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"STAGE UP 2026 - Top26"

January 19, 2026 – Svenia Ponniah

STAGE UP – The Bernese Business Creation Competition 2026

STAGE UP has been organized by the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Bern together with Bern University of Applied Sciences, be-advanced and other private and public partners since 2013. The competition is aimed at students, researchers and employees of the University of Bern and Bern University of Applied Sciences – but external participants without university affiliation are also very welcome and strongly represented.

The Top26 of this year’s STAGE UP edition

Until December 2025, creative minds – whether alone or in a team – once again had the chance to submit their visionary business ideas for the STAGE UP competition.

A panel of 36 experts used a great deal of sensitivity, specialist knowledge and a keen eye for future potential to select those ideas that stood out from the 55 submitted. The result of this intensive evaluation phase is now clear: instead of the usual 25 projects, this year 26 projects have qualified for the next round thanks to identical scores.

And now the time has come – we are delighted to present this year’s Top26 (in alphabetical order, of course):

AI Sales Agents as a Service

AI Sales Agents as a Service is a platform that gives companies instant access to GDPR-compliant, autonomous sales agents for lead qualification and appointment setting – with consistent standards, traceability and ready-to-use integrations.

Amela Biosciences

Amela Biosciences develops next-generation bioinks that are reliable and standardized, enabling human-relevant 3D cell culture, tissue engineering and bioprinting without animal or synthetic materials.

AZYGOS

Azygos is a digital learning platform for medical students and offers realistic OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations) cases for practicing anamnesis, clinical examination and clinical reasoning, individually or in teams, with ready-to-use cases.

BenefitRadar

BenefitRadar makes working conditions in Switzerland transparent and comparable, based on objective data, and enables companies to evaluate and optimize benefits, compare total compensation and build trust.

Cell Phone Indoor Localization

Cell Phone Indoor Localization has developed a system that detects and locates active cell phones in prisons with 90% accuracy. It enables real-time monitoring, efficient confiscation and a significant reduction in illegal phone calls and offers a cost-effective, vandal-resistant alternative to jammers via a sensor-as-a-service model.

DermaMate

DermaMate is a digital companion app that helps acne patients adhere to their treatment, track progress, manage side effects and receive round-the-clock support.

Diavolo

Diavolo develops an innovative, tasty and healthier beer. Tested with over 120 consumers, the MVP achieved more than 300 pre-orders and confirmed the strong market demand.

Findmee

Findmee helps construction companies to localize and manage their tools and machines with sensors and machine learning. This enables predictive maintenance, automated reports and significant time savings and is already being used by paying customers.

FixFriends

The platform brings together trainees in the skilled trades, experienced tradespeople and customers, enables cost-effective task completion with supervision and future liability protection.

gapeer

Gapeer is a community platform that supports graduates during their gap year, bundles information and opportunities and connects motivated students with companies to make the year structured and enriching.

GoRehab

DextEgg is an egg-shaped, connected device that supports fine motor skills training. In combination with an app, it makes exercises more motivating, provides real-time feedback and enables therapists to monitor patients remotely, making rehabilitation at home easier.

HORAO

HORAO is developing a real-time imaging system for brain tumor surgery. Integrated into surgical microscopes, it helps surgeons to differentiate between healthy and tumorous tissue and perform operations more safely and precisely.

HydroDeSal

HydroDeSal is developing a modular, energy-efficient desalination system with forward osmosis and thermo-sensitive hydrogels that produces water with up to 97% less energy. Aimed at small farmers and rural communities, it is solar-powered, scalable and designed for robust, autonomous operation.

Lesson compass

We are developing an AI tool that helps teachers create structured, high-quality lesson plans by guiding them step-by-step and integrating existing resources, saving time while preserving creativity and pedagogical expertise.

Mariya.ai

Mariya.ai combines digital intelligence with human empathy to support migrants, expats and career changers with individual coaching, emotional check-ins and resources for integration, career transition and personal development.

northfen

nordfen is developing an automated solution that converts real-world topographic data into interactive, physically accurate 3D simulations that can be quickly utilized to support autonomous systems development, tactical training and operational planning.

Oxprompt

Oxprompt is a data protection solution for LLMs (Large Language Models) that enables organizations to leverage powerful models such as GPT?4 without the risk of data leakage. It masks identities, preserves encrypted context and provides customizable security processes.

PolaSight

PolaSight offers a fast, non-destructive alternative to conventional histologic examination during surgery. Simple, cost-effective and clinically validated, it allows tissue samples to be stored for further analysis and meets the increasing demand due to rising cancer cases and the shortage of pathologists.

PRIMA genetics

PRIMA Genetics offers a rapid genotyping platform that identifies relevant genetic variants in stroke patients directly on site. This enables physicians to quickly select the most effective, personalized treatments, improve patient care and reduce the risk of relapse.

Project Harbour

Project Harbour is a multilingual, AI-driven app that helps anxious or neurodivergent individuals build their confidence in conversations through private, scenario-based exercises with evidence-based feedback. It is aimed at young adults and fosters a supportive community.

SaFly

SaFly offers an AI-controlled drone service for the early detection of environmental and infrastructure risks and provides usable information for prevention and monitoring. Used in Switzerland, it helps authorities, insurers and organizations to react faster and strengthen resilience.

sefit health AG

sefit health offers virtual reality therapy that helps neurodivergent young people to overcome sensory overload, promote social integration and improve their quality of life as well as their educational and professional opportunities.

SOPHIA

SOPHIA is an AI assistant for doctors in the DACH region that automates clinical documentation and can reduce the associated costs by up to 30%. It analyzes patient records, creates automated reports and processes unstructured documents, integrating seamlessly with hospital information systems.

VAAKA

The project is developing a sustainable, non-fluorinated superhydrophobic coating that offers high water repellency, good durability and environmental compatibility using environmentally friendly materials and a simple application process.

Windtracx

Windtracx is developing an innovative wind-assisted propulsion system for cargo vessels with autonomous aero-kite drones that saves fuel, meets regulatory requirements and offers economic benefits, targeting the maritime decarbonization market.

xOTP Generator

The project is developing a low-cost embedded device that instantly and securely validates mobile transactions offline – ideal for small stores or regions with poor connectivity. Compatibility with multiple providers and future adaptation to vending machines will protect against fraud while promoting digital participation.

The next step: Elevator pitches

On January 27, 2026, things will get exciting: the teams will each have three minutes to present their business idea in an elevator pitch at the University of Bern and convince the jury – consisting of well-known personalities from the world of business – of their concept. The best teams will qualify for the next phase of the competition, in which they will receive tailored coaching and practical workshops.

In the following months, the teams further develop their business models and submit their final concepts to the experts for a second round of evaluation in mid-April 2026.

We are looking forward to an inspiring day full of creative ideas, exciting pitches and enriching discussions with the participating teams and the jury.

Follow the STAGE UP competition 2026 via our newsfeed and our social media channels – we will keep you up to date on all developments!

We wish all teams the best of luck!