Swiss Re Foundation Opened Applications for Resilience Program
The 10th edition of the Entrepreneurs for Resilience programme offers $1.3 million to healthcare startups.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Healthcare
Live Poll
Do you believe social enterprises are the most effective way to improve healthcare for low-income communities?
The Swiss Re Foundation has officially opened the application process for its 10th Entrepreneurs for Resilience programme. This initiative provides $1.3 million in funding to support social enterprises delivering primary healthcare to low-income populations.
Why it matters
The programme aims to increase the availability of affordable, high-quality primary care in underserved regions. By combining financial support with technical expertise, the initiative helps startups bridge critical healthcare gaps in marginalized communities.
The programme offers a total of $1.3 million in funding to be distributed among successful applicants for the 10th iteration of the initiative. This funding is supplemented by technical assistance, advisory services, and global networking opportunities.
The players
Swiss Re Foundation
This organization functions as the charitable arm of the reinsurance company Swiss Re and focuses on global social and environmental resilience.
Philips Foundation
This is the corporate foundation of the health technology company Philips which focuses on improving healthcare access through innovation and partnership.
Sanofi Global Health Unit Impact Fund
This entity is the social impact investment arm of the pharmaceutical company Sanofi that targets healthcare initiatives in developing countries.
The details
Selected applicants will focus on hybrid brick-and-click healthcare delivery models that effectively serve underserved and low-income populations. The program is supported by a coalition of partners, including the Philips Foundation, the Digital Connected Care Coalition, Sanofi Global Health Unit Impact Fund, and AXA EssentiALL.
Timeline
Applications for the programme opened on September 25, 2026.
The application window for potential entrants closes on October 4, 2026.
Market Landscape
This initiative reflects a broader trend of corporate foundations collaborating with impact funds to scale hybrid healthcare delivery models in developing markets. The multi-partner structure signals a competitive shift toward integrated funding coalitions rather than solitary corporate philanthropy.
For entrepreneurs operating within the primary healthcare space, this represents a significant opportunity to secure non-dilutive capital and professional advisory support. Businesses that align with the brick-and-click delivery model are the primary candidates for accessing these resources.
The takeaway
Social enterprises looking to expand their reach should prioritize the integration of digital and physical services to meet the criteria of modern health grants. Leveraging collaborative partnerships remains the most effective pathway for startups to gain both funding and global visibility.
What happens next
The application window for the programme is set to close on October 4, 2026, after which the selection process for the 10th edition will commence.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations and support mechanisms in Healthcare.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Disrupt Africa.
Live Poll
Do you believe social enterprises are the most effective way to improve healthcare for low-income communities?
