Fundaziun Uccelin: New Application Phase and Launch of the Anniversary Year
From 1 to 30 September 2025, talented individuals in gastronomy – both from the kitchen and service – can once again apply for one of the coveted scholarships of the Fundaziun Uccelin, the foundation initiated by Andreas and Sarah Caminada. Each year, twenty young talents are given the opportunity to gain valuable insights into different working cultures and broaden their horizons during a five-month programme at seven partner establishments as well as at Schloss Schauenstein in Fürstenau (GR). Next year, the foundation celebrates its 10th anniversary. The anniversary year will be launched by Andreas Caminada and Marcel Skibba with the annual charity event at Schloss Schauenstein, where they will host top chefs Albert Adrià (Enigma, Barcelona) and José Avillez (Belcanto, Lisbon) for a 6-hands dinner.
Since 2016, Fundaziun Uccelin has been supporting young gastronomic talents through a unique further education programme. “The future of gastronomy lies in the hands of the next generation of chefs and service staff. With our programme, we want to foster committed young people who pursue this path with passion and aim to build a worldwide network,” explains Andreas Caminada. “Over the past nine years – including 2025 – we have awarded a total of 106 scholarships and sent 101 Uccelins out into the world. We have invested over CHF 1.1 million in supporting young professionals so far. We are proud of this achievement, and the programme’s success motivates us to continue expanding this work consistently,” says the Grisons-based top chef.
Wings for gastronomic dreams – a unique programme
Applicants can apply online from 1 September (uccelin.com/jetzt-bewerben). By the end of November, Andreas Caminada, co-founder Sarah Leemann, the Board of Trustees and Managing Director Marc-André Buchwalder will select ten candidates, who will then be able to help shape their training programme.
The ten scholarship holders begin their individual journey with two weeks at the flagship establishment Schloss Schauenstein before moving on to three partner restaurants and four partner producers, spending up to four weeks at each. The foundation manages the entire coordination of the placements as well as all administrative matters. The scholarship covers travel and visa costs, accommodation, meals, and provides pocket money. In the final week, the Uccelins return to Fürstenau to prepare and present their final project.
Today, the foundation collaborates with 73 partner restaurants and 34 producers in 21 countries. Since its founding in 2016, board member Tanja Grandits (Restaurant Stucki, CH) as well as Heiko Nieder (The Dolder Grand, CH), Rasmus Munk (Alchemist, DK), Massimo Bottura (Osteria Francescana, IT), Quique Dacosta (Dénia Alicante, ES), Jorge Vallejo (Quintonil, MX), and Virgilio Martínez (Central, Peru) have been among the partners. This year, Dominique Crenn’s Atelier Crenn in San Francisco and Stefan Stiller’s Taian Table in Shanghai have also joined as partner restaurants.
A formative boost for individual careers
Kong Han from Malaysia, who completed his Uccelin programme in 2018, opened his own restaurant this year: “The programme undoubtedly gave me one of the most formative experiences of my life. I was able not only to expand my skills but also to grow personally. The journey opened my eyes and shaped me into the person I am today,” says the 33-year-old.
Titus Jansen, who completed his programme just this July, realised that being a chef is about much more than food: “It is about people, stories, and the legacy we are privileged to carry forward. This unique opportunity was invaluable to me – both as a chef and as a human being,” says the Dutch native.
“All partner restaurants and producers are distinguished by being among the best and most sustainable in their field. For example, the Uccelins can experience the daily life of winemakers, butchers, fishermen, farmers or even ceramicists, thereby developing a comprehensive understanding of the demands faced by all professions involved in hospitality,” reports Marc-André Buchwalder with pride in the foundation’s portfolio. “With the anniversary year and our proven track record, our goal is to further establish the foundation as a global change maker.”
International top chefs cooking for a good cause
The scholarships are financed mainly through donations and also through sponsorship. Contributions come from private donors as well as the proceeds of fundraising events (including guest chef dinners and golf tournaments). The annual budget for scholarships amounts to around CHF 350,000. The anniversary year will kick off on 1 December with a special highlight in support of the foundation: the 48-year-old top chef and his business partner and head chef Marcel Skibba will host two international icons. With Albert Adrià (Enigma, Barcelona) and José Avillez (Belcanto, Lisbon), two of the most prominent partner chefs have been secured for this year’s winter charity event.
Uccelin Events
Charity lunch and dinner with Albert Adrià, José Avillez, Andreas Caminada and Marcel Skibba
at Schloss Schauenstein
Monday, 1 December 2025
Registration: info@uccelin.com