"We create business ideas at the coffee machine"

Anyone entering the Startfeld on Lerchenfeldstrasse, right next to Empa, immediately senses that this is a creative, unique place. Colorful furniture, small co-working areas, a laboratory, a 3D printer - there is a lot waiting to be discovered. The Startfeld is home to over 30 companies, including many start-ups.

Startfeld was founded in 2010 to create an optimal environment for innovation. Together with Empa, OST - Ostschweizer Fachhochschule, St.Galler Kantonalbank, the City of St.Gallen, Swisscom and the University of St.Gallen (HSG) as sponsors, the idea of a start-up hub in St.Gallen was realized. For the past five years, the start-up hub has been located at its current site, the Tagblatt building, which can be reached within ten minutes by public transport or bicycle from St.Gallen main station.

On the one hand, Startfeld rents out attractive office space. As a tenant, you can benefit from the existing infrastructure such as Wi-Fi, printers, kitchen, meeting rooms and get to know many founders at work or during numerous events. Bajram is a tenant at Startfeld and really appreciates the flexibility: "At the beginning of 2020, we were looking for an office for our company Emini Arts". In addition to Bajram, the company also includes his brother Enes, who offer websites, apps and e-commerce solutions, among other things. "Our goal is to grow as a company and if that works out, we don't have to look for another location straight away, but can move within the starting field and thus continue to maintain our contacts."

In addition to office space and infrastructure, the Startfeld also offers active support for start-ups. If you have an idea for founding a company, you can have a free initial consultation with the experts. You will receive valuable input on the opportunities and risks, but also on how to proceed with your project. Young companies based in the canton of St.Gallen, Appenzell Ausser- or Innerrhoden can apply for a start-up loan from the Startfeld Foundation. Christoph Lanter has recently been appointed Head of Start-up Promotion. The well-connected Thurgau native has already founded several companies himself.

Rominga works at a start-up that is supported by Startfeld. The well-rounded all-rounder works for Kaspar&. The young company enables its customers to invest professionally via an app for the first time from just one franc. She particularly appreciates the lively environment at Startfeld: "I have the opportunity to meet new people here every day and exchange ideas with them. That is very inspiring for me".