Global Challenges Foundation opens 2026 call for governance reform proposals
The Swedish foundation behind the New Shape Prize has announced a new round of funding for proposals that address gaps in planetary-scale governance. This cycle emphasises prototyping over theory — a shift that aligns closely with The Garden's approach.
The Global Challenges Foundation, based in Stockholm, has opened its 2026 call for governance innovation proposals. Unlike previous rounds, which favoured policy papers and theoretical frameworks, the foundation now explicitly invites working prototypes and simulation-based approaches.
This shift toward experiential governance design resonates with The Garden’s core thesis: that governance systems must be felt and tested, not merely debated. The foundation’s network spans researchers, policymakers, and practitioners across 60+ countries, making it a significant node in the planetary governance landscape.
The call closes in September 2026. Proposals are evaluated on feasibility, scalability, and alignment with existential risk reduction.