Swiss Citizens can vote on new Banknote Series – NCCR DFAB Research in the running

The Swiss National Bank is inviting the public to have their say: As part of the planned new banknote series, options include motifs of cutting-edge research, two of which feature pioneering research carried out by NCCR DFAB Principal Investigators, including Tor Alva, a 3D concrete printing project.

Concept D features NCCR DFAB Research. Picture by SNB

Switzerland may soon unveil a banknote series that visibly reflects the nation’s innovative spirit. At the heart of the current design competition organised by the Swiss National Bank (SNB) are contributions from science and research that exemplify pioneering achievements and technological progress. Of particular focus: the 3D concrete printing project Tor Alva as a potential motif for the 100-franc note led by the Chair of Digital Building Technologies, and the versatile robot “ANYmal” from the Robotic Systems Lab of NCCR DFAB Principal Investigator Marco Hutter as the featured symbol on the 20-franc note.

The SNB launched the competition for the new generation of banknotes in October of last year. The familiar colour palette and the established denominations will remain unchanged. The designated theme, “Switzerland and its Elevations,” pays tribute to the country’s geographical diversity and inventive spirit.

Until 7 September, citizens can express their opinion on the motifs via the website www.neuebanknotenserie.ch. The winning design is expected to be announced at the beginning of 2026, with the new series scheduled for introduction no earlier than the beginning of the 2030s. Typically, the SNB replaces banknotes every 15 to 20 years to incorporate technological advancements and enhance counterfeiting security.

By choosing innovative research as a design element, Switzerland would anchor not only its geographical heights but also its intellectual and technological leadership tangibly in the hands of its citizens.