Shine 2027: Swiss Re Foundation Grant and Accelerator for Early-Stage Urban Climate Innovation

Overview

Shine 2027, run by the Swiss Re Foundation, is a grant and accelerator programme for early-stage ventures that help cities cut greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change and build inclusive, resilient communities. The Foundation notes that cities produce about 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and hold more than half the world's people, with the urban share projected to approach 70% by 2050. Cities face risks such as extreme heat, flooding, resource scarcity and infrastructure disruption, and Shine aims to close the gap between city climate plans and implementation. Climate KIC is the ecosystem partner.

Focus areas include energy transition, building efficiency and electrification, sustainable transport, waste and the circular economy, urban nature, and climate data and governance. The programme is meant for ventures past the idea stage that already have a minimum viable product, a pilot or a commercial launch under way.

What you get

The four-month programme offers Swiss Re expertise in risk, strategy and business development, leadership and executive coaching, help with scalable climate business models, access to ecosystem partners and climate innovation networks, and grant funding. An initial grant of up to USD 5,000 is followed by the remainder after a successful pitch prepared with Swiss Re colleagues. A possible second investment of up to USD 300,000 is reassessed in January 2029 for ventures that show scale. Ventures are encouraged to develop non-grant revenue and customer pipelines, and may later reach mission-aligned investors, pilots and technical assistance.

Who can apply

Entrepreneurs operating in or serving one of eight participating cities across Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and Switzerland may apply.

Key dates

The programme brochure says applications should be submitted by 15 September 2026.