Oikos Catalyst 2025: Today’s Action, Tomorrow’s Cities
Oikos Catalyst 2025 was the second edition of the new sustainable pitching competition. The event was in collaboration with Student Impact and it took a focus on urban-focused sustainable startups.
Here we tackled the challenges of carbon emissions, urban sustainability and circular resource use by supporting innovative startups across energy, construction, mobility and digital solutions. From real-time emission tracking and composting toilets to smart packaging, parking optimization and advanced building materials, these ventures are redefining how cities and industries operate sustainably, driving systemic change toward a cleaner, more resilient future.
7
startups pitched
60
people attended
CHF 1500
of prize money rewarded
Oikos Catalyst 2024: The Future of Food
Oikos Catalyst 2024 was the first edition of the new sustainable pitching competition. The inauguration event was dedicated to revolutionising Switzerland’s food sector. We tackled issues like food waste and overconsumption, aiming for a more sustainable future, by supporting the startups in the food sector in receiving funding.
4
startups pitched
60
people attended
CHF 2500
of prize money rewarded
4 Startups pitched away, for the chance to win 2500 CHF.
..with one startup having to join via zoom, no technical issues stopped us!
Tom Weltevreden, Project Head ’24 & Founder
A rollercoaster of ups and downs, but with a looping in the end!
From the exhilaration of securing sponsors, jury members, and getting startups to join our cause, to the humbling lessons learned through failed pitches, delayed responses, and unexpected logistical hiccups (who knew room reservations could be so unpredictable?), every twist and turn has been a test of our determination and passion for this project.
But the result that we received in the end made it all worth it.
A Successful Inauguration
The event was held in the SQUARE at the University of St.Gallen on the 24th of April 2024. A prime location considering its connection to sustainability and innovation, but of course also because of it’s amazing view over St.Gallen.
The jury consisted of three distinguished and renowned experts. Karen Gräfensteiner, the founder of Gräfensteiner Swiss Real Estate, who had years of experience in pitching, Philipp Schnöll, the Innovation Analyst from Foodward (a company that helps startups in the food sector) and last but not least Ulf Marquardt, Senior Manager of Partner Development at Nestlé.
Initially, we had five startups ready to pitch, but one had to cancel the night before—proof that things don’t always go as planned! Nonetheless, we pushed forward with four startups, one of which joined us via Zoom, and successfully set the stage for an engaging competition.
It was a tough battle, but in the end Niatsu won the vote of the jury and of the audience. Sallea came second with only a few audience votes behind Niatsu.
After the intense competition, the audience was able to get their goodie bags filled with many sustainable snacks, drinks and coupons from our sponsors as well as a small Apéro to close the event.
Initiatives like these are super important for startups like us, and sustainability in general. Having participated here was a wonderful opportunity. Keep it up!
– Marius Semm from Niatsu, Winner of 2024
Thanks for having me. The event turned out great and we from foodward are very happy to be part of it. If there are any food related events in the future, we are more than happy to participate again!
– Philipp Schnöll from Foodward, Jury Member & Sponsor 2024
I think it is great and important what you guys are building here. I see that a lot of work has gone into this and appreciate your effort and commitment to creating something like this.
– Karen Gräfensteiner from Gräfensteiner SRE, Jury Member 2024
Our Main Partners in 2024
Event Partners 2024
Oikos Catalyst 