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Smart Up Support programmes for creative professionals 

«Smart-up – Successfully implementing your ideas» is a joint project of the six departments of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. The aim is to motivate and enable students, alumni and staff from all fields of study to successfully set up their own business ideas.

New ideas, design skills and technical know-how are abundant at the Departement of Design, Film and Art. This forms the basis for working independently and making a difference in the context of the "creative industries". 
However, in order to be able to make a living from one's ideas and skills in the design, film and art sector, a minimum of "entrepreneurial" know-how is needed. Smart-up advises you on all questions – regardless of whether the project is still at the very beginning or already well advanced.

 

Smart-up der HSLU

Smart-up at a glance
Smart-up kleio

Smart-up & kleio

Smart-up cooperates with kleio. The starter kit includes two kleio coaching sessions and a kleio account for professional documentation and communication of your own art and design work – free of charge for three years! Further information and registration by e-mail.

Smart-up Film Coaching

Smart-up for filmmakers

Do you need feedback on your storyboard or advice on film funding? Get in touch with us.

Smart-up: Business Mindset Angebote

Business mindset offers

In workshops or 1:1 coaching sessions, Marc Bernegger will provide you with useful tools and inspiration for your career planning. Register for the workshops via website. For individual coaching, contact sebastian.utzni@hslu.ch and alexander.werbik@hslu.ch.

Smart-up: Förderprogramme für Kreative

Support programmes for creative professionals

Various support programmes exist in Switzerland to support start-ups. They mostly offer financial support as well as coaching or mentoring.

Founders from Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art

Here you will find start-ups from the Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art. Let yourself be inspired! Perhaps you would like to exchange ideas or network with someone? Get in touch with us and we will be happy to connect you!

ecomade

Smart-up: ecomade

From master's thesis to start-up ecomade: Joel Hügli thoroughly researched the requirements for a durable, comfortable and fully recyclable mattress. Since its premiere at Zurich Design Weeks ‘24, the mattress produced in Switzerland can be tested and purchased in the ecomade pop-up store. The project has been honoured with several high-calibre design awards. 

Founder:
Joel Hügli, Master Design graduate, research assistant in the Product & Textile research group
Founding year: 2024


BLOP Space

Blob Space
The BLOP Space team uses augmented reality technologies for urban planning processes and cultural mediation. Together with the partners, they develop new spatial stagings and cultural offerings in a co-design process. 
 
Founders:
Tobias Matter, lecturer, project manager Augmented Planning of the Visual Narrative research group
Christian Schnellmann, developer of the Visual Narrative research group, Head of Newsroom Design, Film and Art
Founding year: 2023

 

Kim da Motta

Foto von Kim Da Motta

Kim da Motta's photographic and filmic works focus on the human body and expressions of identity and gender. In her most recent artistic projects, she combines these themes with questions about AI and surveillance. Kim works as a freelance photographer and realizes video projects in the ESC collective. 

Founder: Kim da Motta, graduate of Bachelor in Camera Arts
Founding year: 2020

 

By Maria

Schuhe by Maria

The By Maria label stands for tailor-made, sustainably produced women's shoes at fair prices. It connects customers in Switzerland with international designers and local shoemakers in Colombia. By Maria is currently expanding its range with accessories from Colombian artisans. 

Founder: Catalina Jossen Cardozo, graduate of Master in Design, Service Design
Founding year: 2018
 

 

Glühweinwerk

Glühweinwerk

By combining spices and dried fruit, Glühweinwerk offers new flavors for mulled wine and mulled cider. High quality, an authentic story and the transparent origin of all ingredients embody the values of "pure, simple and fair". 

Founder: Mirko Hess, graduate of Bachelor Design Management, International
Founding year: 2018

 

Atelier Goldiger Schlüssel 

Atelier Goldiger Schlüssel

The Goldiger Schlüssel studio embellishes everyday life with small and fine products: Jewelry, eyeglass straps, wallets, key rings and much more. All products are made by hand in Switzerland. 

Founders:
Nina Goldiger, graduate of Bachelor in Object Design
Miriam Schlüssel, graduate of Bachelor in Textile Design
Founding year: 2015