Deadline: 01-Mar-2026
The Pro Helvetia Emerging Talents Prototype Development Grant provides up to CHF 20,000 to professional designers for the creation of innovative, marketable, and sustainable prototypes. Eligible applicants must be within seven years of completing their training or starting their business and maintain a strong professional connection to Switzerland. The program offers financial support alongside individual coaching to bridge the gap between initial design and market readiness.
The Swiss Arts Council, Pro Helvetia, offers this specialized grant to foster the next generation of Swiss design talent. By funding the prototype phase, the program helps designers transform conceptual ideas into physical or digital models that demonstrate innovation, feasibility, and market potential.
Why It Matters: Accelerating Swiss Design Innovation
Bridging the gap from concept to market is often the most significant financial hurdle for new designers. This grant is critical for:
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Market Validation: Allowing designers to test the viability of their “Value Proposition.”
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Economic Support: Providing up to CHF 20,000 for development costs and specialized coaching.
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Global Competitiveness: Ensuring Swiss design remains at the forefront of international innovation and sustainability.
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Career Launching: Specifically targeting “Emerging Talents” to ensure the long-term health of the Swiss creative economy.
Key Concepts and Definitions
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Emerging Talent: A professional whose relevant design training (diploma) or business registration occurred less than seven years ago.
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Prototype: A preliminary version of a product used to test a design concept, technical feasibility, and user experience.
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Value Proposition: A clear statement explaining how a design solves a problem, delivers specific benefits, and tells the customer why they should buy it over competitors.
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Nationwide Relevance: Projects that impact the Swiss cultural landscape beyond a single local region or represent Swiss excellence on an international stage.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must meet strict criteria regarding professional experience, residency, and project scope.
Applicant Profile:
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Career Stage: Within 7 years of graduation or business registration (self-employed or company).
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Residency: At least 50% of the project team must be Swiss citizens or permanent residents based in Switzerland.
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Professional Connection: Must be active in the Swiss design scene or have a place of production/operation in Switzerland.
Project Criteria:
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Innovation: High degree of novelty and marketability.
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Sustainability: A demonstrable concept for environmental or social sustainability.
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IP Rights: The project owner must hold all copyright and rights of use.
Exclusions (Ineligible Projects):
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Commissioned work or advertising campaigns.
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Craft projects, unique pieces, or collectibles (e.g., one-off gallery pieces).
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Platforms, events, or publications.
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Specific Fields: Games, architecture, and photography are not eligible for this specific grant.
Funding and Support Details
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Financial Grant: Maximum of CHF 20,000.
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Additional Support: Opportunities for individual coaching measures to refine business or technical skills.
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Milestone Tracking: Supported projects follow a customized “milestones document” to monitor progress and timing.
How to Apply: Requirements and Deadlines
The application process is rigorous and requires detailed documentation of the project’s commercial and artistic life cycle.
1. Prepare the Concept Document: Submit a maximum of ten A4 pages (in English) including:
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Detailed project description and development plan.
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Production and marketing strategies.
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Value proposition (using the mandatory official form).
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Initial visualizations and prototype plans.
2. Supporting Documentation:
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Resumes (CVs) and portfolios of all participants.
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Proof of emerging talent status (diploma or registration).
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Detailed budget (including your own labor/time investment) and a financial plan.
3. Submission Deadlines:
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Spring Round: Deadline 1 March (Decisions in June; Start date 1 July).
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Autumn Round: Deadline 1 September (Decisions in November; Start date 1 January).
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Mistake: Missing the Sustainability Concept. Applications often fail because they treat sustainability as an afterthought. It must be a core part of the design and production plan.
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Mistake: Incomplete Budget. Forgeting to include your own “labor input” (the value of your time) can lead to an unrealistic financial plan.
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Tip: Focus on Feasibility. Pro Helvetia looks for projects that aren’t just “art” but have a clear path to being manufactured or implemented in the real world.
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Tip: English Submissions. While Pro Helvetia is Swiss, all technical and concept documents should be submitted in English to facilitate the jury process.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I apply if I graduated 8 years ago but only started my business 2 years ago? Yes. The criteria apply to either your training or your business registration. If either dates back less than seven years, you are eligible.
2. Does the grant cover my studio rent? No. Funding cannot be used to cover general infrastructure, equipment, or ongoing operating costs of cultural facilities.
3. Can I apply for a game design project? No. Game design is specifically excluded from this program category.
4. What if I already have funding from another federal body? You cannot receive funding from Pro Helvetia for the same part of the project that is already being funded by another federal entity.
5. Is a “unique piece” for an art gallery eligible? No. This grant is for prototype development intended for broader application or production, not for unique craft or collectible items.
6. Do I have to be a Swiss citizen? Not necessarily, but at least 50% of the project team must be Swiss citizens or permanent residents working in Switzerland.
7. How are applications assessed? Applications are reviewed by an independent jury of experts based on innovation, feasibility, and national/international potential.
Conclusion
The Pro Helvetia Emerging Talents Prototype Development Grant is a premier opportunity for Swiss designers to bridge the gap between creative vision and market reality. By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and transregional appeal, the grant ensures that emerging Swiss designers have the resources to launch impactful professional careers.
For more information, visit Pro Helvetia.