Fundaziun Uccelin: 10 Years of Talent Development and New Partnership with G. Bianchi AG
The development foundation Fundaziun Uccelin, established by Sarah and Andreas Caminada, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Since its founding in 2015, the foundation has invested more than CHF 1.6 million in the targeted development of young talents from the fields of gastronomy and service. By the end of last year, 101 scholarship holders had embarked on the internationally oriented 20-week advanced training programme.
Fundaziun Uccelin stands for sustainable talent development at the highest level. The scholarship is aimed at ambitious young chefs as well as service and sommelier talents, offering them unique insights into outstanding restaurants and with producers in Switzerland and abroad.
“Fundaziun Uccelin was born out of the conviction that talent needs responsibility – and space in which to grow. Seeing how more than 100 young people have forged their own paths in gastronomy fills us with great gratitude and respect,” says Andreas Caminada, co-founder of the donation-funded foundation.
Wings for gastronomic dreams – a unique development programme
The five-month programme begins for all Uccelins at Schloss Schauenstein in Fürstenau. During two intensive weeks, participants work in the kitchen alongside Head Chef Marcel Skibba or in service with the team led by Restaurant Manager Patrizia Planer. They then travel to three individually selected top restaurants (four weeks each) as well as four producers (one week each) to gain insight into different philosophies, cultures and ways of working. At the end of the programme, the Uccelins return to Fürstenau and present their personal final project, reflecting on their journey.
Alumni as ambassadors of a new generation
The impact of the programme is impressively reflected in the careers of its alumni, who today hold leading positions around the world – from Europe to Asia.
“The Uccelin journey was a turning point for me. I learned that the highest quality is not a coincidence, but the result of attitude, discipline and respect,” says Björn Lüthi, alumnus of the 2022 cohort and now part of the team at Victor’s Fine Dining by Christian Bau.
Andrea Ehrbar, chef at the Giardino Group, also emphasises the lasting influence: “I had the opportunity to meet personalities who live their values consistently – and that has shaped me in the long term.”
The experience is also intended to pave the way towards self-employment. Kong Han, an alumnus from 2018, opened his own seafood restaurant in Malaysia in 2023:
“During my scholarship, I was able to develop not only professionally, but above all personally. These experiences across different cultures and with people from diverse backgrounds shape how I work and lead today,” Han reflects.
Looking ahead: alumni network and new partnership
For the coming ten years, Fundaziun Uccelin will place a clear focus on building and strengthening an international alumni network. The aim is to promote cohesion within the industry, share knowledge and support young talents over the long term.
A key step in this direction is the new partnership with G. Bianchi AG. In future, this will offer Uccelins a two-day, practice-oriented insight into the world of food wholesale – from purchasing and logistics to processing and delivery. The partnership also actively supports the establishment and expansion of the alumni community.
“What we value about Fundaziun Uccelin is that young talents are not only supported, but guided into real-world practice and strong mentoring – close to the product, close to the craft. This is exactly what Bianchi stands for as well: for five generations, we have shared knowledge, created encounters and fostered a community that carries the craft forward with heart and conviction – because young people are our future,” says Dario Bianchi, Co-Managing Director of G. Bianchi AG.
“After ten years, our focus is on deepening connections and passing on responsibility. A strong alumni network is the key to this,” adds Andreas Caminada.
With clear values, a strong commitment to development and a vibrant network, Fundaziun Uccelin is actively helping to shape the future of the next generation in gastronomy.
10 Years of Fundaziun Uccelin – Key Figures
Total investment / programme costs since 2016: CHF 1,662,424
Graduates: 92 “Uccelins” by the end of 2025
Scholarships awarded: 109 (88 in kitchen, 21 in service)
Gender distribution: 36 women (33%) and 73 men (67%)
Partners:
86 partner restaurants in Europe, North and South America, and Asia
35 partner producers (ranging from a hunter and a ceramics manufacturer to fisheries, wineries and dairies)
Currently: Seven scholarship holders are currently on the programme; a further ten will start in February and March
The Uccelin Year at a Glance
Spring application window
1–31 March 2026
uccelin.com/jetzt-bewerben
Autumn application window
1–30 September 2026
uccelin.com/jetzt-bewerben
Anniversary charity lunch and dinner with Andreas Caminada, Marcel Skibba and two international star chefs
at Schloss Schauenstein
Thursday, 26 November 2026
Registration: info@uccelin.com