In 2024, we invested in a flexible portfolio that allowed us to remain open to unexpected ideas and place bolder bets. The Exploration Co-Lab was designed to support systems innovators with transformational ideas. This answers an unmet need: an innovation programme that cares for and empowers both the ideas and the people behind them. Our approach is unconventional and embodies our commitment to co-creation. Rather than supporting isolated innovation, the Co-Lab prioritises collaboration, strong networks and systemic impact, focusing on empowerment and allyship.  

In August 2024, we selected a first cohort of seven innovators out of 35 innovative ideas evaluated.

These sit at different points of the innovation spectrum, from early-stage generative concepts through to defined, bold ideas. We also identified a collective of 9 Critical Minds – thought leaders, impact cultivators and system entrepreneurs, whose role is to offer an alternative to traditional governance and help us shape the programme’s design. 

Together, we delved into the current landscape of support for bold nature conservation innovators. We examined the roles that both traditional and unconventional incubators and accelerators can play, their limitations and the challenges innovators face. The innovators received tailored guidance, mentorship and initial seed funding, a package that will extend into 2025. 

From October 2024 to March 2025, we worked with the Post Growth Institute to carry out six months of market research on both traditional and non-traditional incubators and accelerators. This research will help shape our programme design by identifying bold, dynamic incubator models that go beyond typical capitalist frameworks.