EthicalX: Climate & Innovation Hub, a global initiative of Clima Trust and SLYCAN Trust, has opened applications for its 2026 cohort and affiliate network, inviting entrepreneurs developing ethical, sustainable and climate-friendly solutions to join its growing community of innovators and changemakers.
The initiative comes at a time when interest in sustainable entrepreneurship is increasing in Sri Lanka, while many early-stage businesses continue to face barriers that can make it difficult to develop and scale their ventures. These challenges include limited access to finance and mentorship, a lack of professional networking opportunities, gaps in technical expertise and restricted access to markets.
Addressing these barriers requires stronger collaboration across the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, bringing together entrepreneurs, government institutions, private-sector organisations and other stakeholders while creating stronger links between business development, policymaking and sustainable development.
Drawing on lessons and experiences from previous cohort cycles and entrepreneurship support programmes, EthicalX aims to provide its 2026 cohort with a more comprehensive package of support designed around the needs identified by entrepreneurs and ecosystem stakeholders.
The programme will include financial support for selected ventures, while support for lifestyle-focused entrepreneurs will be provided in partnership with c.fuge. Alongside financial assistance, the initiative will focus on mentorship, knowledge sharing, networking and opportunities for collaboration.
The announcement was made at the EthicalX Entrepreneurship Gathering, held in Colombo on 6 August 2026. The event brought together entrepreneurs, mentors, public- and private-sector representatives and other ecosystem stakeholders to share experiences, discuss common challenges and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
“As a global initiative, EthicalX aims to identify and understand the opportunities and challenges faced by entrepreneurs. It is part of a broader effort to strengthen the connections between entrepreneurs, the public sector, the private sector, and policymakers,” said Dennis Mombauer, Director of Research & Knowledge Management at Clima Trust.
“By linking practical experience with policy discussions and international collaboration, we hope to contribute to building stronger ecosystems that enable ethical, sustainable, and climate-friendly businesses to grow in Sri Lanka and beyond,” he added.
Mombauer further highlighted the initiative’s focus on long-term engagement with entrepreneurs, noting that EthicalX seeks to help create the conditions required for innovative businesses to develop and grow.
For entrepreneurs who have previously participated in the programme, the network has already created opportunities to develop connections and gain practical knowledge.
Nimasha Perera, Co-founder of Star Mushrooms and an EthicalX cohort member, said the initiative had helped her build valuable relationships with other entrepreneurs and individuals working on sustainable solutions. She also highlighted the role of mentorship and guidance in supporting the company’s development and providing opportunities to learn from others facing similar challenges.
The network has also contributed to new business collaborations. Nilushi Thenuwara of Eastern Soy Products, another EthicalX cohort member, said the opportunities to connect with other businesses had been particularly valuable for her family-owned company.
One such connection led to a collaboration with a chef, with the two parties now working together to develop recipes as Eastern Soy Products prepares to expand its range of soy-based products.
The 2026 EthicalX cohort will focus on entrepreneurs working across three key areas: sustainable food systems, fashion and lifestyle, and creative communication. Through these focus areas, the programme aims to support businesses that combine entrepreneurship with environmental and social impact.
Established in Sri Lanka in 2022, EthicalX has since developed into a global initiative. Its work across different countries and regions contributes to a growing body of knowledge on how entrepreneurship ecosystems can support climate action while also informing wider policy discussions at both national and international levels.
Through its cohort and affiliate network, EthicalX continues to position entrepreneurship as an important avenue for advancing sustainable development, connecting innovative businesses with the knowledge, relationships and resources they need to turn climate-conscious ideas into viable ventures.
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