For many organisations, the intent is to engage with climate innovation that already exists. What is often missing, however, is a structured pathway – practical tools, tested frameworks, and the confidence to translate ideas into programs that can support entrepreneurs at scale. The CEIC initiative seeks to bridge this gap.
Selected organisations will begin their journey with a series of Circular Economy and Social Inclusion (CESI) Masterclasses, scheduled between May and July 2026. These sessions draw on several years of hands-on experience working with circular ventures across ecosystems like Bengaluru and Nairobi, offering participants not just theoretical understanding but actionable insights that can be integrated into their existing work.
The Bengaluru Edge
From the early days of IT services to its current position as a global startup hub, the city has consistently evolved ahead of the curve. Its incubators, accelerators, and entrepreneurship support organisations have played a quiet but decisive role in this journey shaping not just startups, but also the thinking behind them. Today, it is no longer just about scale or speed. It is about direction.
As cities expand and resources come under increasing pressure, there is a growing recognition that the next phase of innovation must be more responsible – more circular, more inclusive, and more attuned to long-term impact. And in this shift, the role of ecosystem enablers becomes even more critical.
The emphasis today is on collaboration. ESOs are encouraged to connect, exchange perspectives, and even build joint approaches. In fact, consortium-led programmes – where two or more organisations come together – are actively encouraged, recognising that the challenges of circularity and inclusion are best addressed through collective effort.
This collaborative learning phase also serves a larger purpose. Upon completing the masterclasses, participating organisations become eligible to apply for a grant of up to €50,000. Preference will be given to consortium-based proposals of two or more ESOs. This funding is intended to support the design and implementation of dedicated circular economy programs, allowing ESOs to move from exploration to execution.
Importantly, the programme does not require prior experience in circular economy initiatives. Instead, it places greater value on an organisation’s track record in supporting entrepreneurs, its motivation to engage with climate innovation, and its vision for how these principles can be embedded into its future work. Teams that reflect diversity and gender balance are especially encouraged, reinforcing the broader commitment to inclusive ecosystems.
In many ways, this open call signals a shift in how we think about entrepreneurship support. It moves beyond enabling startups to succeed within existing systems, towards empowering organisations to reshape those systems altogether.
Applications for the programme are open until 15 April 2026.
👉 Apply here: https://jq7xm1iv5h5.typeform.com/to/vL5HIAcX
