Four young companies presented their business ideas at WEGA last Friday as part of the new “Thurgau Lion’s Den” format organized by the Start Network Thurgau. The Thurgau Young Entrepreneur Award 2025 went to Stephan Lang from E-SKI as a result of the subsequent voting.

Last Friday, representatives from the regional start-up and entrepreneurial scene crowded together in front of the stage at the Thurgauerhof in Weinfelden. WEGA visitors joined them to the left and right. There was great interest in the first edition of the Thurgau Lions’ Den and all the seats were fully booked.

The jury

Four pre-selected Thurgau start-ups pitched their business ideas amidst the hustle and bustle of the trade fair. They then faced critical questions from the jury – the Thurgau Lions – and the audience. The jury consisted of three representatives from the entrepreneurial scene: entrepreneur Christoph Lanter, Patricia Dähler from Tröpfel GmbH and Dieter Bachmann, Managing Director of Gottlieber Hüppen.

The pitches

The following companies presented themselves one after the other:

• e-SKI with Stefan Lang – electrically powered touring ski
• Equitika with Fabian Gubler – Financial knowledge in a trouser pocket
• OXOA with Pius Gutzwiller and Diego Frehner – digital interface to relatives
• Atmosflame with Michael Schneider – sustainable radiant warmer

After four exciting pitches with diverse business ideas, it was immediately on to the live voting. All invited guests had the opportunity to vote for their favorite.

The winning pitch is…

It was close towards the end, with Stefan Lang mi E-SKI. He received the Thurgau Young Entrepreneur Prize worth CHF 5,000, which was sponsored by the Thurgauer Kantonalbank and presented to him by Karin Hugentobler. Afterwards, Stefan Lang was interviewed by Radio Top.

The other companies did not go home empty-handed either and received a prize for their commitment. In any case, there were only winners on this evening. All start-ups took the opportunity to present their project on the platform provided and met with great interest.