Photograph: Paula Cermeño León

Announcing Three Design Studios for the 2022 Swiss Design Accelerator

Swissnex in San Francisco and the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, under the label Design Switzerland, jointly announce the three selected design studios for the third edition of the Swiss Design Accelerator in San Francisco.

September 7, 2022

Taking place from November 7–November 13, 2022 in San Francisco after a one-month online preparation program, the Swiss Design Accelerator will introduce the selected Swiss-based designers to the US market with a focus on the Bay Area and its design industry. The goal of the program is to build meaningful connections with relevant industry players and create business opportunities while acquiring skills to better operate in this specific ecosystem.

The Studios

The program presents an eclectic selection of studios who bring innovative processes to design meaningful products:

  • Mikafi develops an intelligent coffee roasting machine
  • Paula Cermeño León works on sustainable and circular projects related to plant-based wellbeing and skincare
  • YVY creates leather statement pieces

Discover the three design studios selected for the third edition of the Swiss Design Accelerator in San Francisco:

The Program

The program is divided into two chapters:

Virtual – October 3-31, 2022 (part-time)

  • Individual coaching sessions
  • Meetings with key potential partners
  • US skill building session

In person in San Francisco – November 7-13, 2022 (full-time)

  • Individual coaching sessions
  • Follow up meetings with key potential partners
  • Networking events
  • Visibility on the US West Coast through events, content and media

Partners

The program is a collaboration by the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia and Swissnex in San Francisco. Pro Helvetia, under the label Design Switzerland, aims to connect emerging Swiss designers with the international markets at key industry events, and enable them to gain visibility, build professional networks and reach their business goals.

Swissnex’s experience and established network will enable the studios to access key industry experts from the US West Coast and to reach their entrepreneurial goals.