Portrait

Our Mission

Meet the dedicated professionals behind our entrepreneurial initiatives at the University of St.Gallen. Our team comprises experienced mentors, industry experts, and enthusiastic coordinators committed to fostering innovation and supporting startup success. Learn more about the individuals who drive our programs and contribute to the vibrant startup ecosystem at HSG.

Our Story

Startup@HSG was founded by Prof. Dr. Dietmar Grichnik at the Chair of Entrepreneurship (ITEM-HSG) in 2010. Over a decade ago, the program was established at the chair and has since developed into a university-wide offer. Since 2024, Startup@HSG has been transferred to the Vice President's Office Innovation & Quality (PIQ) and has thus become a central service unit at the University of St.Gallen.

Startup@HSG is the first point of contact for startups, entrepreneurship, and innovation at the HSG. The services are free of charge for all members of the University and are constantly being enhanced with further offers. Today, Maria Luisa Fuchs and Bernd Schneider co-manage Startup@HSG.

Our Team

Dietmar Grichnik

Prof. Dr.

Vice-President Innovation & Quality

ITEM-HSG
Büro 2-246
Dufourstrasse 40a
9000 St. Gallen

Maria Luisa Fuchs

MBA

Co-Head of Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Bernd Fabian Schneider

Co-Head of Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Service Center Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Büro 2-216
Dufourstrasse 40a
9000 St. Gallen

Barbara Schmidt

Dr.

Project Management Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Service Center Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Büro 2-216
Dufourstrasse 40a
9000 St. Gallen

Besart Kajdomqaj

Research Associate & PhD Candidate

ITEM-HSG
Büro 2-218
Dufourstrasse 40a
9000 St Gallen

Fabian Wüest

B.A.

Research Associate

ITEM-HSG
Büro 2-218
Dufourstrasse 40a
9000 St Gallen

Noah Lauffer

Research Associate

ITEM-HSG
Büro 2-218
Dofourstrasse 40a
9000 St Gallen
north