Application Deadline: 24 March 2026
Program Type: Leadership & Ecosystem Development
Location: Online + Stockholm, Sweden
Funding: Fully Funded
The Swedish Institute (SI) is now accepting applications for the Impact Pioneers ’26 MENA Program, a prestigious leadership initiative designed for ecosystem leaders driving entrepreneurship and innovation across the Middle East and North Africa.
This unique program connects participants with experts from Sweden’s leading entrepreneurship environments and provides practical tools, frameworks, and global networking opportunities to strengthen local innovation ecosystems.
Applications are open to citizens of:
• Algeria
• Egypt
• Jordan
• Lebanon
• Morocco
• Palestine
• Tunisia
About the Program
Impact Pioneers is a global platform for ecosystem leaders seeking to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation at local and regional levels.
Participants explore practical solutions to global challenges — particularly climate change — while connecting with peers and experts from Sweden and the MENA region.
The program includes:
• 12 weeks online of interactive workshops, peer learning, and coaching
• 1 immersive on-site week in Stockholm, Sweden, featuring hands-on workshops and field visits to top innovation hubs
Participants gain first-hand insights from Sweden’s most successful entrepreneurship ecosystems and learn practical frameworks that can be implemented within their own organizations and countries.
Program Benefits
Impact Pioneers ’26 MENA provides participants with:
• A strong regional network of up to 80 leaders and experts from seven countries
• Practical skills and insights in climate entrepreneurship and innovation
• Case studies, tools, and tested ecosystem-building frameworks
• First-hand exposure to Sweden’s leading impact entrepreneurship ecosystem
• Long-term collaboration opportunities with Swedish entrepreneurs, organizations, and foreign missions
Fully Funded Participation
Participation is completely free of charge. The Swedish Institute covers:
• International flights
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Insurance
• Training materials
Who Can Apply?
The program targets entrepreneurship ecosystem leaders and practitioners working in organizations that support climate entrepreneurship and innovation.
Applicants should hold strategic, decision-influencing, or system-shaping roles.
Eligible Participants Include:
• Founders and managers of startup hubs, accelerators, or incubators
• Leaders of technology and innovation hubs
• Representatives of business support organizations and networks
• University ecosystem leaders (innovation offices, research centers, commercialization units)
• Investors supporting climate entrepreneurship
• Public sector professionals advancing climate innovation policies
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
• Be a citizen and resident of Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, or Tunisia
• Work in an organization nurturing climate entrepreneurship and innovation
• Have good English proficiency (written and spoken)
• Be willing to actively participate and share knowledge
• Have identified an opportunity or challenge to work on during the program
Climate entrepreneurship refers to business solutions addressing climate change by:
• Reducing emissions
• Enhancing climate resilience
• Enabling a sustainable low-carbon economy
Program Timeline
Online Component (May – July 2026)
• Interactive workshops and masterclasses
• Peer learning and expert-led sessions
• Exchange of practical tools and ecosystem strategies
Participants should expect to dedicate 3–4 hours per week.
Change Project
Participants will:
• Identify a challenge or opportunity within their organization or ecosystem
• Develop and implement a change project
• Apply program learning to create measurable, real-world impact
The goal is to drive long-term improvements in climate entrepreneurship initiatives within the region.
On-Site Week in Sweden (26 September – 2 October 2026)
Held in Stockholm, this immersive experience includes:
• Hands-on workshops
• Field visits to Sweden’s innovation hubs
• Networking with Swedish entrepreneurship experts
• Deepened collaboration with fellow regional leaders
Only participants who complete prior program components will attend the Sweden on-site week.
Application Timeline
• Application Period: 17 February – 24 March 2026
• Evaluation: 25 March – 24 April 2026
• Admission Notification: 27 April 2026
Applications must be submitted through the official Swedish Institute portal.
Selected participants will receive guidance for pre-program preparation and coaching support.
For inquiries, contact:
Maria Henoch – impactpioneers@si.se
Why Apply?
Impact Pioneers ’26 MENA offers a rare leadership opportunity to:
• Strengthen local and regional entrepreneurship ecosystems
• Gain practical tools for advancing climate-focused innovation
• Build sustainable professional networks across MENA and Sweden
• Develop and implement a measurable change project
• Position yourself as a key ecosystem leader in climate innovation
This fully funded program equips emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and international networks needed to scale innovative solutions addressing climate change and sustainable development across the MENA region.
If you are shaping the future of climate entrepreneurship in your country, this is your opportunity to connect, learn, and lead at a global level. Apply before 24 March 2026.
