Alternative Incubation Lab: Shaping new ways to support innovators
How can we better support innovators working on long-term, systemic change?
Many traditional incubation and acceleration models were not designed for the realities of regenerative and systemic social innovation, where change is often non-linear, relational, and deeply rooted in complexity.
In this 90-minute online session, we will explore how incubation models can evolve to better support innovators and regenerative initiatives in practice.
🎙 Hosted by Marion Atieno Osieyo, Senior Researcher, Consultant, and Founder of Black Earth Podcast, this conversation will feature perspectives from:
Dr Marianna Coulentianos, Researcher and Consultant at the Post Growth Institute, Lecturer in Responsible Design, Loughborough School of Design and Creative Arts
Dr Pierce Edward Cornelius Otlhogile-Gordon, system innovator, cultivator, and social change community architect
Dr David Hesse, Future issues and foundation development, Mercator Foundation Switzerland
Ulrico Grech-Cumbo, Founder & Interim CEO, Habitat Nature Connection Foundation & Founder Habitat XR
Claire Dusonchet, Innovation Portfolio Manager, Unearthodox
🎯 Together they will examine:
The limitations of current incubation approaches
What alternative support models can offer
The role of care, trust, and connection in nurturing innovation
The conditions and infrastructures needed for long-term, systemic change
Grounded in insights from the report Nurturing Innovation — commissioned by Unearthodox and led by the Post Growth Institute — the session will blend research, lived experience, and honest reflection to explore what truly helps transformative ideas take root and grow.
👥 Who should join?
This session is for social innovators, funders, incubators, ecosystem builders, researchers, and anyone shaping or supporting systems change.
Come curious, bring your questions, and join the conversation!