The Soglio Innovation Catalyst

At VP Venture Partners, we believe in the power of science to drive meaningful change. With a deep commitment to innovation in life science, we aim to support future founders in their transition from academia to entrepreneurship.

Transforming groundbreaking research into vibrant and successful companies is no small feat. This is why we have created the Soglio Innovation Catalyst – a three-day intensive deep dive into the mindset and mechanics of building a company and securing venture capital funding.

Workshop Content

During the Soglio Innovation Catalyst, we want to support you in shaping a business idea based on your research. Being an excellent researcher and a profound expert in your field is a great start for building new, innovative products. However, there are many different opportunities and challenges to consider in this journey to becoming a startup company and building a sustainable, breakthrough business.

Workshops during the Soglio Innovation Catalyst will cover:

Introduction to Venture Capital

Business plan & modelling

IP licensing

Financing your venture

Patient journey and unmet patient need

Your USP and how you differentiate

Our first two batches of the Soglio Innovation Catalyst were a success!

Stay tuned for the next edition of the Soglio Innovation Catalyst in 2026!

Click here to register your interest for 2026

Application Process

Application deadline 3 months before the workshop

Individuals or teams can apply via our application form. Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any additional questions.
Pre-selection 2.5 months before the workshop

The applications will be reviewed by our team and we will evaluate your application focusing on novelty and impact for patients. After a first review, we will bring in additional experts to review your applications.
Video calls 2 months before the workshop

Pre-selected teams will be invited to a 30 minute video call. We want to get to know you and your team. We also want to get a better understanding of the status of your project and your ambitions.

After the videocall we may request additional information and will make our final selection.
Selection of teams 1.5 months before the workshop

Selected teams will be informed about 6 weeks before the workshop

Team

VP Venture Partners leads the Soglio Innovation Catalyst initiative. VP Venture Partners was founded by Dr. Valentin Piëch and the office is managed by Vendy Zgraggen.

Partners

FAQ

Where does the workshop take place?

The workshop will take place in Soglio, Bregaglia in the south of Switzerland. In 2019, the founder of the Marlene Porsche Foundation decided to acquire Palazzo Salis in Soglio and renovate it from the ground up. The renovation work was completed in 2024.

The two buildings, the historic Casa Guberto and the modern Casa Ada, house a total of eight suites as well as various conference, meeting, and recreation rooms. The building can be used year-round and has modern conference technology as well as its own kitchen/catering facilities.

How much does it cost?

Participation in the workshop is free of charge for you and another team member.

Accommodation and food throughout the duration of the workshop are free of charge. Food will be provided by an on-site team of cooks, focusing on local cuisine.

Travels to and from Soglio have to be organized by the participants and costs of travels have to be covered by the participants.

How many people from my team can I bring?

We can reserve up to two rooms per team. Each room is equipped with a large double bed (160 cm). Each room has access to a private bathroom or a bathroom shared with one other room. If you would like to bring more than 2 participants per team, please get in contact with us and we will do our best to accommodate this request.

Where is Soglio and how do I get there?

Soglio is located in the Bregaglia, in the south of Switzerland.

Closest Airport: Milan-Bergamo Airport

Closest train station: St. Moritz

Travels to and from Soglio have to be organized by the participants.

If I am selected, do I need to participate in the whole workshop?

After a successful application, we require a firm commitment to participate in the whole workshop on-site in Soglio. If you can’t commit to participate for the three days of the workshop, we kindly ask you to leave your spot to another team.

How are the days structured during the Soglio Innovation Catalyst?

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The Soglio Innovation Catalyst

Workshop Content

Workshops during the Soglio Innovation Catalyst will cover:

Application Process

Application deadline 3 months before the workshop

Pre-selection 2.5 months before the workshop

Video calls 2 months before the workshop

Selection of teams 1.5 months before the workshop

Team

Partners

FAQ