Applications Now Open for the 2025 Swedish Institute Impact Pioneers Leadership Programme

The Swedish Institute has launched applications for its 2025 Impact Pioneers Leadership Programme, a unique initiative aimed at bringing together professionals who play a key role in fostering local entrepreneurship and innovation. The programme is founded on the belief that entrepreneurship serves as a major driver of economic and social progress, while also being a crucial force in advancing the global green transition. This year’s edition is centered on ‘Enabling Climate Tech Entrepreneurship’, a theme that highlights technologies specifically designed to mitigate and adapt to climate change, benefiting individuals, governments, and institutions alike.

If you are passionate about strengthening your local ecosystem for Climate Tech entrepreneurship, Impact Pioneers ‘25 offers you the opportunity to connect with an international network of like-minded professionals. The programme provides direct insights from Sweden’s most successful Climate Tech entrepreneurs and innovation leaders. Over the course of eight weeks, participants will engage in a mix of weekly virtual sessions and a one-week in-person summit in Stockholm, set to take place in October 2025.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to professionals who actively support entrepreneurial ventures in sustainability and the green transition. Ideal candidates include:

• Founders and managers of startup hubs, incubators, and accelerators

• Leaders of technology and innovation centers

• University-based entrepreneurship program managers

• Public sector professionals involved in initiatives that promote Climate Tech businesses

In 2025, the programme is available to applicants from 26 selected countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the MENA region. Eligible candidates must hold citizenship and residency in one of the following countries:

• Africa: Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, Zambia

• Asia: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam

• Europe: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Sweden, Ukraine, Türkiye

• MENA: Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a citizen and current resident of one of the 26 eligible countries

• Should be actively involved in an organization or business that supports entrepreneurs

• Must have the authority to establish international collaborations for their organization

• Should possess strong English communication skills, both written and spoken

• Must be eager to engage, contribute, and share expertise with fellow participants

• Should have identified specific challenges or opportunities within their organization that could be addressed through the programme

Additionally, the organization or business an applicant represents must:

• Be locally owned and based in one of the programme’s eligible countries

• Be actively working with entrepreneurs developing sustainability-focused business ideas, or be in the process of launching such initiatives

• Have a mission aligned with contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Programme Format & Commitment

Impact Pioneers ‘25 will run over an eight-week period in the fall of 2025. Participants should be prepared to dedicate approximately two hours per week to virtual activities, which will include peer-to-peer learning sessions and work on a personalized Impact Journey project. Those accepted into the programme will also be required to attend the in-person summit in Stockholm, Sweden, which is scheduled for October (exact dates to be announced).

What Does the Programme Cover?

Participation in Impact Pioneers ‘25 is fully funded by the Swedish Institute. The support provided includes:

• Full access to the learning programme

• Round-trip airfare to Sweden for the in-person summit

• Accommodation, meals, local transportation, and insurance for the duration of the Stockholm visit

Note: Applicants from Saudi Arabia will need to cover their own travel and accommodation costs.

Programme Components

Throughout the programme, participants will engage in a series of interactive learning experiences:

• Virtual Sessions & Masterclasses – Participants will connect in regional and international groups to exchange knowledge, discuss case studies, and learn from experts in Climate Tech entrepreneurship, sustainable innovation, and green transition strategies. These sessions will introduce valuable tools, perspectives, and frameworks that can be applied within participants’ local ecosystems.

• Stockholm Summit (October 2025) – The one-week in-person event in Sweden will offer immersive learning experiences, including workshops, site visits to leading innovation hubs, and direct engagement with Swedish Climate Tech entrepreneurs. This segment of the programme will allow participants to expand their professional network and gain exposure to Sweden’s thriving sustainability and impact-driven business environment. Only those who have actively participated in the online phase will qualify for this summit.

• Action Plan & Future Collaboration – In the final phase of the programme, participants will outline how they intend to implement their newly acquired knowledge and networks within their local communities. They will also have the opportunity to explore potential partnerships with fellow participants and establish connections with Swedish embassies and related networks in their home countries.

This programme presents a rare opportunity for professionals in Climate Tech entrepreneurship to expand their impact, gain cutting-edge knowledge, and build global connections that can drive meaningful change. If you are ready to be part of this transformative experience, apply now!

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity