Apply for the Unearthodox Exploration Co-Lab 2027, an international incubation programme supporting early-stage innovators working to address the root causes of environmental and societal challenges. The programme is designed for changemakers who want to rethink existing systems and develop innovative approaches to building a more just, regenerative and sustainable future.

Organised by Unearthodox, the Exploration Co-Lab offers selected innovators a CHF 10,000 grant, a 10-month online incubation journey and access to a shared pool of tailored non-financial support estimated to be worth up to CHF 60,000. Participants can benefit from individual coaching, peer learning, systems mapping, strategic guidance and opportunities to connect with a global community of changemakers.

The programme is particularly suited to initiatives that have moved beyond the idea stage and have already undertaken some initial research, testing, piloting or community engagement.

Application deadline: 16 November 2026, 23:59 CET.

The Unearthodox Exploration Co-Lab is an alternative incubation programme designed to support innovators who are working on complex environmental and societal challenges but may not fit into conventional startup or funding models.

The programme focuses on systems change rather than short-term solutions that address only the visible symptoms of a problem. It supports people who are exploring new ways of relating to nature, challenging existing systems and developing approaches that can contribute to a more regenerative future.

The 2027 open call, titled “Edges of Possibility,” invites initiatives that rethink humanity’s relationship with nature and address the underlying causes of interconnected social and environmental challenges.

Examples of relevant areas may include climate change, biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, extractive economic systems, environmental justice and alternative ways of organising society around the needs of people and the natural world.

The programme is not a conventional business accelerator focused primarily on rapid growth or profitability. Instead, it prioritises meaningful systems change, collaboration, experimentation and initiatives that challenge established assumptions.

The official programme terms state that no fees are charged to apply or participate in the open call.

The Exploration Co-Lab is delivered online, so applicants do not need to budget for international travel simply to participate in the incubation programme.

However, applicants should understand the distinction between free participation and reimbursement of costs incurred while preparing an application.

Important Financial Considerations

No application fee: Applicants do not have to pay to submit an application or participate in the programme.

Application preparation costs: Unearthodox will not reimburse costs incurred while preparing and submitting an application.

Online delivery: The incubation journey is online, so routine participation does not require relocation or international travel.

Grant conditions: The CHF 10,000 grant is intended to advance the initiative. Applicants should read the official terms and conditions to understand the grant’s conditions and responsibilities.

Banking and jurisdiction restrictions: Applications are subject to restrictions where international transfers are prohibited, restricted or not legally or practically possible. Applicants should review the official terms to confirm that they can receive the grant in their jurisdiction.

Bottom line: This is a free-to-apply grant and incubation opportunity. There is no participation fee, but applicants should not interpret the grant as a personal stipend or assume that every expense related to developing their initiative will be separately reimbursed.

Minimum Degree Required: No specific academic degree is required.

The programme focuses on the initiative, its potential for systems change and the applicant’s readiness to develop the work.

Applicants do not need to hold a particular university qualification if they otherwise meet the eligibility criteria.

However, the application must be submitted in English, and participants should be able to take part in the programme’s online activities and collaborative discussions.

The official application is submitted through the online application portal. Applicants should review the application preview and eligibility materials before starting.

The information required may include:

• Initiative description: An explanation of the problem your initiative addresses and the approach you are developing.
• Current stage of development: Evidence that your initiative has progressed beyond the idea stage through research, testing, piloting or community engagement.
• Nature-society connection: An explanation of how your work addresses the relationship between human society and natural systems.
• Systems-change approach: Details of how your initiative challenges underlying assumptions, structures or causes rather than only addressing visible symptoms.
• Motivation: Why you want to join the Exploration Co-Lab and how the programme could help you develop your work.
• Learning and collaboration goals: How you would contribute to and benefit from a cohort-based incubation experience.
• Additional information: Any other details requested by the official application form.

This is a guide to the information relevant to the selection criteria, not a guarantee that each item must be uploaded as a separate document. Follow the current application form for the exact questions and requirements.

Important: These dates are based on the current official programme timeline. Applicants should check the application portal for any updates before submitting.

The Unearthodox Exploration Co-Lab 2027 is an opportunity for early-stage innovators who want to address the root causes of environmental and societal challenges through unconventional approaches and meaningful systems change.

Selected participants receive a CHF 10,000 grant, a 10-month online incubation journey and access to tailored non-financial support. The programme also offers opportunities for peer learning, expert guidance, strategic development and connection with a global network of changemakers.

However, applicants should understand that this is a grant-funded incubation programme, not a general scholarship or personal stipend. The additional CHF 60,000 figure represents the estimated value of a shared pool of non-financial support, not an additional cash award for each participant.

Applications are open until 16 November 2026, 23:59 CET. If your initiative has progressed beyond the idea stage and is working to reimagine humanity’s relationship with nature, review the official criteria and submit your application before the deadline.

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