The EDP Hope Fund Incubation Program, a collaborative initiative by Bridge for Billions and EDP, is now in its third edition. This program is designed to support social entrepreneurs globally who are focused on the Fair Energy Transition sector, particularly those benefiting underserved communities. It offers a structured framework to help early-stage ventures validate, structure, and grow their projects into high-impact, sustainable businesses through a hands-on methodology, expert mentorship, and access to a global community.
Program Overview
• Program Cost: Free
• Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
• Duration: 5 months
• Format: Online
• Language: The main language is English, with tailored Spanish support sessions available during incubation. The platform is accessible in 13 languages.
• Location: Global cohort
• Time Commitment: A minimum of 6-8 hours per week is required.
Learning Objectives
• Business Strategy: Discover how to differentiate your business and attract more customers.
• Financial Acumen: Learn to calculate costs and price points to drive profit and growth, and acquire skills to forecast business finances for the next three years.
• Marketing and Communication: Master effective methods to communicate and promote your business.
• Impact Strategy: Understand how your business can positively impact your community to attract collaborators and investors.
• Scaling Operations: Develop strategies to expand your business, scale operations, and attract new customers.
Ideal Candidate Profile
• Sector Focus: Your project creates social impact in areas such as access to clean energy, energy efficiency, green job creation, re/up-skilling, or environmental preservation.
• Stage of Development: You have an early-stage business project with a vision for impact and financial sustainability, whether it's an idea, an MVP, or you are already selling but have not yet found a sustainable model.
• Community Impact: Your business contributes to access, affordability, inclusion, or resilience for underserved communities.
• Founder Eligibility: The program is open to founders from all countries with no restrictions on age or educational background. Applicants must be proficient in English.
• Technical Requirements: You must have access to a computer with a stable internet connection.
Key Dates and Program Stages
• Applications Open: Until April 30, 2026
• Selection Announcement: By May 13, 2026
• Welcome Session: May 14, 2026
• Mentor Matching Phase: May 15 - June 8, 2026
• Incubation Program: June 8 - November 4, 2026
• Final Pitch Event: During November 2026, top entrepreneurs will be selected to pitch to a jury of industry experts.
Application Process
• Step 1 - Create Profile: Start by clicking the “Apply now” button on the program page and fill in personal information to set up an account.
• Step 2 - Complete Application: Fill out all sections of the application form thoroughly.
• Step 3 - Submit: Review the application and submit it by the deadline of April 30, 2026. The team will provide a notification on the application status.
Program Support and Resources
• Mentorship: Participants are paired with a mentor who acts as a guide, meeting weekly via video call to validate progress and design a growth plan.
• Funding: While the program does not offer direct funding, it provides investment readiness training and access to a global network to prepare ventures for investment.
• Intellectual Property: Applications and program data are treated as confidential information, protected by Terms and Conditions, a Privacy Policy, and a mentor confidentiality agreement.
• Team Collaboration: The platform allows founders to invite team members to collaborate on project development.
• Information Sessions: Online information sessions in English are organized for prospective applicants to learn more and ask questions.
This comprehensive, five-month online incubator provides a unique opportunity for social entrepreneurs to develop their ventures within the fair energy transition sector. By offering a validated methodology, dedicated mentorship, and practical business tools at no cost, the program equips founders with the necessary skills and strategies to build scalable and impactful businesses. For specific questions not covered in the program materials, interested parties can contact Bianca Breveglieri, the Senior Program Manager.