The Swiss Re Foundation has opened the 10th edition of Entrepreneurs for Resilience (E4R27), a program for social enterprises that expand access to affordable, quality healthcare in low- and middle-income countries by combining physical and digital care. Shortlisted enterprises get pilot funding of up to $45,000, and finalists access blended funding of up to $1 million over two years. First-round applications close October 4, 2026, 23:59 CET.
At a glance
| Deadline | October 4, 2026, 23:59 CET (first round) |
| Who can apply | Registered for-profit or hybrid social enterprises in World Bank low- and middle-income countries, serving at least 50,000 people with brick-and-click healthcare |
| Funding | Up to $45,000 pilot funding for 6 to 8 shortlisted enterprises; implementation funding of up to $1 million over two years (up to $600,000 unconditional, up to $400,000 conditional) |
| Support | Technical assistance, corporate expertise, investor networks and peer learning |
| Partners | Digital Connected Care Coalition, AXA EssentiALL, Sanofi Global Health Unit Impact Fund, Philips Foundation |
| Official link | Entrepreneurs for Resilience 2027 |
What problem is E4R27 focused on?
This edition targets brick-and-click healthcare models: enterprises that pair physical primary care with digital tools to reach underserved communities. For African health ventures already running clinics, pharmacies or community health networks with a digital layer, this is one of the few programs that funds the hybrid model itself.
Who’s eligible?
According to the E4R27 eligibility booklet, applicants must:
- Be a for-profit or hybrid social enterprise, formally registered and established by December 2023.
- Operate in a country the World Bank classifies as low- or middle-income.
- Earn at least 50% of income from earned revenue and show potential to scale through the market.
- Currently serve at least 50,000 people, with low-income customers (bottom 40% of the income distribution) making up at least 30% of the customer base.
- Combine physical and digital healthcare delivery.
- Be eligible to receive funding from Swiss non-governmental organizations.
Enterprises with a female founder or at least 30% women in management receive preference.
What do selected enterprises get?
- Pilot phase: up to $45,000 for each of 6 to 8 shortlisted enterprises, plus 3 days of technical assistance during due diligence.
- Implementation phase: 3 to 4 finalists share access to blended funding of up to $1 million over two years, split into up to $600,000 unconditional and up to $400,000 conditional.
- Up to 20 days of technical assistance for finalists on impact measurement, financial management, fundraising, scaling and gender inclusion.
- Access to corporate expertise, investors and partners, and a finalists gathering planned for November 2027 in Zurich.
How do you apply?
- Read the eligibility and process booklet in full.
- Complete the first-round application in English on the Swiss Re Foundation portal before October 4, 2026, 23:59 CET.
- If invited, submit the second-round application by November 8, 2026, 23:59 CET.
Questions can be sent to swissrefoundation@swissre.com.
Key dates
- Applications opened: September 7, 2026
- First-round deadline: October 4, 2026, 23:59 CET
- Second-round deadline: November 8, 2026, 23:59 CET
- Due diligence and pilots: November 2026 to March 2027
- Final presentations (virtual): May 2027
- Finalists gathering, Zurich (planned): November 2027
FAQ
Can an NGO apply?
No. The program is for for-profit or hybrid social enterprises earning at least half their income from revenue.
Is it open to all African countries?
It is open to any country the World Bank classifies as low- or middle-income, which covers most of the continent. Check the current World Bank list for your country.
Can I apply in French?
No. Only applications submitted in English are considered.
What scoring criteria are used?
Strategic fit, social impact potential, business sustainability, scalability, and team strength and diversity.
More opportunities on Africapreneurs: EAN Fellowship Programme Cohort 2 and Askya AI Growth Platform 2026.
Sources: Swiss Re Foundation, E4R27, E4R27 eligibility and process booklet.
