Opens for applications in March
This page will be updated with the open call for Impact Pioneers â26 Europe and all relevant details and information by 2 March 2026. Below you can find an overview of what is on offer.
Overview
Entrepreneurs are vital to the growth and prosperity of communities. But what role can entrepreneurs play in tackling climate change? And how can we imagine and build ecosystems that inspires and supports entrepreneurs to rise to this challenge?
Impact Pioneers is a leadership programme that sets out to convene leaders and enablers working in organisations and networks seeking to promote the nurture and growth of local entrepreneurship and innovation. The programme takes a starting point in the idea that entrepreneurship is a key driver of both economic and social development, as well as a force that can help accelerate the global green transition. The thematic focus of the programme varies from year to year, but the learning goals remain to offer participants the opportunity to:
- Grow from the exchange of experiences with an international community of peers.
- Be supported and inspired by new insights from the entrepreneurship and innovation enabler ecosystem forefront, such as practical cases, tools and frameworks.
- Get first-hand experience of the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in Stockholm and Sweden, recognised as one of the leading ecosystems in the impact entrepreneurship domain.
- Build long-term relations with Swedish foreign missions as well as Swedish entrepreneurs and organisations that seek to expand international reach, growth and impact.
Photo: Björn Olin/imagebank.sweden.se
Who can apply?
The application is open to entrepreneurship ecosystem leaders and practitioners who work in organizations and networks that want to develop their support for entrepreneurs with businesses related to sustainablility and green transition. More information about the applicant profile will be shared with the updated call for applications in March
In 2026, Impact Pioneers ’26 Europe will include the following programme countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Georgia*, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Sweden, Ukraine**
*Governmental employees in Georgia are not eligible to apply.
**Ukrainian applicants who reside outside of Ukraine are also eligible to apply.
Programme structure and format
Programme objective
The programme builds the capacity of leaders and enablers who support local entrepreneurship and innovation. Participants exchange perspectives, cases and tools to strengthen their work and enhance collective impact. A key feature is cross border networking, both within the international cohort and with actors in the Swedish innovation ecosystem, to inspire collaboration and lay the foundations for future partnerships that benefit start ups and scale ups.
In the longer term, the programme contributes to SDG 8 by promoting entrepreneurship, creativity and the growth of micro, small and medium sized enterprises, supporting job creation and sustainable development.
Commitment and expectations
Impact Pioneers ’26 Europe is scheduled from May to November 2026. Participants should:
- Be prepared to spend around two hours per week in online activities such as participating in sharing sessions and working on a personal project.
- Be able to join the one-week onsite module in Stockholm in September 2026.
Programme components
- Online networking, sharing and masterclass sessionsÂ
Networking, sharing and masterclass sessions will be conducted online in both large and small group formats. Other than the social element, they will include case sharing and high-quality masterclasses, highlighting latest developments within the field of entrepreneurship and innovation, sustainable development and green transition. These sessions aim to offer participants new network, perspectives, cases, tools and frameworks. - Sweden week (end of September)
During this week, programme participants will gather in Stockholm, Sweden. The week will be an interactive and immersive onsite experience, offering a unique opportunity to network with peers and engage with Swedish entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem leaders and experts. The week will feature workshops, field visits to leading innovation hubs and impact entrepreneurship environments in Stockholm. This experience aims to strengthen participantsâ network, and create new connections with the Swedish entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. Participation in Sweden week is exclusive to participants who have successfully completed the programmeâs previous components. - Way forward.
In the final component of Impact Pioneers ’26 Europe, participants make a plan on how to put their new skills and network into action. They share new perspectives, cases, tools and frameworks with colleagues and stakeholders in their local ecosystems, develop ideas for future partnerships across the international peer group and establish further relationships with the Swedish embassy and related network in their home country.
Participation in Impact Pioneers is free of charge.
The Swedish Institute arranges and covers costs related to:
- Learning programme
- Flights to and from Sweden for the Sweden week onsite visit
- Accommodation, meals, transportation, and insurance while in Sweden