The Lab’s 2026 Call for Ideas has shattered previous records, attracting an unprecedented 1,171 applications—representing a remarkable 250% surge compared to 2025. With this year’s submissions, the Lab has now surpassed 3,000 applications reviewed since the program first began in 2015, underscoring a rapidly expanding global interest in climate finance innovation.
During the initial stage of the process, participants submitted a preliminary application form. The top-ranked concepts, evaluated against the Lab’s criteria, will now progress to the next round and submit full applications that offer deeper insight into their proposed solutions. This comprehensive review will help refine and assess the most promising ideas.
In 2026, the Lab will select eight groundbreaking climate finance solutions designed to unlock investment in emerging markets. Each selected idea will represent a specific regional and thematic priority area, spanning Africa, Asia-Pacific, Brazil, India, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Philippines, covering both mitigation and adaptation pathways.
Chosen solutions will enter the Lab’s incubation program, receiving expert mentorship, technical support, funder mapping, networking opportunities, and guidance for pilot implementation. Participants will also gain access to the Pre-Seed Capital Facility, which provides between USD 150,000 and 250,000 in grant funding for eligible concepts after incubation.
Looking ahead, London is set to host the 2026 Global Selection Meeting in early March—a pivotal moment when Lab members gather to vote and finalize the next cohort of leading climate innovation ideas. As anticipation builds, the record response signals growing global momentum behind climate finance solutions capable of transforming emerging economies.
