Deadline: October 31, 2025
Shine, a social entrepreneurship programme led by the Swiss Re Foundation in partnership with IMPACT and Swiss Re HUB London, invites early-stage social entrepreneurs based in the United Kingdom to apply for a grant and leadership coaching in 2026, aiming to nurture innovative ventures that address climate-related challenges through market-based solutions.
The programme focuses on six key areas: Nature-positive businesses around sustainable harvesting, aquaculture, innovative protection and patrolling; Nature-based solutions in urban areas; Net-zero transformations in urban areas; Circular Economy ventures through repair, reuse, recycling, waste-to-value solutions, and sustainable material innovation; Climate hazard-proof physical and financial infrastructure development; Preparedness, early warning systems, and effective response solutions for climate hazards.
Shine provides early-stage social entrepreneurs with a financial grant of up to GBP 40,000 alongside access to Swiss Re’s business expertise, leadership and coaching designed to help scale their impactful initiatives. Since its launch in India in 2018, Shine has expanded globally to include countries such as Brazil, Slovakia, South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Southeast Asia. This programme brings together passionate entrepreneurs and Swiss Re’s top talents in diverse fields like finance, underwriting, and risk assessment, aiming to develop strategic and financially viable business plans.
Applicants must be early-stage enterprises with a minimum viable product and pilot or commercial launch underway, focusing on climate solutions. The selection process involves evaluating applications, interviewing shortlisted entrepreneurs, and awarding an initial grant with entry into a structured learning programme. Throughout four months, entrepreneur teams collaborate with Swiss Re employees to deepen their business understanding, test prototypes, engage communities, and refine their plans. This intensive programme includes three in-person modules and weekly virtual teamwork.
Successful participants pitch their developed business plans to an Investment Committee for the chance to earn additional funding up to GBP 35,000. Professional business and leadership coaches guide this journey, strengthening the personal and professional growth of entrepreneurs. Beyond the programme’s completion, the Swiss Re Foundation continues supporting selected entrepreneurs, monitoring their progress and impact for up to two years to ensure sustainable growth.
For more information, visit Swiss Re Foundation.
