QNET × Bernhard H. Mayer
Open Innovation Challenge
in support of Breast Cancer Awareness
in support of
Breast Cancer Awareness
Empowering the Creative Future of the Middle East & North Africa
The Middle East and North Africa region is known for its rich design heritage that seamlessly blends history and modernity through intricate craftmanship, architectural intelligence, and vibrant dynamism. Design in this region is rooted in centuries of cultural expression, which has long served as a marker of identity and a driver of social movements.
Design as the
Driver of Change
Today, a new wave of talent is reshaping the landscape, defined by bold ideas and innovation, fuelled by a strong desire to bring their cultural identity and ingenuity to the global stage while creating meaningful impact.
A Shared Purpose
in Motion
And so, through our Swiss luxury watch and jewellery brand, Bernhard H. Mayer, we have launched the Open Innovation Challenge to enable young designers from the region to fuel their creativity as a force for good.
At Bernhard H. Mayer®, we believe true luxury is timeless — not just in design, but in purpose. This initiative empowers young creatives to craft beauty that makes a difference, showing that compassion can be our greatest form of art.
Bernhard H. Mayer
The Challenge :
Dare to Design.
Create with Heart.
QNET, in partnership with Bernhard H. Mayer, is championing the next generation of MENA designers by turning regional creativity into a global opportunity.
This challenge invites students from partner universities in Egypt, Morocco, and Iraq to design a unique timepiece for Pink October.
Design
Guidelines
The creation should reflect elegance, empowerment, and originality.
STYLE
MATERIAL
NOTE
Design
Guidelines
The creation should reflect elegance, empowerment, and originality.
STYLE
Women’s watch embodying the theme of Pink October
MATERIAL
NOTE
Participating
Universities
OCTOBER
UNIVERSITY - MSA
EGYPT
ESBAC
CASABLANCA
MOROCCO
CIHAN
UNIVERSITY
IRAQ - KURDISTAN
UNIVERSITY
OF BAGHDAD
IRAQ
For our students, this collaboration is far more than a design exercise; it offers a chance to connect creative thinking with a cause that matters and experience how design can carry a message of empathy and hope. We are proud to see Egyptian creativity join a regional dialogue led by such an inspiring brand.
Dean of Arts and Design
October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA)
Prof. Dr. Tarek Saleh
What Awaits —
A Winning Experience
The winning design will be brought to life as an authentic Bernhard H. Mayer.
The winner will travel to Biel, Switzerland, the heart of horology, to learn from the brand's leading craftsmen.
A portion of the proceeds from the watch sales will go to a breast cancer association in the winner's home country.
Meet
The Jury
Our distinguished panel from the heart of the Swiss watch industry evaluated every submission with professional rigour.
Xavier Markl
Industry Expert
Bio
What began as a professional necessity soon evolved into a true horological obsession. Drawn to the beauty of finely decorated movements and exquisitely crafted dials, he also writes for MONOCHROME WATCHES — one of the most widely read online watch magazines — to indulge his enduring fascination with watchmaking.
Rossella Vonlanthen
Watch Designer
Bio
Dario Ratti
Watchmaker
Bio
Alexandra Lanz
CEO of Cimier
Bio
Xavier Markl
Industry ExpertAn industry expert and consultant, Xavier Markl developed a passion for mechanical watches while working at Cartier and later Girard-Perregaux. What began as a professional necessity soon evolved into a true horological obsession. Drawn to the beauty of finely decorated movements and exquisitely crafted dials, he also writes for MONOCHROME WATCHES — one of the most widely read online watch magazines — to indulge his enduring fascination with watchmaking.
Rossella Vonlanthen
Watch DesignerRossella is a Swiss watch designer. She specialised in watch and jewellery design at the School of Applied Arts in La Chaux-de-Fonds, and subsequently joined RODOLPHEDESIGN SA, where she became Creative Director in 2020. Here, she leads design projects for multiple brands and plays an active role in the studio’s strategic direction as co-owner. Rossella is part of a new generation of designers exploring the intersection of Swiss watchmaking tradition and contemporary design.
Dario Ratti
WatchmakerDario Ratti is an independent watchmaker and instructor, specialized in restoration and watch complications. With experience in renowned Maisons such as Omega and Audemars Piguet, he combines precision with strong teaching skills. Passionate about his craft, he divides his time between his Atelier, training and consulting.
Alexandra Lanz
CEO of CimierAlexandra fell in love with the Swiss watch industry at the age of 21 when she had the opportunity to start her professional career at Tag Heuer. Since then, she has had the privilege of working with numerous brands, including Gucci, Boucheron, YSL, Cartier, Swatch Group, and others. Alexandra joined Montres CIMIER SA in 2014, and since 2018 she has been managing this company alongside a motivated and hardworking team.
