Applications are now open for Shine for Cities 2027, an international climate innovation programme by the Swiss Re Foundation designed to accelerate promising early-stage solutions addressing some of the world’s most urgent urban climate challenges. Through eight global chapters, the programme is looking for entrepreneurs and early-stage climate ventures developing innovations that can help cities reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change and improve the lives of urban communities. Selected innovators will receive access to expertise, executive and leadership coaching, support for scalable business model development, climate innovation networks and grant funding. The available funding varies by location, with chapter grants reaching up to CHF 55,000 in Zurich, Switzerland. For entrepreneurs working on clean energy, sustainable buildings, low-carbon mobility, recycling, climate data, urban resilience and other climate-focused solutions, Shine for Cities 2027 offers an opportunity to test, validate and grow innovations with the potential to create meaningful impact in cities. About Shine for Cities 2027 Cities are central to both the global climate challenge and the search for effective climate solutions. According to the programme information, cities account for approximately 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and are home to more than half of the world’s population. Urban populations are expected to continue growing, with the share of the global population living in cities projected to approach 70% by 2050. At the same time, communities are increasingly exposed to climate-related challenges such as: Extreme heat and heat stress. Flooding. Resource scarcity. Infrastructure disruption. Environmental degradation. Climate-related risks affecting livelihoods and quality of life. Although many cities have developed climate action plans and governance structures, implementation remains a major challenge. Cities may struggle to deploy solutions at scale, mobilize sufficient resources, engage communities and ensure that climate action delivers equitable outcomes. Shine for Cities aims to help address this implementation gap by supporting entrepreneurial innovation. The programme focuses on early-stage climate ventures capable of contributing to urban decarbonization, climate adaptation and inclusive development. What Does the Shine Programme Offer? Successful participants will gain more than grant funding. Shine for Cities is designed to support innovators as they develop and strengthen their solutions and prepare for future growth. The programme offers access to: Swiss Re expertise in risk, strategy and business development. Leadership and executive coaching to support a growth mindset. Support for developing scalable climate business models. Grant funding to accelerate innovation validation and growth. Access to ecosystem partners and climate innovation networks. Potential for reinvestment by the Foundation, with a larger mandate possible after evidence of scale and approximately 12 months following the programme. This combination of financial support, coaching and access to expertise could be particularly valuable for early-stage ventures that have developed promising ideas but need additional resources and strategic support to validate their solutions and expand their impact. What Types of Climate Solutions Is Shine Looking For? Shine for Cities 2027 is seeking innovations that respond to major environmental and development challenges in urban areas. The programme identifies six key solution areas. 1. Energy Transition Innovators working in the energy sector can apply with solutions related to: Renewable energy. Energy storage. Distributed energy systems. Other innovations supporting the transition towards lower-carbon urban energy systems. 2. Sustainable Buildings The programme is also interested in innovations addressing the environmental impact of buildings and urban infrastructure. Relevant areas include: Building retrofits. Sustainable cooling. Low-carbon construction materials. Technologies and approaches that improve the sustainability of the built environment. 3. Sustainable Transport Urban transportation is another important focus area. Shine is looking for solutions supporting: Low-carbon mobility. More sustainable transportation systems. Improved access to environmentally responsible mobility options. 4. Waste and Circular Economy Innovations that help cities reduce waste and make better use of resources are also encouraged. Solutions may focus on: Recycling. Reuse. Resource recovery. Circular economy models. Technologies that reduce pressure on natural resources. 5. Urban Nature and Land Use Climate action can also involve improving the relationship between cities, nature and food systems. The programme identifies opportunities involving: Green infrastructure. Urban biodiversity. Sustainable land use. Food systems. Nature-based solutions for urban communities. 6. Climate Data and Governance Data and better decision-making are essential for effective climate action. Shine for Cities is therefore seeking innovations related to: Climate monitoring. Risk intelligence. Emissions tracking. Climate data systems. Governance tools that can support cities in planning and implementing effective climate action. Shine Across Eight Global Cities The Shine for Cities 2027 programme will operate through eight chapters in different parts of the world. The listed chapters and available grant funding are: Bangalore, India – INR 2,000,000 Bratislava, Slovakia – EUR 40,000 Cape Town, South Africa – ZAR 400,000 London, United Kingdom – GBP 40,000 Manila, Philippines – USD 30,000 Mexico City, Mexico – USD 30,000 New York, United States – USD 40,000 Zurich, Switzerland – CHF 55,000 The chapter-based structure creates opportunities for climate innovators working in different geographical and urban contexts. Applicants should carefully review the specific requirements associated with their preferred chapter through the official Shine application platform. Who Should Consider Applying? Shine for Cities 2027 is aimed at early-stage climate ventures developing solutions with the potential to address urban climate challenges. The programme may be relevant to: Climate technology startups. Early-stage social enterprises. Environmental entrepreneurs. Clean energy innovators. Circular economy ventures. Sustainable mobility startups. Climate data and technology companies. Green building innovators. Urban resilience ventures. Nature-based solution enterprises. Entrepreneurs developing scalable solutions for cities. A particularly strong fit may be a venture that has identified a clear urban challenge and is developing a practical solution capable of contributing to emissions reduction, climate adaptation or improved outcomes for urban communities. Learn More Through the Programme Brochure The Swiss Re Foundation has also made a Shine for Cities 2027 programme brochure available for prospective applicants. The brochure provides additional information about the programme and can help entrepreneurs better understand what Shine envisions for the selected innovations. Interested applicants are encouraged to review both the brochure and the official application platform before submitting an application. Join the Information Webinar Prospective applicants can also register for an upcoming information webinar to learn more about the programme, the opportunities offered through Shine and what the organizers are looking for. The webinar may provide an important opportunity for interested innovators to gain further insight before preparing their applications. How to Apply for Shine for Cities 2027 Interested early-stage climate ventures should apply through the official Shine 2027 application platform. Before applying, candidates should carefully consider which of the eight chapters is most relevant to their innovation and review the available information regarding programme expectations and the type of climate solution being developed. Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their innovation could contribute to: Urban climate action. Reducing emissions. Climate adaptation. Inclusive development. Improved quality of life in urban communities. Practical and scalable implementation. With grant funding, specialist expertise, executive coaching and access to international climate innovation networks, Shine for Cities 2027 presents an important opportunity for early-stage ventures seeking to move promising climate solutions closer to scale and real-world impact. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not affiliated with the Swiss Re Foundation and does not influence the application or selection process. Applicants should verify all programme requirements and submit their applications through the official Shine for Cities channels. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW