Game Design Emerging Talents: Trade Fair Participation (Switzerland)

The Game Design Emerging Talents: Trade Fair Participation Grant provides up to CHF 4,000 to help emerging Swiss game designers participate in international trade fairs, gaming conferences, and market-related events outside Switzerland. The funding supports international networking, business development, market entry, and global visibility for original digital game projects.

Game Design Emerging Talents: Trade Fair Participation Grant for Swiss Game Designers

Program Overview

The Game Design Emerging Talents: Trade Fair Participation Grant is designed to help emerging game designers showcase their projects at international trade fairs and industry events outside Switzerland.

The program supports participation in leading gaming exhibitions, conferences, and market events where developers can meet publishers, investors, distributors, and other industry professionals. By reducing travel and participation costs, the grant helps Swiss game creators expand internationally and strengthen their commercial opportunities.

Focus Areas

The grant supports activities related to:

• International trade fair participation
• Game industry conferences
• Market access
• International networking
• Business development
• Publisher meetings
• Investor engagement
• Game commercialization
• Global market expansion
• Digital game promotion
• Interactive entertainment
• Mixed reality games
• Mobile games
• Console games
• PC game development
• Award nominations
• Swiss game industry development

Funding Details

Successful applicants may receive:

• Grant of up to CHF 4,000

Eligible Expenses

Funding may be used for:

• Booth rental
• Festival or event passes
• Transportation costs
• Insurance costs
• Economy-class round-trip travel

Accommodation expenses are not eligible.

Childcare Support

Game designers with childcare responsibilities may also receive:

• Up to CHF 250 per week

This additional support may be used for:

• Childcare expenses
• Children’s travel expenses
• Travel costs for a caregiver (where necessary)

Applicants must submit a separate budget for childcare-related expenses in advance.

Program Objectives

The initiative aims to:

• Increase the international visibility of Swiss game designers.
• Support entry into global gaming markets.
• Encourage business partnerships.
• Promote Swiss digital games internationally.
• Strengthen commercialization opportunities.
• Facilitate networking with publishers and investors.
• Enhance the global competitiveness of emerging developers.

Supported Activities

Funding may support participation in:

International Trade Fairs

Attendance at gaming exhibitions and trade fairs outside Switzerland.

Industry Conferences

Participation in conferences held as part of trade fairs or gaming industry events.

Award Participation

Attendance at events where applicants have been nominated for awards.

Eligible Digital Games

Projects may include interactive digital games developed for:

• Computers (PC and Mac)
• Game consoles
• Mobile devices
• Mixed Reality (MR) platforms

Projects should demonstrate:

• High levels of interaction
• Originality
• Creative value
• Commercial potential
• Ownership of copyright and usage rights

Who is Eligible?

Applications are open to professional Emerging Talent game designers.

Eligible applicants include:

• Independent game developers
• Individual game designers
• Emerging game studios
• Newly established game companies

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Have completed game design education or established their company within the last seven years.
• Hold copyright and usage rights for the project.
• Demonstrate a clear connection to Switzerland.
• Show nationwide relevance.
• Secure appropriate public or private co-funding.
• Guarantee fair working conditions.

Ineligible Activities

Funding is not available for:

• Trade fairs already supported or co-organized by Pro Helvetia
• Commissioned projects
• Advertising campaigns
• Promotional projects
• Purely technological projects without narrative or artistic content

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Project description
• Objectives for participating in the event
• Business plan
• Details of planned meetings with publishers, investors, or industry partners
• Detailed budget
• Financial plan
• Information on third-party funding
• Proof of Emerging Talent status (diploma or company registration)

Why This Grant Matters

International trade fairs are essential for independent game developers seeking publishers, investors, distributors, and commercial partnerships. However, participation costs can be a significant barrier for emerging studios.

This grant enables Swiss developers to present their games on the global stage, build valuable industry relationships, and explore new business opportunities while reducing financial barriers.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure you meet the Emerging Talent requirements and satisfy all Swiss eligibility conditions.

Step 2: Select an International Event

Choose a relevant trade fair, gaming conference, or market event outside Switzerland that aligns with your project’s goals.

Step 3: Prepare Your Business Strategy

Clearly explain:

• Why you are attending the event.
• Your commercial objectives.
• Planned meetings with publishers, investors, or partners.
• Expected outcomes.

Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents

Compile:

• Project description
• Business plan
• Budget
• Financial plan
• Third-party funding information
• Emerging Talent proof

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Submit the complete application with all required documentation before the official deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

• Clearly explain your international strategy.
• Identify specific publishers or business partners you intend to meet.
• Demonstrate the commercial potential of your game.
• Present a realistic budget.
• Highlight your game’s originality and innovation.
• Show how participation will benefit your long-term business development.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

• Submitting incomplete business plans.
• Providing vague participation objectives.
• Weak market strategy.
• Missing financial documentation.
• Applying for ineligible events.
• Failing to demonstrate ownership of intellectual property.
• Ignoring childcare budget requirements if requesting childcare support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Trade Fair Participation Grant?

Professional game designers whose game design education or company formation dates back less than seven years and who meet the Swiss eligibility requirements.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may receive up to CHF 4,000, with additional childcare support of up to CHF 250 per week where applicable.

What expenses are covered?

Eligible expenses include booth rental, festival passes, transport, insurance, and economy-class travel. Accommodation costs are not covered.

Can I apply for childcare support?

Yes. Applicants with childcare responsibilities may request additional funding for childcare or travel costs for their children and, if needed, a caregiver.

What events are eligible?

International trade fairs, gaming exhibitions, market-related events, conferences associated with trade fairs, and award nominations outside Switzerland.

Which projects are not eligible?

Projects connected to advertising campaigns, commissioned work, purely technological developments without artistic or narrative content, and events already supported by Pro Helvetia are not eligible.

What documents are required?

Applicants must submit a project description, participation objectives, business plan, planned industry meetings, budget, financial plan, third-party funding information, and proof of Emerging Talent status.

Conclusion

The Game Design Emerging Talents: Trade Fair Participation Grant offers emerging Swiss game designers an excellent opportunity to expand into international markets by supporting participation in leading global gaming events. With funding of up to CHF 4,000, plus additional childcare assistance where applicable, the program helps developers build industry connections, attract publishers and investors, increase international visibility, and strengthen the commercial success of their original digital game projects.