Applications are open for Shine 2027, a Swiss Re Foundation initiative designed to support early-stage climate ventures that are developing solutions for urban climate action. The programme seeks innovations that assist cities in reducing emissions, adapting to climate change, enhancing resilience, and fostering more inclusive urban environments. The 2027 edition is being implemented across eight global locations, including Cape Town, South Africa, aiming to empower entrepreneurs at the forefront of sustainable urban development.
Programme Offerings
• Grant funding to support validation and growth. The grant amount varies by location, with the Cape Town chapter offering ZAR 400,000, and other chapters providing grants from INR 200,000 to USD 40,000.
• Access to Swiss Re expertise in areas such as risk, strategy, and business development.
• Leadership and executive coaching.
• Support in developing scalable climate business models.
• Connections to climate innovation networks and ecosystem partners.
• Potential for additional investment from the Swiss Re Foundation upon demonstrating evidence of scale.
Eligibility Criteria
Shine is tailored for early-stage social enterprises and climate ventures with an innovative, market-based solution to a specific climate challenge. Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
• A clear understanding of the climate challenge they are addressing.
• A minimum viable product (MVP).
• An ongoing pilot or a commercial launch.
• An innovative solution that targets a defined market or customer segment.
• The potential for financial sustainability through non-grant revenue streams.
• A strong commitment to working collaboratively throughout the programme.
Eligible Solution Areas
Shine 2027 is seeking innovations across several key urban climate domains:
• Energy Transition: Including renewable energy, energy storage, and distributed energy systems.
• Sustainable Buildings: Focusing on building retrofits, cooling solutions, and low-carbon construction materials.
• Sustainable Transport: Covering low-carbon mobility and sustainable transport access.
• Waste and Circular Economy: Encompassing recycling, reuse, and resource recovery.
• Urban Nature and Land Use: Including green infrastructure, biodiversity, and sustainable urban food systems.
• Climate Data and Governance: Seeking solutions in climate monitoring, risk intelligence, and emissions tracking.
Programme Locations
The 2027 programme is available in eight chapters globally:
• Bangalore, India
• Bratislava, Slovakia
• Cape Town, South Africa
• London, UK
• Manila, Philippines
• Mexico City, Mexico
• New York, USA
• Zurich, Switzerland
Application Details
• Application Deadline: The official Shine 2027 page does not currently list a specific application deadline. Applicants are advised to check the application portal and programme updates for the relevant deadline.
• How to Apply: Interested climate entrepreneurs can review the programme details and submit their application through the official Swiss Re Foundation application portal.
As cities face escalating risks from extreme heat, flooding, and resource shortages, many struggle to translate climate plans into practical action. The Shine 2027 programme aims to bridge this implementation gap by providing early-stage climate ventures with the necessary funding, technical expertise, business development support, and networks to validate and scale their impactful solutions.