Are you interested in the Fully Funded Swedish Institute Entrepreneurship Program 2025?
Join the Swedish Institute’s Impact Pioneers ’25, an 8-week fully funded leadership program in Climate Tech. Free accommodation, travel, and global networking in Stockholm.
Are you a changemaker in Africa, Asia, Europe, or the Middle East working to transform the Climate Tech ecosystem in your country? The Swedish Institute’s Impact Pioneers ’25 program is your chance to take your leadership and impact to a global level, fully funded.
This prestigious 8-week leadership program, funded by the Swedish government, empowers passionate entrepreneurs and professionals working in sustainability, startup support, and green innovation. With a focus on building partnerships and solving climate-related challenges, Impact Pioneers ’25 will connect you with Sweden’s thriving Climate Tech scene.
The best part? The program covers travel, accommodation, and participation costs ,and ends with a one-week onsite summit in Stockholm this October.
What Is the Swedish Institute’s Impact Pioneers Program?
Impact Pioneers is a flagship leadership and entrepreneurship program run by the Swedish Institute (SI). It brings together emerging leaders, innovators, and ecosystem builders who are driving change in the Climate Tech sector.
The 2025 edition focuses on equipping individuals and organizations from 26 eligible countries with tools to:
- Strengthen their leadership capabilities
- Support Climate Tech innovation
- Build strategic, cross-border partnerships
- Accelerate the green transition
Participants will explore Sweden’s world-leading green innovation environment, gain access to exclusive insights, and collaborate with like-minded leaders globally.
Key Features of the Impact Pioneers ’25 Program
- 8-week hybrid format: Combines online learning with a one-week onsite summit in Stockholm
- Fully funded: Travel, accommodation, meals, and materials covered by the Swedish Institute
- Cross-border collaboration: Engage with peers from over 25 countries across four continents
- Sustainability-focused: Learn from Sweden’s advanced Climate Tech ecosystem
- Global networking: Connect with Swedish innovators, accelerators, and public institutions
- Leadership development: Refine your capacity to drive impact in your ecosystem
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria for 2025
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Citizenship and Residency
You must be both a citizen and a current resident of one of the following 26 eligible countries:
Africa:
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- Uganda
- South Africa
- Zambia
Asia:
- Bangladesh
- India
- Indonesia
- Philippines
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Europe:
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Estonia
- Georgia (government employees not eligible)
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Moldova
- Poland
- Sweden
- Ukraine
- Turkey
Middle East/North Africa (MENA):
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Saudi Arabia (self-funded travel/accommodation)
Professional Background
You must work within a Climate Tech-supportive ecosystem, such as:
- Startup hubs or innovation accelerators
- Government/public organizations working on green transition
- Nonprofits, NGOs, or community organizations
- Research centers or universities
- Incubators supporting sustainability initiatives
Language and Commitment
- Proficiency in spoken and written English is required
- Willingness to share knowledge, build partnerships, and represent your organization
- A track record of work related to sustainability, innovation, or green solutions
What Will You Learn During the Program?
Over the 8 weeks, you’ll participate in a well-structured curriculum focused on:
- Leadership development: Understand your leadership style and how to lead impact-focused teams
- Systems thinking: Explore the role of Climate Tech in solving complex societal problems
- Network building: Learn how to initiate and maintain transnational partnerships
- Policy insight: Understand how Sweden integrates climate goals into public and private sector decisions
- Green entrepreneurship: Learn from top Swedish Climate Tech startups and initiatives
The program also includes coaching sessions, group projects, and site visits during the in-person Stockholm summit.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
If selected, participants receive a fully funded package from the Swedish Institute, including:
- Roundtrip international travel to Stockholm
- Local transportation during the summit
- Hotel or student housing for 1 week in Sweden
- Meals, learning materials, and program resources
- Access to SI Alumni Network and other regional climate networks
Note: For Saudi Arabian applicants, the Swedish Institute does not cover travel/accommodation, so you must be able to self-fund.
Why Sweden for Climate Tech?
Sweden is a recognized global leader in green innovation, sustainability policy, and technology-driven climate solutions. From carbon-neutral cities to waste-to-energy startups, Sweden offers:
- A robust Climate Tech ecosystem with global collaborations
- Supportive policy frameworks for green startups
- Public-private partnerships focused on reducing emissions and environmental impact
- Opportunities for knowledge transfer, investment, and research
By joining the Impact Pioneers ’25, you gain direct access to this ecosystem and the opportunity to scale your impact back home.
How to Apply for Impact Pioneers ’25
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Check Eligibility
- Ensure you meet all criteria related to nationality, profession, and language proficiency.
- Prepare Documents
- Updated CV (2 pages max)
- Personal motivation statement (Why do you want to join?)
- Letter of endorsement from your organization (if applicable)
- Complete Online Application
- Visit the Swedish Institute official portal and submit your application online before the deadline.
- Attend an Interview (If Shortlisted)
- Selected candidates may be invited to a virtual interview before final selection.
Application Deadline
🗓 Deadline to apply: April 30, 2025
Late applications will not be accepted. Early submission is strongly encouraged as spaces are highly competitive.
Benefits of Joining the Swedish Institute’s Leadership Programs
- Become part of a global SI Alumni Network
- Gain international recognition in sustainability leadership
- Improve your organization’s visibility in Sweden and the EU
- Learn how to fund, scale, and partner for Climate Tech initiatives
- Position yourself as a regional leader in green transition
Who Should Not Apply?
The following are not eligible for this program:
- Government employees from Georgia
- Applicants not living in the listed 26 eligible countries
- Individuals not working within the Climate Tech or sustainability ecosystem
- Those unable to commit to the full 8-week program
Final Thoughts: Swedish Institute Entrepreneurship Program
If you’re passionate about climate action, innovation, and global leadership, the Impact Pioneers ’25 program by the Swedish Institute offers more than just learning; it offers a launchpad.
This is more than a scholarship. It’s a transformational leadership experience where your voice, network, and actions will help shape the future of green technology worldwide.