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Pitch competition · Solothurn, Switzerland

W.A. de Vigier Award

A Swiss startup award from the W.A. de Vigier Foundation in Solothurn. Up to five winners each receive CHF 120,000 in non-dilutive prize money and access to the foundation's network of investors and alumni.

Open · closes 4 Jan 2027 Run by W.A. de Vigier Foundation (W.A. de Vigier Stiftung)

Apply on the programme's site Programme website

Verified 19 October 2026 · From the programme's own pages

Terms

Funding
CHF 120,000 Up to five startups each win CHF 120,000; the prize money is non-dilutive and comes with no strings attached
Instrument
Prize
Equity taken
None (equity-free)
Programme fee
not published
Duration
not published
Cohort size
not published
Cohorts
not published
Delivery
In person
Stages
not published
Sectors
Sector-agnostic
Open to founders from
Switzerland
Perks
  • Access to a network of coaches, entrepreneurs, alumni and investors
  • Livestreamed Top 50 and award events

Applications close at midnight CET on 4 January 2027 and can be written in German, English or French, with a selfie video recorded on the platform. The Top 50 pitch on 9 March 2027 in Solothurn and 15 startups meet the jury on 12-13 May 2027.

Application dates

Open · closes 4 Jan 2027W.A. de Vigier Award 2027

Who can apply

  • A for-profit company incorporated in Switzerland as a GmbH or AG
  • The applicant is the CEO or holds an equivalent leadership role, and applies and pitches personally
  • The applicant works on the venture full time and has registered residence in Switzerland
  • Aimed at young entrepreneurs early in their careers; repeat applications are generally not accepted

What founders should check

  1. The programme says it takes no equity. Still read the agreement for warrants, revenue shares or rights in a later round.
  2. It does not publish a fee. Ask whether you pay for desks, services or the programme itself.
  3. It runs in person in Solothurn. Plan to be there for the length of the programme.
  4. Applications are open until 4 January 2027.

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