Overview
Applications are open for Brainforest’s Venture Program #8, a 10-week programme running between October and December 2026 for early-stage ventures building biodiversity solutions. The programme supports startups across four focus areas: Nature Intelligence & Measurement, Regenerative Food Systems, Ecosystem Services & Natural Capital, and Market and Value Chain Transformation.
The programme offers hands-on support, expert sessions and mentoring, whilst connecting local knowledge with global investment.
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Benefits
Selected ventures will receive equity-free $2,000 support, paid in two phases and intended to be used where it matters most for the venture. Participants will also receive dedicated one-to-one founder coaching from the Brainforest team.
The programme includes hands-on support across business model development, user validation, financial data room setup, impact management and strategy. Participants will also access expert sessions and targeted mentorship with 20 experienced mentors and up to 10 expert-led live sessions.
Additional benefits include peer learning sessions with a close cohort of founders, access to Brainforest’s biodiversity innovation ecosystem, lifetime access to the Brainforest Alumni Network, and opportunities to pitch to investors through Brainforest’s demo and pitch formats.
During the programme, selected teams will be invited to pitch to the Brainforest Investment Committee in Zürich. Up to two ventures may receive $125,000 in equity funding.
Who Can Apply
The programme is aimed at early-stage ventures working on biodiversity solutions. Brainforest says applicants should generally be at pre-seed or seed stage, with a first product, prototype or pilot already in the world, and a team ready to invest ten intensive weeks into sharpening its strategy, business model and pitch.
Applicants can be headquartered anywhere in the world, provided their product or service can be deployed in a biodiversity hotspot or a region where nature and ecosystems are under threat.
The programme is particularly relevant for ventures where biodiversity sits at the core of the business model, with revenue and impact designed to grow together.
Criteria
Applicants should be building ventures in one of Brainforest’s four focus areas:
- Nature Intelligence & Measurement
- Regenerative Food Systems
- Ecosystem Services & Natural Capital
- Market and Value Chain Transformation
Brainforest’s programme page describes these areas as covering solutions such as regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, soil health, MRV, remote sensing, AI, data infrastructure, biodiversity and natural capital business models, and infrastructure, software, finance or business models that help regenerative products and ecosystem services reach markets at scale.
How To Apply
Applications are open through Brainforest’s Venture Program page. The application deadline is 17th August 2026.
About Brainforest
Brainforest works with founders building ventures centred around biodiversity, nature and forests. Its Venture Program combines founder coaching, expert mentoring, ecosystem access and investor exposure to help early-stage teams refine their strategy, business model, impact approach and fundraising readiness.
