November 27, 2024

The 2025 Lab Call for Ideas set a new record with 334 applications received, marking a 70% increase from 2024. In the first phase, applicants submitted a preliminary application form. Now, the best-ranked ideas assessed across the Lab criteria will submit a complete application, offering additional details about their proposed concepts and allowing for a more detailed evaluation. The deadline for submitting the full application is December 12.

In 2025, the Lab will develop nine innovative solutions to overcome climate investment barriers in emerging markets, with a special focus on:

• Themes: Adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable food and agriculture systems. Each sector will select one idea.

• Regions: Brazil, Southern and East Africa, India, the Philippines, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Each region will select one idea, except for Latin America and the Caribbean, which will select two.

Selected Lab ideas will receive a comprehensive support package with expert guidance, technical assistance, funder mapping, networking opportunities, and pilot implementation support. The Lab program is designed to accelerate innovative climate finance solutions in emerging markets.

The 2025 cohort will also have access to the newly launched Pre-Seed Capital Facility—a program offering grants of USD 150,000 to 250,000 to eligible Lab-endorsed ideas after the acceleration period.

The Lab will host the 2025 Global Selection Meeting in Cape Town, on February 24 and 25. The Global Selection Meeting is a key event in the Lab’s annual cycle, where Lab members get together to vote on and select the innovative ideas that will become part of the new class.

For the first time, this event will be hosted in an emerging market, marking a significant milestone for the Lab. Bringing the Global Membership to South Africa offers a unique opportunity to connect with the regional panel, the local investor network, and Lab alumni.