We are thrilled to introduce the innovators selected to join Edges of Possibility, the second cohort of Unearthodox's Exploration Co-Lab. Chosen from over 500 applications from 92 countries, the cohort represents individuals who are exploring new ways to respond to today’s nature-society challenges.
Working at the edges of existing systems and ideas, these innovators are questioning and experimenting with approaches that often sit beyond conventional funding or institutional boundaries. Their initiatives explore a broad range of ideas, from examining how patriarchy shapes people’s relationship with themselves, each other, and the more-than-human world, to reimagining education through a baccalaureate program that moves the classroom into the forest as an Amazon living lab where young people and communities learn while contributing to biocultural regeneration.
Together, the cohort reflects a growing movement of innovators experimenting with new ways of seeing, valuing, and regenerating life on Earth. In the coming months, we will be sharing their work, stories, and learnings as they navigate the edges of what's possible.
For a deeper look at the selected initiatives and the people behind them:
Meet the Edges of Possibility CohortThe response to the Edges of Possibility open call was exceptional. The breadth and depth of submissions reflected the many ways in which people are questioning inherited assumptions and testing new ways of relating to nature, communities, and knowledge.
The selected cohort emerged from a collaborative review process involving ten jurors from different cultural and professional backgrounds who intentionally considered the human and more-than-human dimensions of each initiative and how the initiatives could complement, learn from, and challenge one another. Their collaborative effort helped shape a bold Co-Lab cohort.
“Engaging with these ideas has been an incredible experience. It’s refreshing to explore possibilities at the edge; ideas that are potentially disruptive. The process has been relieving and genuinely hopeful.”
- Daniel Buchbinder, Juror
We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who applied to the Co-Lab. Each submission carried curiosity and a genuine commitment to systemic transformation. Unearthodox recognises the time, energy, and vulnerability it takes to share not only ideas that you deeply believe in but also the personal journeys that have led you here. We are truly grateful for the care behind each application.
Each innovator will embark on a 10-month journey of exploration and receive a grant of CHF 10,000, along with access to customised support through a diverse pool of people and experiences. The cohort will be supported by a network of facilitators and ecosystem allies who bring strategic insight and expertise in conservation, systems change, cross-cultural collaboration, and supporting unconventional ideas to flourish.
The Exploration Co-Lab has been designed as a journey of exploration that supports different ways of driving change; it encourages radical thinking and risk-taking, while offering deep allyship to innovators whose work does not fit neatly into conventional categories.
Alongside supporting innovators, the programme also explores the wider ecosystem conditions that determine whether this work can thrive. We do this in part by convening innovators, experts, investors, and other stakeholders to examine the systems we’re entangled in and meaningfully identify tensions and levers for change. Over the coming months, the cohort will participate in tailored coaching, shared exploration, and moments of strategic connection with others walking unconventional paths.
Learn more about the Exploration Co-Lab here.
The 2026 Exploration Co-Lab benefits from Unearthodox core funding and additional support from the Mercator Foundation Switzerland. We sincerely thank our supporters and invite new partners to join us.
For partnership opportunities, please contact sofia.papadakaki@unearthodox.org.
For any further questions, please contact colab@unearthodox.org.
