Sage Impact Entrepreneurship Program: Scaling Solutions for People and the Planet 2026

About the Program

The program focuses on fostering a community of visionary leaders who can drive systemic change through innovation and collaboration.   

In partnership with Sage Foundation, this year's program will support 12 early-stage and under-resourced startups based in Europe (UK, France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain) through its Annual Core Cohort offering tailored mentoring, Sage’s product support, grants, and strategic training. 

An additional 15 startups will join the Community Cohort and have access to various resources, including a curated digital platform, asynchronous tools, and visibility through Village Capital’s website and social channels.   

All participating startups will receive two years of post-program support to strengthen their impact and scale their solutions.

Problem Statement

The Sage Impact Entrepreneurship program is dedicated to accelerating the growth of innovative startups that address the most pressing social and environmental challenges of our time. Following the success of the first year of the program, we aim to continue supporting entrepreneurs at the intersection of sustainability and impact to scale their solutions over the next two years.

In Europe, the effects of climate change are already unmistakable. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and pollution have contributed to the loss of over 240,000 lives and €730 billion in damages since 1980. Air pollution alone costs the EU an estimated €600 billion annually. These impacts threaten public health and economic stability, with vulnerable communities often facing the greatest risks. 

The need for global action on climate change is undeniable, and frontline solutions are urgently needed to address the effects of escalating climate calamities facing both specific communities and global ecosystems.

Businesses have a crucial role in combating climate change and fostering social equity by leveraging their resources, innovation, and influence to drive systemic change. By collaborating with purpose-led entrepreneurs and investing in innovative solutions, businesses can accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices across industries. These innovations not only reduce emissions but also stimulate economic growth and create jobs in the green economy.

Who Should Apply?

Eligible startups must have:

• Legal incorporation as a for-profit entity, including,  but not limited to, B Corp-certified companies.

• Headquartered or operating in France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, or the UK, with a preference for companies located near Sage’s offices in Newcastle, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Barcelona, or Lisbon.

• Market-based solutions that directly tackle the following verticals:

  • Clean Energy Transition

  • Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions

  • Smart Mobility and Sustainable Infrastructure

  • Sustainable Supply Chain and Manufacturing

  • Circular Resource Solutions

  • Climate-Resilient Health and Wellness

  • Disaster-Resilient Housing and Community Planning

  • Climate Finance and Insurance Innovation

  • Environmental Justice and Social Equity

  • Data Analytics and Climate Intelligence

  • Green and Inclusive Economy and Job Growth

  • Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems 

• A minimum viable product (MVP) and have raised less than USD 1.5M in equity.

• At least one full-time founder based in France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, or the UK. Meaningful customer or business validation (this can include revenue, successful pilot studies, user numbers, and/or strategic partnerships).

Note: Startups are encouraged to apply even if they don’t meet all the listed requirements. Applicants will be assessed based on their maturity stage and the eligibility criteria to determine placement in either the Core or Community Cohort. All selected participants will be notified of their cohort placement upon selection.