Organizer Information:

Pro Helvetia (The Swiss Arts Council) is a national foundation dedicated to promoting professional contemporary Swiss art and cultural production. It fosters diversity, supports new artistic works, and facilitates cultural exchange within Switzerland and internationally.

Title & Description:

Emerging Talents: Concept Grant

This grant is designed to support the concept development phase of a project before a prototype is created. It funds activities such as material and functionality research, project preparation, and process review. The goal is to support projects with a strong design reference, high feasibility, innovation, and marketability.

Category:

Design (Product Design, Fashion, Textile, Material Research, etc.).

Note: Projects in game design, architecture, photography, unique crafts, or advertising are excluded.

Eligibility:

  • Career Stage: "Emerging Talents" are defined as professional designers whose training or business registration (self-employed, sole proprietorship, or company) dates back less than seven years.

  • Swiss Connection: At least 50% of the participants must be Swiss citizens or permanent residents whose place of work is in Switzerland.

  • Ownership: Copyright and rights of use must be held by the project owner.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Grant: Financial contribution of up to CHF 10,000.

  • Coaching: Possibility of additional, individual coaching measures.

  • Milestone Guidance: Pro Helvetia develops an individual document to track project milestones for all supported projects.

Application Fee:

Application is free via the portal

Application Requirements:

  • Concept Document: Max 5 A4 pages, including a description of the planned project with images/sketches, development plan, and project vision.

  • Proof of Status: Diploma or proof of registration (as self-employed, sole proprietorship, or company) to verify "Emerging Talent" status.

  • CV/Portfolio: Resume and portfolio of all participants.

  • Budget: Detailed budget including information on own labor input.

  • Language: All documents must generally be submitted in English.

Key Dates:

  • Application Window Opens: January 1

  • Application Deadline: March 1 (23:59 CET)

  • Notification: June (for March deadline) and November (for September deadline).

  • Project Start Date: Earliest start date is July 1 (for March deadline) or January 1 (for September deadline).

How to Apply?

Applications must be submitted online via the my.prohelvetia.ch portal.

Location:

Switzerland / International (Applicants must have a connection to Switzerland, but the project scope can be broader).

Additional Details:

Projects must demonstrate a sustainable concept. Pro Helvetia prioritizes projects with a high degree of innovation and marketability. Only one project per category may be submitted by the same applicant.

Contact Information:

Website: www.prohelvetia.ch

Email: info@prohelvetia.ch