The promotion of entrepreneurship is among the central issues in teaching and research at the University of St.Gallen. Entrepreneurs, their companies and the jobs these create are elementary for the continuing economic development of the region and of Switzerland.
The HSG concentrates many of its support services for potential founders of firms in the start-up lab (Startup@HSG) of its Center for Entrepreneurship (CfE-HSG). In 2017, the CfE-HSG launched a spin-off label for companies which have been set up at the University of St.Gallen. People who have successfully founded a company or have been active with a concrete start-up project for a minimum of twelve months can now apply for the spin-off label of the University of St.Gallen from the CfE-HSG. The requirements to be satisfied include the criterion that at least one of the founders is studying, doing research or working at the University of St.Gallen.
"99 companies already
listed as HSG spin-offs"
"With the new spin-off label, the HSG would like to support start-ups and companies that are already established in their external impact," says Diego Probst, the Head of Startup@HSG. "On the other hand, firms which have satisfied the criteria for the seal of approval are given access to all the support services provided by our Center for Entrepreneurship." These include office premises for start-ups and participation in networking events.
The new label is attracting considerable interest. Diego Probst has only received positive feedback. When the label was launched in early summer 2017, 99 companies were already listed as HSG spin-offs. Diego Probst is convinced that this number will grow constantly in the near future.
Further significant events organised by the CfE-HSG in the year under review included the kick-off event on entrepreneurship issues for new students in the autumn semester, the award of a prize to the Founder of the Year (Lea von Bidder of Ava) in the spring, and the HSG Entrepreneur's Circle, at which reputable speakers such as Pierin Vincenz and Daniel Model shared their experiences.