A UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report released this year found that US$7.3 trillion flowed into nature-negative activities globally in 2023, while just US$220 billion was invested in nature-based solutions. As investment in nature-based solutions needs to reach US$571 billion annually by 2030, the question is increasingly how to move more capital towards ventures that are ready to scale.
This is the challenge Innovation26 (I’26) in collaboration with Majlis Nabe’ Al Amān aims to address. Pearl Initiative, in collaboration with Amaly Legacy, will convene I’26 in Abu Dhabi on 17 October 2026 under the theme “Innovation for Natural Capital”, bringing together capital allocators and corporate governance leaders to examine what makes natural capital and impact ventures investment-ready.
Bayer, a global life science company working at the intersection of healthcare and agriculture, joins I’26 as a key sponsor. Bayer’s participation reflects the Forum’s focus on connecting innovation, investment and practical approaches to strengthening food security and natural capital. Senior Bayer leadership will contribute across the three-day programme, bringing perspectives on financing and the conditions needed to support investment in solutions with the potential to scale.
The closed-door event will focus on corporate governance and fundability standards that can strengthen investor confidence, support more disciplined due diligence and help move capital towards ventures capable of delivering long-term impact.
I’26 is designed as a working forum in collaboration with Majlis Nabe’ Al Amān rather than a conventional conference, bringing capital allocators and corporate governance practitioners into the same room through private roundtables and focused discussions. The aim is to explore clearer benchmarks for governance and fundability, while examining the investment structures and financial mechanisms needed to move capital into the regional innovation ecosystem.
The event will explore four interconnected areas: corporate governance and fundability standards to help de-risk investment in natural capital ventures; innovation across AgriTech, climate technology and water technology; energy access, resource security and rural infrastructure; and the capital instruments and co-investment structures needed to support investment at scale.
I’26 forms the final day of a three-day convening, with Pearl Initiative’s Gulf Philanthropy Forum taking place on the first day, 15 October, followed by Amaly Legacy’s “Majlis Nabe’ al-Amān” on the second day, before culminating with I’26 in collaboration with Majlis Nabe’ al-Amān on 17 October. Together, the three days connect perspectives across philanthropy, natural capital, innovation and capital mobilisation.
As a key supporter, Bayer will contribute to the Forum’s private roundtable discussions, bringing practical perspectives on financing, innovation and the conditions required to support investment across the natural capital ecosystem.
Julia Duncan, VP Head of Global Development Finance at Bayer, stated: “Addressing the interconnected challenges facing food systems and natural resources will require innovation, investment and meaningful collaboration across sectors. The goals of Innovation26 closely align with Bayer’s mission of ‘Health for all, Hunger for none’ and our commitment to advancing solutions that support more resilient and sustainable systems. We look forward to bringing our experience in health, agriculture and development finance to the dialogue and working with partners to explore how promising solutions can secure the capital and conditions needed to scale.”
Innovation26 in collaboration with Majlis Nabe’ Al Amān reflects Pearl Initiative’s broader work to strengthen corporate governance as a practical enabler of sustainable growth across the Gulf region. Through its programmes, including the Governance in Tech Programme, and its engagement with businesses, investors and other stakeholders, Pearl Initiative works to advance stronger governance practices and support more resilient and responsible growth.
