Applications are currently open for the Swiss Re Foundation Shine 2027 Programme, a four-month initiative designed to support early-stage climate entrepreneurs who are developing solutions for urban environments. The programme aims to help founders validate their business models, strengthen their ventures, and prepare for future growth by providing a combination of grant funding, expert guidance, leadership coaching, and access to extensive climate innovation networks.
Programme Focus
The Shine for Cities programme concentrates on innovative solutions that address significant urban climate challenges. It supports ventures working to accelerate urban decarbonisation, strengthen climate adaptation, and promote inclusive urban development. Key challenges targeted include extreme heat, flooding, resource constraints, and infrastructure disruption. Both climate mitigation and adaptation solutions are considered, provided they address a meaningful urban issue.
Areas of Interest
• Energy transition
• Building efficiency
• Sustainable transportation
• Circular economy
• Urban nature
• Land use
• Climate data
• Climate governance
• Climate monitoring
• Urban decarbonisation
• Climate adaptation
• Inclusive urban development
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is tailored for early-stage climate entrepreneurs and ventures that meet the following criteria:
• Venture Age: Approximately 0–4 years old.
• Product Stage: Have a working minimum viable product (MVP).
• Market Stage: A pilot or early commercial launch is already underway.
• Focus: Addresses a specific urban climate challenge.
• Location: Operates in or serves one of the eight eligible cities: Bangalore, Bratislava, Cape Town, London, Manila, Mexico City, New York, or Zurich.
• Team Commitment: A founder or founding team able to commit significant time to the programme.
• Participation: Ability to participate in required programme activities, including in-person sessions where applicable.
Programme Benefits
Selected ventures will receive a comprehensive support package, including:
• Funding: Grant funding to support business validation, development, and growth.
• Expert Guidance: Mentorship and business expertise from Swiss Re professionals in areas such as risk management, strategy, business development, and climate-related business models.
• Coaching: Leadership and executive coaching.
• Business Model Support: Assistance in developing scalable and financially sustainable climate business models.
• Network Access: Entry into climate innovation networks and connections with relevant ecosystem partners.
• Collaboration Opportunities: A platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and further growth.
• Potential Reinvestment: High-potential ventures may be considered for further support or funding opportunities after the programme, subject to progress, impact, and scaling potential.
Programme Details and Application
• Programme Duration: The Shine 2027 programme runs for four months.
• Time Commitment: Selected founders must be prepared to commit meaningful time to all programme activities, including those requiring in-person participation.
• Application Deadline: 15 September 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.
• How to Apply: Interested entrepreneurs should review all eligibility requirements and submit their applications through the official programme page.
Entrepreneurs with ventures that have progressed beyond the idea stage and are actively testing or bringing climate solutions to market in urban settings are encouraged to explore this opportunity. For complete details and to begin the application process, please refer to the official Swiss Re Foundation Shine 2027 programme page.