Announcement of finalists

The SNB has nominated the six finalists for the design competition for the new banknote series. The designers of concepts B, G, H, J, K and L will go through to the final phase of the competition. The decision was based on the results of the public survey and the evaluation conducted by an advisory board of external experts.

Design competition concepts

Design competition finalists

Other concepts

Next steps

In the second phase of the design competition, the remaining six teams will draw up their proposals for a possible commission to realise the banknote designs. During this phase, the SNB will also clarify with the designers the framework for any further cooperation.

As specified in the competition regulations, the six remaining concepts will be evaluated based on the banknote designs submitted in the first phase of the competition (60%) and the review of the proposals as well as the suitability for cooperation in the second phase of the competition (40%). The conditions for the design competition can be found in the competition regulations.

The winner of the design competition will be announced in the first quarter of 2026, after which the further development of the designs will begin. The final design of the banknotes may differ significantly from those submitted during the competition. In accordance with the SNB's Organisation Regulations, the Bank Council is responsible for deciding on the design of the banknotes. The SNB expects the new banknotes to be issued at the beginning of the 2030s, at the earliest.

Publication of designs

Between February and July 2025, twelve teams drew up designs for the new banknote series as part of a design competition. The theme of the new banknote series is 'Switzerland and its altitudes'.

Survey

On behalf of the SNB, the opinion polling company Demo SCOPE AG conducted a survey among the Swiss population between 13 August 2025 and 7 September 2025 in which more than 100,000 people participated.

The results of the survey, together with an evaluation of the banknote designs by an advisory board made up of experts from a range of disciplines, will be factored into the selection of the future banknotes.

Theme

The theme of the new banknote series is 'Switzerland and its altitudes'. It pays homage to the country's unique topography, from the Jura and the Central Plateau to the Alps, and depicts Switzerland from its deepest valleys to its highest peaks. The new series aims to reflect the diversity of life at the various altitudes.

Design competition participants

Until 11 December 2024, any designer working in Switzerland could apply to take part in the design competition. In total, over 300 designers submitted applications. Based on criteria such as the quality of their portfolio to date, the creativity of their designs, and their professional qualifications, the SNB selected the following twelve teams and individuals to participate in the competition:

Advisory board

The advisory board consists of the following six members:

• Christine Abbt, Professor of Philosophy, University of St. Gallen
• Carine Bachmann, Director, Federal Office of Culture
• Andrea Dreier, Graphic Designer, Lecturer, Member of Management Board at Swiss Graphic Design Association
• Beat Kneubühler, Director, dpsuisse and viscom (trade associations for print and communications industry)
• Gordon Nemitz, Co-CEO, thjnk Zürich AG communications agency
• Johannes Schaede, Board Member, Orell Füssli Ltd

Announcement

In October 2024, the SNB announced that it was to begin developing its tenth banknote series. In doing so, it is ensuring that Swiss banknotes continue to meet the latest standards with regard to functionality and security over the long term.