Young creatives worldwide who are turning ideas into solutions for a more sustainable planet now have a major opportunity. Applications are open for the fifth cycle of the Swarovski Foundation Creatives for Our Future programme a global education and grant initiative developed in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships.
The programme identifies and accelerates emerging talent aged 21–30 whose creative work drives progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Successful participants each receive a €20,000 grant, tailored one-on-one mentorship, educational masterclasses, industry networking, and access to high-level events.
What the Programme Offers
Selected creatives receive far more than funding. The package includes:
- A €20,000 grant to develop their project or practice
- One-on-one mentorship from industry experts
- Online educational masterclasses
- Network connections and industry event access
- Participation in a high-level launch event in London (location TBC) in Fall 2027
The programme runs from Fall 2027 to September 2028. Participants must commit to attending activities typically 2–3 times per month and travel to the UK for the launch event. The grant must be used to advance the specific project submitted in the application.
Since its launch, the programme has received nearly 2,000 applications from more than 90 countries and supported 27 cohort members. Past winners have developed solutions ranging from modular solar-powered refugee housing and ocean-waste textiles to bio-receptive building cladding, fungi-based materials, and devices improving music accessibility for the Deaf community.
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to creatives worldwide who:
- Are aged 21–30 at the time of the application deadline (9 November 2026)
- Are working on a project, product, research, or creative practice that uses creative mediums to accelerate awareness, technology, or solutions for sustainable development
- Have a clear plan to deliver tangible outcomes by September 2028
- Hold a valid passport and can meet UK entry requirements for the Fall 2027 event
- Apply as an individual or sole proprietor. Applications on behalf of companies with co-founders or staff are not accepted
Eligible disciplines include fashion, design, art, architecture, jewellery, photography, videography, engineering, science, technology, and more — with no strict limit on creative medium.
Not supported: Performing arts (music, dance, theatre) and literature/creative writing.
Projects do not need to involve crystal or Swarovski products.
Key Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
1. Design and Creativity – Original use of creative processes
2. Innovation – Novelty and solution-oriented thinking
3. Potential, Feasibility and Scalability – Long-term vision and realistic growth path
4. Impact – Clear social, environmental, or cultural benefits with supporting data where possible
5. Sustainable Development – Alignment with the UN SDGs
6. Funding Transparency – Responsible and aligned use of the grant
Important Dates
Applications open – 9 September 2026 (00:00 GMT) |
Applications close – 9 November 2026 (23:59 GMT)
Interviews (top applicants) – January 2027 (TBC)
Successful applicants notified – April 2027
Programme starts – grants awarded London event Fall 2027
Online graduation – September 2028
How to Apply
Interested Applicants can apply using the Link provided 👉 Here. Interested Applicants will need to prepare:
- A completed online application form
- A creative portfolio (maximum 50 MB)
- A 2-minute introduction video in English (maximum 150 MB) explaining yourself and your project
- Proof of age and a valid passport
- One academic or professional reference
Optional webinars are typically offered to support applicants. Detailed application guidelines are available for download on the official site.
Why This Matters
The Swarovski Foundation, established in 2013, focuses on promoting sustainable livelihoods through education, with priorities in Equity, Creativity, and Water. Creatives for Our Future is one of its flagship programmes, recognising that young creatives are uniquely positioned to challenge the status quo and invent practical, scalable responses to global challenges from climate and resource scarcity to inclusion and community resilience.
If you are a young creative with a project that uses design, materials innovation, technology, architecture, or other creative approaches to advance the SDGs, this is a rare opportunity to gain funding, expert guidance, and international visibility.
