Apply now for Swiss Re Foundation SHINE 2027 Grant for Early-Stage Climate Ventures
ONYINYECHI NWAIGBA 
Early-stage climate entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions for more resilient, low-carbon communities and cities can now apply for the Swiss Re Foundation’s SHINE 2027 program, an initiative that combines catalytic funding with business expertise, leadership coaching and access to a wider ecosystem of support.
The program is designed for social entrepreneurs who are developing solutions to climate-related challenges and are looking to strengthen their ventures, improve their business models and prepare for greater scale.
Applications for SHINE 2027 are currently open and will close on September 15, 2026.
What is the SHINE Program?
SHINE is the Swiss Re Foundation’s flagship venture-building program for early-stage social entrepreneurs.
The initiative focuses on entrepreneurs developing innovative, market-based solutions that can address major societal challenges, particularly in the areas of climate solutions and healthcare access. For the 2027 cycle, the program is highlighting early-stage climate enterprises working towards more resilient and low-carbon communities and cities.
Rather than providing funding alone, SHINE combines financial support with access to the expertise and experience of Swiss Re employees. Entrepreneurs receive support to strengthen their business models, validate their impact and develop strategies for scaling their solutions.
The Swiss Re Foundation describes the program as part of its broader effort to advance innovative solutions to climate and health challenges while improving resilience among communities around the world.
What Does SHINE 2027 Offer?
For entrepreneurs selected into the program, SHINE goes beyond conventional grant funding.
The program provides a combination of:
- Catalytic funding to support the development of the venture.
- Access to Swiss Re expertise and professional knowledge.
- Leadership coaching and mentorship.
- Support to strengthen and validate the venture’s business model.
- Guidance on measuring and demonstrating impact.
- Opportunities to connect with relevant partners and ecosystems.
- Continued support beyond the core learning program for promising ventures.
The Foundation says SHINE helps founders develop the capabilities and strategies required to move their solutions towards greater scale and real-world climate impact.
Who Is SHINE 2027 Looking For?
The program is targeted at early-stage climate entrepreneurs and social enterprises developing innovative solutions to climate-related challenges.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate that their venture is addressing a clearly identified problem and that their solution has the potential to contribute to more resilient or low-carbon communities and cities.
The focus is particularly relevant to entrepreneurs whose work addresses climate vulnerability, environmental challenges, resilience or other areas where innovative enterprise-based solutions can help communities respond to climate change.
The Swiss Re Foundation’s climate solutions portfolio focuses on helping communities prevent and prepare for natural catastrophes, adopt climate-friendly practices and adapt to a changing environment.
Why Early-Stage Climate Ventures Matter
Climate-focused businesses often face a difficult transition between developing an innovative idea and building a venture capable of reaching large numbers of people.
An entrepreneur may have developed a promising product or service but still need support to refine the business model, establish a sustainable revenue strategy, measure impact or determine how the solution can be scaled.
This is where program such as SHINE can play an important role.
By combining funding with business expertise and structured learning, the program seeks to help entrepreneurs move beyond the idea stage and build ventures capable of creating measurable and sustainable impact.
The Foundation says its approach includes helping founders learn, prototype and scale effective solutions while providing access to the expertise of Swiss Re employees.
Climate Solutions in Focus
The Swiss Re Foundation’s climate work is centered on solutions that can help vulnerable communities manage climate risks and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Its areas of interest include solutions related to disaster risk reduction, nature-based solutions and broader climate resilience.
The Foundation also supports initiatives that help low-income communities protect themselves and local ecosystems from the effects of natural disasters and climate change.
Through SHINE, the Foundation extends this focus to early-stage climate enterprises developing innovative solutions that can contribute to resilient, low-carbon communities and cities.
What Applicants Should Demonstrate
Entrepreneurs applying for SHINE 2027 should be prepared to clearly explain the challenge their venture is addressing and why their proposed solution is relevant.
A strong application should communicate:
- The specific climate or resilience challenge being addressed.
- How the proposed solution works.
- The communities, customers or beneficiaries that will be served.
- What makes the solution innovative.
- The stage of development of the venture.
- Evidence that the solution has potential to create meaningful impact.
- How the venture can become financially sustainable.
- The support required to move the solution towards greater scale.
Applicants should also be prepared to explain how participation in SHINE would strengthen their venture beyond simply providing financial resources.
Application Process
The SHINE application process is designed to guide entrepreneurs through the presentation of their projects.
The official application platform allows applicants to save their work and return to complete it before submission. Applicants are advised to carefully review their applications before submitting because the selection process begins once an application has been submitted.
Following the application stage, submissions are assessed as part of the selection process. Previous SHINE program structures have included evaluation and interviews before a successful social innovator enters the learning program.
The program then combines structured learning with engagement with Swiss Re employees and relevant expertise to help the selected entrepreneur strengthen the venture and prepare for scale.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the Swiss Re Foundation SHINE 2027 application is September 15, 2026.
Entrepreneurs interested in the opportunity should complete and submit their applications before the deadline.
Program: Swiss Re Foundation SHINE 2027
Focus: Early-stage climate ventures
Support: Catalytic funding, expertise, leadership coaching and ecosystem connections
Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
Eligible applicants: Early-stage climate entrepreneurs/social enterprises meeting the program requirements
How to Apply
Interested entrepreneurs can access the official SHINE 2027 application platform and create an account to begin their application.
Applicants can save their progress and return to the application before submitting it.
Entrepreneurs with innovative climate solutions are encouraged to review the program requirements carefully and submit their applications before the September 15, 2026 deadline.
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