SIYU Award 2026
The SIYU Award is a Swiss photography competition for young photographers (under 39) with Swiss citizenship or working in Switzerland. The 2026 cycle introduced the Alois Ottiger Grant in memory of the late Swiss photographer (1941-2025). Submissions closed on 30 April; ten finalists premiere their work at Photobastei Zurich in October 2026. Prizes: CHF 5,000 / 3,000 / 2,000. AI is explicitly permitted as an aid or creative element if disclosed.
- Deadline
- April 30, 2026
- Entry fee
- Free entry
- Opens
- February 1, 2026
- Results
- October 31, 2026
Authenticity policy
AI policy
Only original, self-created work will be accepted, and none of the works entered may have already won an award elsewhere. Importantly, if AI (or similar) is used as an aid or creative element, this must be clearly indicated.
RAW files
Not specified
Editing rules
The SIYU Award explicitly permits AI as an aid or creative element provided the use is disclosed. Submissions are coherent series of 3 to 8 images plus a project description and a conceptual sketch for exhibition presentation. Open only to Swiss citizens and to non-Swiss photographers living, studying, or working in Switzerland; age limit 39.
Verified on June 12, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Does SIYU Award 2026 allow AI-generated images?
- Yes. SIYU Award 2026 permits AI-generated images.
- When is the SIYU Award 2026 entry deadline?
- Entries for SIYU Award 2026 close on April 30, 2026.
- How much does it cost to enter SIYU Award 2026?
- SIYU Award 2026 is free to enter.
- When are the SIYU Award 2026 results announced?
- SIYU Award 2026 announces its results on October 31, 2026.
Do you run a photo contest? See how organizers verify entries
More Mixed contests
Browse all contests- Chromatic Photography Awards 2026
- Minimalist Photography Awards 2026
- Monochrome Photography Awards 2026
- Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest 2026
- Tokyo International Foto Awards (TIFA) 2026
- National Geographic Pictures of the Year 2026