Written by The Swiss Re Foundation has opened applications for the 2027 Entrepreneurs for Resilience (E4R) programme, seeking social enterprises using innovative healthcare models to improve access to primary healthcare for low-income communities in low- and middle-income countries.
The current Round 1 application is looking specifically for organisations that combine physical points of care with a digital enabling layer to deliver or expand access to primary healthcare.
Applications for the first round close on October 4, 2026, at 23:59 CEST.
About the Entrepreneurs for Resilience Programme
Entrepreneurs for Resilience is a Swiss Re Foundation programme that supports social enterprises developing solutions that strengthen resilience among underserved communities.
The Foundation’s healthcare work focuses on making healthcare more accessible to underserved populations and helping social enterprises move from promising solutions towards sustainable and scalable models.
For the 2027 programme, the focus is on organisations working to improve access to primary healthcare for low-income people in LMICs, using a model that brings together physical healthcare access and digital technology.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is aimed at organisations and social enterprises that meet the programme’s healthcare and impact requirements.
Applicants should have:
- A primary focus on improving access to primary healthcare for low-income populations.
- A model that combines physical points of care with a digital enabling layer.
- Operations in a low- or middle-income country.
- A measurable social impact and a clear approach to tracking outcomes.
- A market-based model with potential for growth through earned revenue.
- A strong management team with clearly defined responsibilities.
The broader Entrepreneurs for Resilience programme states that applicants should demonstrate significant social impact, while at least 30% of their customer base should comprise low-income populations. It also looks for organisations with growth potential and the ability to reach underserved communities at scale.
What Kind of Solutions Are Relevant?
The programme is looking for healthcare enterprises addressing access to primary healthcare through a combination of physical care delivery and digital technology.
This could include models that use technology to strengthen how patients access, receive or manage primary healthcare while maintaining a physical point of care.
The focus is therefore on organisations with an existing solution or operating model rather than individuals looking for funding for personal education, training or a business idea.
What Support Does Swiss Re Foundation Provide?
The Entrepreneurs for Resilience programme has historically combined funding, technical assistance and access to networks.
The Foundation’s programme information lists:
- Grants and blended funding for selected enterprises.
- Technical assistance in impact measurement and management.
- Structured technical assistance for finalists during implementation.
- Peer and professional networking opportunities.
- Potential connections with investors and other healthcare stakeholders.
- Potential follow-on funding opportunities through partner organisations.
The Foundation’s published programme information describes USD 360,000 in grants shared among 6–8 candidates after due diligence, as well as up to USD 1 million in blended funding shared among selected finalists over a two-year implementation period. These figures are programme-level funding arrangements, not a guaranteed amount for every applicant.
Application Process
The current Round 1 application is the first stage of the selection process.
Applicants can save their progress and return to complete the application before submission. All questions are mandatory, and applicants are advised to enter “NA” with an explanation where a question does not apply to their organisation.
Organisations selected from Round 1 will be invited to complete a more detailed second-round application in late October or early November 2026.
The Foundation will then assess shortlisted organisations through its selection process, which can include further review and due diligence.
Deadline
The deadline for the 2027 Entrepreneurs for Resilience Round 1 application is October 4, 2026, at 23:59 CEST.
Applicants should submit before the deadline rather than waiting until the final hours.
How to Apply
Eligible organisations can submit the Round 1 application through the Swiss Re Foundation application portal.
Apply for Entrepreneurs for Resilience 2027
Key Details
Programme: Entrepreneurs for Resilience 2027
Organiser: Swiss Re Foundation
Focus: Primary healthcare access
Target: Low-income populations in low- and middle-income countries
Model: Physical points of care combined with a digital enabling layer
Application stage: Round 1
Deadline: October 4, 2026, 23:59 CEST
Funding: Grants and blended funding are available within the programme; amounts are subject to the selection process
Application: Online