The Swedish Institute is inviting entrepreneurship ecosystem leaders from the MENA region to apply for the Impact Pioneers ’26 program, a fully funded leadership and networking opportunity focused on climate entrepreneurship, including a one-week trip to Stockholm.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Leadership Program
- For: MENA ecosystem leaders in climate innovation from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, and Tunisia.
- Key Benefits: Fully funded trip to Stockholm, regional networking, expert coaching, practical tools.
- Application Deadline: March 24, 2026
- Location: Hybrid (Online & Stockholm, Sweden)
Leadership Program Overview
Impact Pioneers is a leadership program and collaboration accelerator designed to strengthen local entrepreneurship and innovation. The 2026 MENA edition will gather 80 impact-driven leaders to find new ways to accelerate solutions to global climate challenges. The program runs for approximately 12 weeks online, offering new insights, practical tools, and networking, culminating in a one-week, immersive on-site module in Sweden.
Key Benefits
- Fully Funded Travel: All costs for your flights, accommodation, meals, and insurance for the on-site week in Stockholm are covered.
- Regional Network: Gain a unique opportunity for collaboration and exchange with a community of 80 peers from across the MENA region.
- Expert Insights: Receive support and inspiration from the forefront of climate entrepreneurship and innovation through practical cases, tools, and frameworks.
- Swedish Ecosystem Experience: Get first-hand experience of the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in Stockholm, a globally recognized leader in the impact domain.
- Long-Term Relations: Build lasting relationships with Swedish foreign missions, entrepreneurs, and organizations.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should be entrepreneurship ecosystem leaders and practitioners in strategic or decision-influencing roles. You must be a citizen and resident of one of the following countries: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, or Tunisia.
Ideal candidates include:
- Founders and managers of startup hubs, accelerators, or incubators.
- Founders and managers of technology and innovation hubs.
- Representatives of business support organisations and networks.
- University ecosystem leaders working at innovation offices or research centers.
- Investors actively supporting climate entrepreneurship.
- Public sector professionals involved in advancing climate innovation.
All applicants must have a good working knowledge of English and be willing to actively participate and share their experience.
Program Schedule
The program requires a commitment of approximately three to four hours per week.
- Online Workshops & Masterclasses (May – July 2026): Engage in interactive workshops, peer learning sessions, and masterclasses focused on climate entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Change Project (May – July 2026): Identify and work on a challenge or opportunity relevant to your organization, applying knowledge gained from the program with coaching support.
- Sweden Week (September 26 – October 2, 2026): All participants gather in Stockholm for an immersive week of hands-on workshops, field visits to top innovation hubs, and networking.
How to Apply
To apply, you must register your profile on the Dream Apply application portal, answer all questions, and upload your CV and a short pre-recorded video.
The application deadline is March 24, 2026.
Apply Here
About The Swedish Institute
The Swedish Institute’s Impact Pioneers program is a global platform for ecosystem leaders seeking to strengthen local entrepreneurship and innovation. The program is both a leadership networking opportunity and a collaboration accelerator, gathering impact-driven leaders to find new ways forward and accelerate solutions to global challenges.
Learn More: The Swedish Institute Impact Pioneers ’26 MENA Program for young Entrepreneurs
