Clima Now Spotlight 2026

Clima Now has launched the Spotlight 2026 call for projects, seeking innovative solutions that strengthen the resilience and sustainability of Switzerland's food system in response to climate change.

The programme focuses on practical, implementable solutions that address challenges across the food value chain, including cultivation, processing, distribution, trade, biodiversity conservation, circular economy approaches, and climate-resilient business models.

The initiative is supported by Innovate4Nature, Zweifel Chips & Snacks AG, Swiss Food & Nutrition Valley, and Graubünden Tourism.

Selected projects will compete for funding and support to advance solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and climate-resilient food system.

Funding Available

Projects selected for the Spotlight Pitch Night will compete for:

• 1st Prize: CHF 50,000
• 2nd Prize: CHF 25,000
• 3rd Prize: CHF 10,000
• Audience Prize: CHF 5,000

In addition to financial support, participants gain access to:

• Mentorship opportunities
• Industry connections
• Sector expertise
• Visibility and promotional support
• Access to implementation partners and networks

Focus Areas

Applicants may submit projects addressing one or more of the following themes:

Resource Conservation

Projects that protect, restore, and regenerate natural resources while creating economic value.

Examples include:

• Biodiversity enhancement solutions
• Soil health improvement technologies
• Climate performance measurement tools
• Sustainable financing models for agriculture
• Protein alternative production and commercialization

Processing and Circular Economy

Projects focused on reducing waste and maximizing resource efficiency throughout food production and processing systems.

Examples include:

• Utilisation of agricultural by-products
• Shared processing infrastructure
• Circular economy innovations
• New products derived from underutilised regional resources

Networking and Synergies

Solutions that improve collaboration and efficiency across the food system.

Examples include:

• Production-to-customer matching platforms
• Price transparency tools
• Shared logistics infrastructure
• Storage and distribution solutions

New Value Creation

Innovations that create new revenue opportunities linked to climate-positive outcomes.

Examples include:

• Carbon farming models
• Agro-photovoltaic (Agro-PV) systems
• Impact-based financing mechanisms
• Climate-positive business models

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to:

• Startups
• Entrepreneurs
• Individuals
• Cooperatives
• Associations
• Non-profit organisations
• Small and medium enterprises
• Other legal entities

The programme welcomes a broad range of organisational structures.

Eligibility Criteria

Projects must:

• Be in an initial implementation phase
• Demonstrate potential for measurable climate impact
• Be scalable, replicable, or capable of inspiring wider adoption
• Be located in Switzerland or have a clear implementation connection to Switzerland
• Address challenges within the food system and climate resilience landscape

Eligible Country

Switzerland

Projects must either:

• Be implemented in Switzerland; or
• Demonstrate a clear connection to implementation within Switzerland

Application Process

Stage 1: Project Submission

Applicants must submit:

• Online application form
• Project description
• Two-minute video presentation
• Supporting images

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Stage 2: Jury Pre-selection

Following the application deadline, a jury reviews submissions and selects projects to appear on the public "Wall of Fame".

Stage 3: Public Voting

Selected projects are published on:

7 September 2026

The public can then vote for their preferred projects.

Voting closes on:

21 September 2026

The seven projects receiving the highest number of votes advance to the final stage.

Stage 4: Spotlight Pitch Night

The top seven projects pitch live before a jury and audience at:

Kraftwerk Zürich, Switzerland

29 October 2026

Winning projects receive funding and support.

Key Dates

Application Deadline: 30 June 2026 (11:59)

Wall of Fame Publication: 7 September 2026

Public Voting Ends: 21 September 2026

Spotlight Pitch Night: 29 October 2026

Click HERE to visit the official website