Deadline: September 14, 2025
Applications are now open for the START Fellowship Accelerator, an exciting program designed to support and accelerate the growth of young founders by providing mentorship, networking, and funding opportunities within a dynamic startup ecosystem.
The START Fellowship Accelerator is a unique program designed to empower young founders from Latin America and Africa by immersing them in the European startup ecosystem over three months in Switzerland.
The program focuses on content, network, and fundraising through input sessions with experienced investors and entrepreneurs, classes at the University of St. Gallen, mentoring and coaching with experts, and funding opportunities to build a strong network of entrepreneurs and provide equity-free funding.
The START Fellowship Accelerator offers young founders the chance to accelerate their startups by participating in workshops on fundraising, marketing, sales, and other essential business skills. Participants receive continuous mentoring through bi-weekly meetings and have 24/7 access to a co-working space designed to enhance productivity and collaboration.
The program includes exclusive networking events across Europe, enabling founders to connect with investors, partners, and fellow entrepreneurs in the global startup ecosystem. A highlight of the accelerator is the Demo Day, where participants pitch their startups to investors and ecosystem leaders for the opportunity to secure investment and gain significant exposure.
Fully funded, 3‑month program in Switzerland. Equity‑free investment up to 60,000 CHF, plus mentoring and more (for founders with an MVP).
Applicants should be between 18 and 25 years old, committed to founding a startup, have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or prototype, possess C1-level English proficiency, and be enrolled or willing to enroll in a partner university in Latin America or Africa.
The fellowship covers accommodation, health insurance, and a food allowance, allowing participants to focus entirely on building their startups without financial concerns. The program runs from January to February 2026, following a structured selection process including multiple interview rounds and final selection of fellows.
This accelerator aims to create a tight-knit community of driven founders who receive tailored support to scale their businesses, connect with the European startup ecosystem, and maximize growth opportunities in their markets.
For more information, visit START Global.
