About this opportunity
Applications are open for Shine 2027 , a Swiss Re Foundation programme supporting early-stage climate ventures developing solutions for urban climate action . The programme is looking for innovations that can help cities reduce emissions, adapt to climate change, improve resilience and create more inclusive urban environments.
The 2027 edition is being delivered across eight locations, including Cape Town, South Africa .
Benefits and support
Selected entrepreneurs can receive: Grant funding to support validation and growth Access to Swiss Re expertise in risk, strategy and business development Leadership and executive coaching Support to develop scalable climate business models Connections to climate innovation networks and ecosystem partners Potential for additional investment by the Swiss Re Foundation after evidence of scale. The grant amount varies by location.
For example, the Cape Town chapter offers ZAR 400,000 , while other chapters offer grants ranging from INR 200,000 to USD 40,000, depending on location.
Eligibility
Shine is designed for early-stage social enterprises and climate ventures with an innovative, market-based solution addressing a specific climate challenge. Applicants should be able to demonstrate: A clear understanding of the climate challenge they are addressing A minimum viable product (MVP) An ongoing pilot or commercial launch An innovative solution targeting a defined market or customer segment Potential for financial sustainability through non-grant revenue A strong commitment to working collaboratively throughout the programme.
What Types of Solutions Are Eligible? Shine 2027 is seeking innovations across several urban climate areas, including: 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.
Where Is Shine 2027 Available? The 2027 programme has eight chapters: Bangalore, India Bratislava, Slovakia Cape Town, South Africa London, UK Manila, Philippines Mexico City, Mexico New York, USA Zurich, Switzerland.
For African applicants, the Cape Town chapter is particularly relevant. Why This Matters Cities are facing growing risks from extreme heat, flooding, resource shortages and infrastructure disruption.
At the same time, many cities struggle to move from climate plans to practical implementation. Shine 2027 aims to close this implementation gap by giving early-stage climate ventures access to funding, technical expertise, business development support and networks that can help them validate and scale their solutions.
Application timeline
The official Shine 2027 page does not currently display a specific
Application timeline
Applicants should check the application portal and programme updates for the applicable
Application timeline
Application steps
Interested climate entrepreneurs can review the
programme details
and apply through the official Swiss Re Foundation application portal
Sources and verification
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