Applications are open for the Swiss Re Foundation Shine 2027 programme, an initiative supporting early-stage climate ventures developing practical solutions to help cities reduce emissions, adapt to climate change and improve the quality of urban life.

The four-month programme combines grant funding, expert guidance, leadership coaching and access to climate innovation networks. It is intended for social entrepreneurs whose ventures are already testing or bringing a climate solution to market in one of eight selected cities.

About Shine 2027

Cities are facing growing pressure from climate change while also playing a major role in delivering climate solutions. Challenges such as extreme heat, flooding, resource constraints and infrastructure disruption are creating an urgent need for innovative approaches to urban resilience.

The Shine for Cities programme seeks to address the gap between having climate plans and actually implementing solutions. It supports entrepreneurs developing ventures that can contribute to urban decarbonization, climate adaptation and more inclusive development.

The programme is the Swiss Re Foundation's flagship initiative and brings together entrepreneurial innovation with expertise from Swiss Re and partners in the climate innovation ecosystem.

Eligible Cities

The programme is open to ventures operating in or serving one of the following eight cities:

• Bangalore, India
• Bratislava, Slovakia
• Cape Town, South Africa
• London, United Kingdom
• Manila, Philippines
• Mexico City, Mexico
• New York, United States
• Zurich, Switzerland

Applicants should be able to demonstrate a clear connection between their venture and one of the eligible cities.

Areas of Focus

Shine 2027 is particularly interested in ventures working on urban climate action, including:

• Energy transition
• Building efficiency
• Sustainable transportation
• Circular economy
• Urban nature
• Land use
• Climate data
• Climate governance
• Climate monitoring
• Urban decarbonization
• Climate adaptation
• Inclusive urban development

Solutions may address either climate mitigation or adaptation, provided they have a meaningful connection to urban challenges.

What the Programme Offers

Selected ventures will receive a combination of financial and non-financial support designed to help them validate their models and prepare for growth.

Grant Funding

Participants receive grant funding intended to help accelerate the validation and growth of their climate ventures.

Swiss Re Expertise

Founders gain access to Swiss Re expertise in areas such as:

• Risk management
• Strategy
• Business development
• Climate-related business models

Leadership Coaching

The programme provides leadership and executive coaching aimed at helping entrepreneurs develop a growth-oriented mindset and strengthen their ability to lead their ventures.

Climate Business Model Support

Participants receive guidance on developing climate business models that have the potential to become more scalable and sustainable.

Ecosystem Access

Selected ventures can connect with ecosystem partners and climate innovation networks, creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and further growth.

The Swiss Re Foundation may also consider potential reinvestment with a larger mandate after evidence of scale, approximately 12 months after participation in the programme.

Programme Commitment

Selected founders should be prepared to commit meaningful time throughout the four-month programme.

Participation includes programme activities that may require founders to attend in person, so applicants should consider their availability before applying.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline 15 September 2026 rather than waiting until the final hours.

Note: This opportunity is shared for informational purposes. Applicants should direct programme-specific questions to the Swiss Re Foundation or the relevant programme partners.

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