Cambridge Peaceshaping and Climate Incubator

Overview

Launching in December 2024, the Incubator will support efforts to fix deep social issues tied to climate and conflict. Based on the successful Cambridge Social Ventures programme, small, competitively selected cohorts will receive advice, training, and access to networks to accelerate action for peace.

The incubator is fully online. It is for a global audience of practitioners from diverse fields and contexts. Their actions could take different forms: social ventures, projects or partnerships. Social ventures use entrepreneurship to establish organisations with a mission focused on peaceshaping. Projects may be discrete actions driven by formal or informal organising. Partnerships may, for example, be dedicated to creating platforms for collective action.

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Successful applicants participate in live virtual sessions once a month for 6 months.

Our offer

6 months of live virtual monthly training days supplemented by online content.
One-to-one bespoke support from a dedicated business advisor for 6 months.
Programme fees are fully subsidised for successful applicants

Benefits

Opportunity to harness the expertise and prestige of the University of Cambridge to form new collaborations and partnerships, break into new markets and access resources.
Visibility in global networks related to peacekeeping, peacebuilding and innovation.
Connections to work of the Cambridge Peaceshaping and Climate Lab and wider Cambridge ecosystem.
Become a part of a community working on innovations for peace.

What we are looking for

Stage

The social venture, project or partnership should be past the ideation stage. Evidence of proof of concept, stakeholder buy in or secured funding/revenue would be an asset.

Substance

We look for evidence of:

Relevant lived experience and/or expertise
Skills and experience starting, managing or leading relevant initiative
Practical problem-solving.

Fit

The incubator programme is designed to be useful. Supports needed should match what is being offered.

Commitment and contributions

Participants on the incubator programme must make a commitment to engage in live online sessions and complete pre-session work while on the programme. Anticipate approximately 20 hours a week for pre-work, live sessions and work on your social venture, project or partnership while on the programme. You should already be working on your initiative and (ideally) on a full-time basis.

Participants are also expected to contribute to the cohort and the incubator’s community of practice through meaningful exchanges and knowledge sharing. As pioneers of the incubator programme, the first cohort will also play a significant part in its creation.