer app. MOOST thus addresses a structural problem of around CHF 26 billion a year by shifting electricity consumption to times when there is sufficient (renewable) energy. MOOST already serves 15 energy suppliers, has strong multiplication partners such as Solar Manager and EVUlution as customers, and is currently in large-scale test phases with E.ON and EDP, two of the largest energy suppliers in Europe.

adminity – The Operating System for AI-driven E-Government & Defense.
adminity’s platform transforms fragmented data and domains into networked, highly automated AI operating systems – for a secure and prosperous Europe.
adminity creates the necessary tools for developers to make the vision of a networked, AI-enabled e-government and military a reality in accordance with industry standards and legal requirements.
To this end, adminity designs and develops new types of sovereign platforms and offers authorities and system integrators low-code solutions to integrate existing data and software into a new, AI-supported, service-oriented architecture.

RAIIS provides the plug-in calculation engine financial institutions use to automate portfolio management workflows across PMS, spreadsheets, and proprietary systems-with consistent, auditable results.

Idunox is building the missing intelligence layer for early disease risk detection and prevention: a proprietary AI system that transforms blood and health data into a personalized 10-year outlook, including explanation and action. Instead of static lab results, the system shows where an individual’s health is heading, which biomarkers and behaviors are driving that trajectory, and how to intervene earlier.

𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 is the first Swiss platform for the central management and automatic optimization of household contracts. The platform analyzes existing contracts, identifies potential savings and suggests better offers at the right time or renegotiates directly with existing providers. If the user decides to switch, Savely takes over the entire digital process at the click of a button, ensuring permanently lower fixed costs.

Skaaltec will be the Garmin of medical technology. It makes arm function recovery possible for millions who suffered brain injury and disease. With smart wearable sensors, integrated AI-personalization and a non-invasive neurostimulator it seamlessly transforms everyday actions into effective brain stimulation therapy.

Today, our food supply depends on the industrial scale use of pesticides which erode our soils. As a result, the EU is banning 50% of pesticide usage by 2030, with seed producers left with few good alternatives. At Apolarion, we use electricity and air to create atmospheric plasmas that replace pesticide seed coatings, with equivalent efficacy but without chemical residues or reducing seed vigour.

Boostpilot.ai: The GPS for B2B sales
With boostpilot.ai, Scalvio AG brings merciless transparency to B2B sales – from the overall market with customer-specific purchasing potential and the resulting share-of-wallet to whitespaces.
boostpilot.ai recognizes successful growth patterns of A-customers, decodes them and transfers them to C-/D-customers with corresponding potential.
ERP sees the past. CRM sees activity. Nobody sees potential. Boostpilot does.
The result: data-driven decisions instead of gut feeling and up to +400% turnover from existing customers with 40% less admin effort.
