The Swiss Re Foundation has opened applications for Shine 2027, a unique programme combining grant funding with an accelerator designed to support early-stage urban climate ventures. The initiative seeks innovations that help urban communities reduce emissions, adapt to climate change, and improve lives.
Why This Programme Matters
Cities account for approximately 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and are home to more than half of the world’s population, a figure projected to reach nearly 70% by 2050. Urban populations are increasingly exposed to climate-related risks, including heat stress, flooding, resource scarcity, and infrastructure disruption. While many cities have developed climate action plans, implementation remains a significant barrier.
Shine 2027 aims to bridge this implementation gap by supporting early-stage climate ventures that contribute to urban decarbonization, climate adaptation, and inclusive development.
What Shine 2027 Offers
Selected ventures receive comprehensive support beyond just funding:
- Swiss Re expertise in risk, strategy, and business development
- Leadership and executive coaching for a growth mindset
- Support in developing scalable climate business models
- Grant funding to accelerate validation and growth
- Access to ecosystem partners and climate innovation networks
- Potential reinvestment by the Foundation with a larger mandate post evidence of scale, 12 months since the programme
Grant Amounts by City Chapter
| City Chapter | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| Bangalore, India | INR 2,000,000 |
| Bratislava, Slovakia | EUR 40,000 |
| Cape Town, South Africa | ZAR 400,000 |
| London, UK | GBP 40,000 |
| Manila, Philippines | USD 30,000 |
| Mexico City, Mexico | USD 30,000 |
| New York, USA | USD 40,000 |
| Zurich, Switzerland | CHF 55,000 |
Focus Areas
Shine 2027 is seeking innovations across several urban climate areas:
- Energy Transition: Renewable energy, energy storage, distributed energy systems
- Sustainable Buildings: Building retrofits, cooling solutions, low-carbon construction materials
- Sustainable Transport: Low-carbon mobility, sustainable transport access
- Waste and Circular Economy: Recycling, reuse, resource recovery
- Urban Nature and Land Use: Green infrastructure, biodiversity, sustainable urban food systems
- Climate Data and Governance: Climate monitoring, risk intelligence, emissions tracking
Eligibility Criteria
Geographies
Entrepreneurs operating in or serving one of the eight Shine cities.
Approach
Product-based or service-based innovations with emissions reduction potential.
Pathway
Scalable business models capable of achieving measurable environmental outcomes.
Focus
Innovations that make climate solutions affordable or accessible or create livelihood opportunities for low-income communities. In geographies where this may not be relevant, the solution should address mitigation/adaptation from a climate justice lens.
Maturity
Early-stage enterprises (0–4 years of existence) that have established a minimum viable product (MVP) with a pilot or commercial launch underway.
Financial Viability
Applicants must display a strong drive for financial sustainability, pursuing non-grant revenue streams and customer pipelines.
Time Commitment
Founder(s) must commit significant time and attention for four months, including 11 in-person days, with the rest being virtual.
Application Process
Application Deadline: 15 September 2026
Interested entrepreneurs should apply through the official Swiss Re Foundation portal. The program is delivered in partnership with Climate KIC and is designed to help founders move proven early-stage solutions toward businesses capable of larger-scale climate impact.
WHY DO WE DO WHAT WE DO?
Restoring Rwanda’s Land: How You Can Help
🌳 Earth Focus Network: Planting Trees for a Regenerative Future
At Earth Focus Network, we are committed to restoring Rwanda’s landscapes and building a regenerative future. Through our platform, we connect changemakers, organizations, and funders committed to environmental protection and sustainability. We are working toward an ambitious goal: planting 10,000,000 trees by 2030.
Why Trees Matter in Rwanda:
- Indigenous species like Umuvumu store three times more carbon than exotic species
- Agroforestry practices contribute to higher agricultural productivity while improving soil conservation
- Tree planting supports biodiversity, pollinators (like bees), and food production
- Restoration aligns with Rwanda’s goal of increasing national forest cover (currently 30.4%) and its commitment to the Bonn Challenge
📢 Join Our Mission
Through the information we offer, you may choose to contribute to our mission today to help us reach 10,000,000 trees by 2030. Every tree planted restores degraded land, sequesters carbon, and supports local communities. Farmers across Eastern Rwanda are proving that restoration succeeds when it aligns with their economic interests—planting trees that provide livestock feed, alternative income streams, and stable soils.
Make a difference today. Support our tree-planting initiatives in Rwanda and be part of the collective movement to restore the earth.
📧 Email us: Info@earthfocusnetwork.com
Quick Reference
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Shine 2027 |
| Organizer | Swiss Re Foundation |
| Support Type | Grant Funding + Accelerator |
| Eligibility | Early-stage ventures (0-4 years) with MVP, operating in one of 8 Shine cities |
| Application Deadline | 15 September 2026 |
| Apply via | Swiss Re Foundation website |
