About
Who are we?
oikos Catalyst is a student-led initiative that supports innovative ideas for a sustainable future. We organize a pitching competition in St. Gallen Switzerland, designed specifically for startups focused on sustainability.
160+
Active oikos St.Gallen members
11
Unique oikos St.Gallen projects
3
Pitching competitions hosted
We are part of oikos St.Gallen, a non-profit organization based at the University of St.Gallen. With over 160 active members and 11 unique projects, oikos St.Gallen is the largest group at the university working to promote sustainability and create a positive impact.
Through oikos Catalyst, we aim to connect sustainable startups with the resources and support they need to grow their ideas into real solutions. We bring together entrepreneurs, investors, students, and industry leaders to tackle some of the world's most pressing environmental and social issues. Our goal is to inspire and empower entrepreneurs to make a difference in building a more sustainable world, because the next breakthrough idea should never fail simply for lack of opportunity to grow. We believe that with the right platform, connections, and support, sustainable ideas can become the businesses that shape a better future.
Our History
The project oikos Catalyst itself is still very young, having launched in November 2023 by HSG students Tom Weltevreden and Bosco Merino. Driven by their passion for environmental issues and social entrepreneurship, Tom and Bosco aim to inspire their peers to engage in meaningful projects that create lasting change. Their commitment to collaboration and knowledge-sharing is setting a solid foundation for oikos Catalyst to thrive.
Mission
We empower the next generation of sustainable innovators by providing a unique opportunity to kickstart their business, offering valuable resources, mentorship from industry experts, and access to a network of like-minded individuals.
Method
At its core, oikos Catalyst is a single pitching competition held once a year, giving founders the stage to present their ventures to an audience of investors, students, and industry experts. Rather than spreading our focus across sustainability as a whole, each edition zooms in on one theme, from food systems to urban resilience, so the conversations and feedback stay sharp and relevant. This focused approach lets us build real depth in that year's chosen sector while keeping the format simple and familiar for founders year after year.
Motivation
We strive to support and collaborate with talented individuals in sustainability to create a positive impact. By fostering partnerships and encouraging idea-sharing, we aim to cultivate a community dedicated to exploring sustainable solutions for our planet's challenges. Our commitment is rooted in the belief that collective effort and diverse perspectives drive meaningful change.