Applications are open for the Swiss Re Foundation Shine 2027 programme. The initiative supports early-stage social entrepreneurs who are building practical solutions to urban climate challenges.
The four-month programme combines grant funding, expert support, leadership coaching and access to climate innovation networks. Therefore, it can help founders test their models, strengthen their ventures and prepare for future growth.
The official Swiss Re Foundation confirms that applications close on 15 September 2026.
What Programme Is Swiss Re Foundation Shine 2027?
Shine 2027 is an entrepreneurial support programme from the Swiss Re Foundation.
It focuses on early-stage ventures that develop solutions for climate challenges affecting cities. In particular, the programme looks at areas such as climate adaptation, urban decarbonisation and inclusive urban development.
Moreover, selected founders can gain access to Swiss Re expertise, leadership development and networks that can help them grow.
Who Is Eligible for Shine 2027?
The programme is designed for early-stage social entrepreneurs and climate-focused ventures.
Applicants should generally:
- Have a venture that is about 0–4 years old.
- Have a minimum viable product (MVP).
- Have started a pilot or commercial launch.
- Address a clear urban climate challenge.
- Operate in or serve one of the programme’s eligible cities.
- Have a founder or team that can commit significant time.
- Be able to participate in required programme activities.
Importantly, this is not aimed at ideas that are still at the concept stage. Applicants should already be testing or developing a practical solution.
What Country or Region Is Eligible?
Eligibility is location-specific because the programme focuses on selected cities.
Applicants should therefore confirm that their venture operates in, or serves, one of the cities covered by the 2027 Shine call before submitting an application.
This is especially important for African founders because eligibility is not automatically extended to every country.
What Does the Programme Cover?
The programme focuses on solutions to major urban climate problems.
Key areas include:
- 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
Both climate mitigation and adaptation solutions can be considered when they address a meaningful urban problem.
What Are the Academic Requirements?
There is no specific university degree requirement stated for founders.
Instead, the selection focuses mainly on the venture, its solution, its stage of development and the founder’s ability to participate fully.
Therefore, applicants should focus on showing that they understand the problem they are solving and have evidence that their solution can work.
What Documents Are Required?
Applicants should complete the online application and provide information about their venture and proposed solution.
Because the official application platform uses structured forms, applicants should be ready to explain:
- Their business or social venture
- The climate problem being addressed
- Their solution
- The target users or communities
- Current progress or pilot activity
- Business or revenue model
- Expected impact
- Growth plans
The official application portal allows applicants to save their work and return to complete it before submission.
What Are the Benefits of Shine 2027?
Successful applicants can receive several forms of support.
These include:
- Grant funding
- Expert guidance from Swiss Re professionals
- Leadership and executive coaching
- Business development support
- Help with developing sustainable business models
- Access to climate innovation networks
- Connections with ecosystem partners
- Opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange
Consequently, the programme offers more than financial support. It can also help founders build stronger businesses and prepare for scale.
How Long Does Shine 2027 Last?
The programme runs for four months.
Selected founders should be ready to commit meaningful time to the activities. Some parts may also require in-person participation.
Therefore, applicants should consider their availability before applying.
When Is the Application Deadline?
The application deadline for Swiss Re Foundation Shine 2027 is 15 September 2026. The deadline is also confirmed on the official Swiss Re Foundation website.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their forms early instead of waiting until the final day.
How Do I Apply for Shine 2027?
Interested entrepreneurs should first review the programme requirements.
After that, eligible applicants can begin their application through the official Swiss Re Foundation application platform.
The application portal allows applicants to save their progress and continue later.
For entrepreneurs searching for other climate, business and funding opportunities, you can also explore OpportunityLab, which regularly publishes opportunities for entrepreneurs, startups and innovators.
Where Is the Official Application?
The official application is hosted by the Swiss Re Foundation.
There is no need to pay a third party to submit the application for you. Applicants should use the official platform and carefully review their information before submitting.
Applicants should, however, use only the official application platform and avoid unofficial websites requesting payment.
