The Swedish Institute Opens Applications For Its Impact Pioneers 2026 MENA Regional Leadership Program

The Swedish Institute has opened applications for Impact Pioneers 2026 MENA, a global leadership program designed to connect and strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems across the Middle East and North Africa. The program is set to run from May to October 2026, culminating in an on-site week in Stockholm from September 26 to October 2, 2026. 

This year’s edition will include 80 ecosystem leaders and experts from seven countries who drive entrepreneurship and innovation aimed at accelerating solutions to global climate challenges. The program is open to entrepreneurship ecosystem leaders and practitioners from organizations and networks seeking to strengthen their support for climate-focused entrepreneurship and innovation across sectors like water, energy, food production, circular economy, waste management, infrastructure, and transportation. Applicants should occupy strategic, decision-making, or system-shaping roles within their organizations. 

Eligible applicants include founders and leaders of startup hubs, accelerators, or incubators; heads of technology and innovation centers; representatives of business support organizations and networks; university ecosystem leaders connecting research and entrepreneurship, such as those in innovation offices, research centers, or commercialization units; investors actively supporting climate-focused entrepreneurship and innovation; and public sector professionals involved in programs that promote climate entrepreneurship and innovation at the national, regional, or local level. 

Applicants must be citizens and residents of Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, or Tunisia; be employed at an organization that supports and develops climate-focused entrepreneurship and innovation; possess strong written and spoken English skills; be ready to actively engage, offer guidance, and share insights with fellow participants; and have identified opportunities or challenges within their organization that can be addressed during the program to enhance its impact on the local climate entrepreneurship ecosystem. 

Running over approximately 12 weeks, the program features interactive online workshops, peer learning sessions, and masterclasses spotlighting the latest tools, cases, and developments within climate entrepreneurship and innovation. Participants should plan to dedicate around three to four hours per week to the program. 

As part of the program, each participant will deliver a change project, allowing them to apply the insights and knowledge gained during the program to a real challenge or opportunity within their organization.  

Participants will convene in Stockholm for an immersive on-site week from September 26 to October 2, 2026. The program will include interactive workshops, visits to leading innovation hubs, and direct engagement with Swedish entrepreneurship experts.  

Applications are currently open until March 24, 2026. Eligible leaders can learn more and submit their applications here. 

Pictured in the lead image is a scene from Impact Pioneers 2025 edition. Courtesy of the Swedish Institute.