The priority is to have a new text, but contestants will also be free to compose a new tune, project leader Lukas Niederberger told BBC News.
The current text dates back to 1841 and includes references to God, prayer, mountains and sunshine.
The new text is to include values enshrined in the Swiss constitution, such as democracy and solidarity.
The competition will run from January to the end of June 2014, with the top prize - SFr10,000 (£7,080; $10,745) - to be awarded in 2015.
The runners-up will get SFr5,000, SFr3,000 and SFr1,000. The competition is open to Swiss nationals and foreigners living in Switzerland.
The winning anthem will be presented to the government - the Federal Council - for approval. (+ audio) » | Laurence Peter | Friday, August 02, 2013
