EthicalX launches its 2026 cohort
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 become part of a growing community of innovators and changemakers.
As interest in sustainable entrepreneurship continues to grow in Sri Lanka, many early-stage businesses within the entrepreneurship ecosystem continue to face challenges, including access to finance, mentorship, and guidance; inadequate professional networking opportunities; limited technical expertise; and restricted market opportunities.
Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between entrepreneurs, the public sector, the private sector, and the wider innovation ecosystem while strengthening connections with policy processes and sustainable development.
Building on experience and lessons learnt over the last cycles of cohorts and entrepreneurship support provision, EthicalX aims to provide the new cohort with a holistic package of support building on needs identified by entrepreneurs and stakeholders. This includes financial support for selected ventures, with support for lifestyle-focused entrepreneurs provided in partnership with c.fuge.
The announcement was made at the EthicalX Entrepreneurship Gathering held in Colombo on 6 August, 2026.
“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. 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,” said Dennis Mombauer, Director: Research & Knowledge Management of Clima Trust.
“EthicalX builds long-term relationships with entrepreneurs and helps to create the conditions they need to develop and grow their ideas,” he added.
Sharing her experience as an EthicalX cohort member, Nimasha Perera, Co-founder of Star Mushrooms, said: “Through EthicalX, we have built valuable connections with entrepreneurs and others working on sustainable solutions. The mentorship and guidance we received have supported our business journey and created opportunities to learn from others facing similar challenges.”
For Nilushi Thenuwara of Eastern Soy Products, another EthicalX cohort member, those connections have also led to new collaborations. “As a family business, opportunities to connect and collaborate through EthicalX have been really valuable. One of these connections has been with a chef and we are now working together to develop recipes as we prepare to expand our range of soy-based products.”
The launch event brought together entrepreneurs, mentors, representatives from the public sector, the private sector, and other ecosystem actors to exchange experiences, discuss common challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration and future partnerships.
The 2026 cohort will focus and support entrepreneurs working in sustainable food systems, fashion and lifestyle, and creative communication.
EthicalX was established in Sri Lanka in 2022 and has since expanded into a global initiative. Its work across countries and regions contributes to a growing body of knowledge on how entrepreneurship ecosystems can support climate action while informing broader policy discussions at the national and international levels.
Entrepreneurs interested in joining the 2026 EthicalX cohort or affiliate network can apply online at https://s.surveyplanet.com/gaa4vmky.
For further information, please contact the EthicalX team at info@ethicalx.org.
The post EthicalX launches its 2026 cohort appeared first on Newswire.