STAGE UP is a Swiss business creation competition organized by the Entrepreneurship Center at the University of Bern. It supports aspiring entrepreneurs, individuals, and early-stage startup teams in transforming promising business ideas into viable business models. The competition is sector-agnostic and particularly suited to founders at the ideation and pre-seed stages.
Program Focus and Eligibility
STAGE UP welcomes individuals and teams residing in Switzerland who have innovative business ideas and want to develop them further. Both aspiring founders and recently established startups can participate. Existing companies must have been founded no earlier than 30 June 2025 for the 2027 edition. Participation is free.
Support and Benefits
Selected participants receive individual coaching from experienced entrepreneurs, practical workshops, and expert guidance on business model development, market positioning, financial planning, and legal considerations. The competition also provides valuable feedback, networking opportunities, and connections to the Swiss startup ecosystem.
Competition and Prizes
Participants progress through competitive selection rounds, beginning with an elevator pitch before an expert jury. Selected teams develop and refine their business models with professional support, while the top five finalists compete at the final award ceremony.
The competition offers CHF 18,000 in total prize money, distributed as follows:
- First place: CHF 10,000
- Second place: CHF 5,000
- Third place: CHF 3,000
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2027 edition close on 1 December 2026. The final award ceremony is scheduled for 25 May 2027.
STAGE UP combines entrepreneurial education, personalized mentoring, expert feedback, and financial rewards to help aspiring founders validate their ideas, strengthen their business models, and take meaningful steps toward launching a successful venture.