The Swiss Re Foundation invites for-profit and hybrid healthcare social enterprises in low- and middle-income countries to apply for the 2027 Entrepreneurs for Resilience (E4R) programme. This edition focuses on scaling affordable, quality primary healthcare for underserved communities through innovative "brick-and-click" models that combine physical healthcare delivery with digital solutions. In this context, "brick" refers to a fixed or mobile point of care staffed by a health worker, and "click" refers to a digital tool supporting that physical delivery of care.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must be for-profit or hybrid healthcare social enterprises that:
- Operate in a World Bank-defined low- or middle-income country.
- Combine physical and digital healthcare delivery.
- Serve low-income and underserved populations, with at least 30% of their customer base belonging to this group.
- Generate at least 50% of their income from earned revenue.
- Already serve at least 50,000 people.
- Have been established no later than December 2023.
- Demonstrate measurable social impact and strong potential to scale.
Relevant Approaches
Telemedicine, e-pharmacy, electronic medical records, AI-supported diagnostics, virtual primary care, simple diagnostics, and health-worker-enabled care.
Programme Benefits
- Pilot Funding: Up to $45,000, with additional blended funding available at the finalist stage.
- Technical Assistance: Tailored support in impact measurement, financial management, fundraising, scaling, last-mile marketing, and gender inclusion.
- Corporate Expertise: Access to expertise from Swiss Re employees and programme partners.
- Investor Connections: Opportunities to connect with investors, corporate experts, and potential partners.
- Visibility: Increased visibility across the healthcare, philanthropy, and impact investment sectors.
- Peer Learning: With other healthcare social enterprises working on similar challenges.
- In-Person Gathering: An opportunity to participate in the Entrepreneurs for Resilience gathering planned for Zurich, Switzerland, in November 2027.
Selection Process
Applicants begin with an online application. The selection process progresses through initial screening, a detailed application, due diligence, and final selection.
Enjoying this article? Share it with your network!
How to Apply
Applicants should review the complete eligibility and selection criteria before submitting through the Swiss Re Foundation's Entrepreneurs for Resilience page before the deadline of October 4, 2026, at 23:59 CET.
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and outcomes are not guaranteed.
