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Call for Applications – 2026 Stewardship Award

Theme: Engineering the Next Frontier: Robotics, Automation, Industry 4.0

The Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce–Southern California is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Stewardship Award and invites organizations, innovators, and emerging companies to submit their applications.
This year’s theme, “Engineering the Next Frontier: Robotics, Automation, Industry 4.0,” celebrates the groundbreaking engineers, thinkers, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of intelligent manufacturing, human–machine collaboration, autonomous systems, and digitally integrated industry ecosystems.
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Created in 2023, the Stewardship Award has rapidly become a premier recognition of Swiss–American innovation, honoring organizations whose forward‑looking technologies demonstrate transformational impact and bold, future‑shaping potential.

What We Are Looking For
The 2026 Stewardship Award will recognize a company or organization that demonstrates exemplary innovation and disruptive thinking in one or more of the following domains:

• Robotics & autonomous systems
• Smart manufacturing & Industry 4.0 processes
• Industrial automation & advanced sensing
• AI-driven production & operational intelligence
• Cyber‑physical systems and digital twins
• Human–robot collaboration and safety innovations

Entries should illustrate how the innovation addresses a significant challenge, advances industrial performance, and reflects the values of Swiss‑American engineering excellence.

Benefits of Participation
Applicants and finalists will receive exceptional visibility and access across the Swiss–American business and innovation ecosystem, including:

• Exposure through AmCham media channels and social media
• Networking within a high‑level binational community of industry leaders
• PR and marketing visibility supported by AmCham communications
• Invitation for the top 3 finalists to the prestigious Avantgarde Gala
• Laudatio for the winner by a senior business leader
• Opportunity for the winner to serve on next year’s jury

​Eligibility
​Organizations with a Swiss–American business angle—including startups, SMEs, university spin‑offs, and innovative divisions of established companies—are encouraged to apply.
Solutions may be in prototype, pilot, or commercial stages.

​Submission Details
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Application Deadline: July 31, 2026
Top 3 Finalists Announced: August 31, 2026
Finalist Presentations: By September 15, 2026
Winner Announced: At the Avantgarde Gala, November 7, 2026, Los Angeles

Apply NOW

The 2026 Stewardship Award Race is now open. Submit your application until July 31st! 

APply for Stewardship Award Race

Past Winners

Become A Partner

The Swiss AMCHAM SoCal Avantgarde Award offers a unique opportunity to become the official sponsor or "godfather" of one of its two prestigious awards—the Main Avantgarde Award or the Stewardship Award. As a sponsor, you will not only align your brand with excellence and innovation but also enjoy a platform to deliver a laudation speech and a company presentation at the annual Avantgarde Gala, showcasing your commitment to Swiss-American business relations.
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Download Partner Brochure 2025

Become the Award Sponsor

1. Elevate Your Brand: Align your organization with excellence and innovation by sponsoring the "Oscar" of Swiss-American business achievements.
2. Unmatched Visibility: Gain exclusive exposure to a global audience of industry leaders, media, and decision-makers at the prestigious Avantgarde Gala.
3. Build Lasting Connections: Position your brand at the heart of Swiss-American business relations, fostering partnerships with top-tier corporations and influencers.
4. Champion Sustainability and Innovation: Showcase your commitment to cutting-edge practices by supporting an award that celebrates forward-thinking and sustainable leadership.