Support for design

As part of its «New models of collaboration – Culture and Business»  initiative, Pro Helvetia supports young Swiss design talent, from the ideas stage through to market launch.

In response to the second call for projects that took place in spring 2018, the 78 applications submitted covered an extremely broad spectrum, encompassing fashion and furniture creation along with industrial and product design. Adrien Rovero, industrial designer and member of the jury, emphasized the recurring theme of sustainable development and international scope running through the majority of the project submissions.

The jury selected 16 projects, each of which receives tailored support according to its needs from the concept phase through prototype development and production to distribution. Such targeted support strengthens the connection between creation and commercialization that is key for young designers looking to establish themselves as a name in the market from the outset of their business activities.

The next call for projects is now open for applications until 1 September 2018. The projects most likely to be selected are those that stand out thanks to their originality, creativity, feasibility and sound grasp of the market.

(Photo: Schoenstaub, «Athletica» ©Schoenstaub)

Three studios supported by Pro Helvetia

Contribution to prototype development:

Egli Studio Sàrl

Egli Studio is a Swiss based industrial design studio composed of Thibault Dussex and Yann Mathys. Their interest for materials and processing technologies is translated in their simple and rational design. Their range of work goes from furniture to product design as well as exhibit and space design. Pro Helvetia supports prototype development for their new EASY exterior furniture system, which is designed entirely in aluminium and is fully adaptable in terms of size and finishings.

Contribution TO production:

Schoenstaub GmbH

Founder and designer Nadja Stäubli unites her passion for intriguing visual arts with the expertise of Swiss high-end technology in developing schoenstaub, a collection of woven carpets, printed beach towels and various home objects. Collaborating closely with leading manufacturing enterprises, schoenstaub creates products that incorporate photorealistic motives, graphic elements and fine drawings. Pro Helvetia supports the production of the new sports-inspired «Athletica» collection, which blends playful with more refined elements.

Contribution to project development or distribution:

Garnison

After having studied in Berlin, in 2017 Luka Maurer decided to launch his prêt-à-porter brand in his native Jura. Focussing on the three-piece suit for men, the Garnison prêt-à-porter brand revisits the notion of the contemporary suit and combines industrial techniques with refined savoir-faire. The Pro Helvetia solution opens up new perspectives for expansion for this up-and-coming brand.