Deadline: 01-Sep-2025
Pro Helvetia is inviting applications from designers to join a one-day Matchmaking Event on 31 October 2025. The event will be held at CimArk in Sion and First Track SA in Bagnes. It offers designers the chance to meet industry professionals, expand their network, explore business opportunities, and receive constructive feedback on their work.
Participants will benefit from a full day of activities, including a keynote session, lunch, a matchmaking event, and a pre-dinner drink. Prior to the event, selected designers will receive exclusive online pitch training to help refine their presentation skills and prepare their pitch deck with expert guidance.
Eligible projects must show a clear link to Switzerland, be of national importance, and be co-funded through other public or private sources. Projects must also uphold fair working conditions.
Applicants must qualify as ‘Emerging Talents’—professional designers who completed their training or registered as professionals less than seven years ago. A valid Swiss connection is required, either through citizenship, residency, or regular artistic activity in Switzerland. Projects should also demonstrate national relevance or contribute to the artistic and cultural development across Swiss linguistic regions.
Pro Helvetia will not consider applications that already receive federal funding for the same project component, are part of academic training, or seek support for infrastructure or operational costs. Projects that don’t rely on Pro Helvetia funding are also ineligible.
Applications are assessed for their independence, professional quality, relevance, expected impact, and cost-effectiveness. Pro Helvetia also values ecological responsibility, sustainability, and diversity in projects.
Eligible applicants include designers in product, furniture, home textiles, or service design who are interested in business collaboration and show innovation, market readiness, and sustainability in their practice.
Applicants must submit a short biography (500 characters), portfolio, proof of Emerging Talent status (such as a diploma or registration document), and a description of their entrepreneurial goals related to the event.
For more information, visit Pro Helvetia.
