The Lab’s 2026 Call for Ideas set a new record with 1,171 applications received, marking a 250% increase from 2025. With the 2026 submissions, the Lab has now reviewed more than 3,000 applications since launching its first cycle in 2015.
In the first phase of the application process, applicants submitted a preliminary application form. Now, the best-ranked ideas, assessed against the Lab criteria, will submit a complete application, offering additional details about their proposed concepts and allowing for a more detailed evaluation.
In 2026, the Lab will select and develop eight innovative finance solutions that can unlock climate investment in emerging markets. One idea will be chosen for each of the following programs:
- Africa – Mitigation
- Africa – Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
- Asia-Pacific – Mitigation
- Brazil – Adaptation or Mitigation
- India – Adaptation or Mitigation
- Latin America and the Caribbean – Adaptation
- Latin America and the Caribbean – Mitigation
- The Philippines – Adaptation
The Lab program is designed to incubate promising climate finance solutions across emerging markets. Selected ideas will receive a comprehensive support package with expert guidance, technical assistance, funder mapping, networking opportunities, and pilot implementation support.
The 2026 cohort will also have access to the Pre-Seed Capital Facility – a program offering grants of USD 150,000 to 250,000 to eligible Lab-endorsed ideas after the incubation period.
London to host Global Selection Meeting
The Lab will host the 2026 Global Selection Meeting in London in early March. The Global Selection Meeting is a key event in the Lab’s annual cycle, where Lab members convene to vote on and select the innovative ideas that will become part of the new class.
