Democracy Innovation Lab: 10 Reasons It’s a Global Opportunity for Community-Building Innovators

The Democracy Innovation Lab presents a unique opportunity for innovators, entrepreneurs, organizers, and civic leaders who are passionate about strengthening inclusive and resilient democracies. As part of Keseb’s mission to reimagine the building blocks of democratic societies, the Democracy Innovation Lab supports early-stage, high-potential solutions that foster belonging, reduce division, and build stronger communities across diverse populations.

This inaugural edition of the Democracy Innovation Lab focuses on one powerful theme: reimagining community-building for inclusive and resilient democracies. If you are working on a bold idea that brings people together across differences, this opportunity may be the launchpad your project needs.

The Democracy Innovation Lab offers a global opportunity for innovators focused on community-building, inclusion, and democratic resilience. Learn about eligibility and how to apply.

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About the Democracy Innovation Lab

Keseb designed the Democracy Innovation Lab to catalyze promising early-stage innovations that address some of democracy’s deepest challenges. Many societies today struggle with polarization, mistrust, fragmented communities, and weakened civic bonds. The Democracy Innovation Lab responds to these challenges by nurturing ideas that strengthen cross-group relationships and support democratic resilience.

Through this initiative, Keseb aims to identify 10 outstanding community-building solutions. These solutions should be capable of fostering belonging, bridging divides, and creating sustainable, positive impact in diverse societies around the world.

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What the Democracy Innovation Lab Offers

The Democracy Innovation Lab provides selected innovators with a combination of support designed to accelerate their projects. This includes:

• Strategic guidance and mentorship from Keseb experts and advisors
• Access to a global network of democracy builders, civic entrepreneurs, and thought leaders
• Visibility and platform support through Keseb’s Field Intelligence and Field Activation initiatives
• Opportunities for collaboration, testing, and refinement of early-stage innovations

This support ecosystem is intentionally crafted to help project leads strengthen their ideas and scale their impact.

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Who Should Apply to the Democracy Innovation Lab

The Democracy Innovation Lab welcomes applications from individuals, project leads, grassroots leaders, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, civic technologists, and community organizations. Ideal applicants are those already working on concepts or prototypes—not only ideas—related to community-building, democratic participation, or social cohesion.

Keseb encourages submissions from across sectors, countries, and backgrounds. Whether you are a community organizer, a public innovator, a creative storyteller, or a technologist building civic tools, the Democracy Innovation Lab values diversity in experience and approach.

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Eligibility Criteria for the Democracy Innovation Lab

To ensure fairness and alignment with the goals of the program, Keseb provides an Eligibility Checklist and an Eligibility Quiz through the pitch submission portal.

Generally, applicants should ensure that:

• Their project aligns with the theme of reimagining community-building
• Their idea is early-stage but has a clear purpose and potential impact
• They are able to commit to the iLab timeline and activities
• The project is original, actionable, and capable of producing measurable outcomes

Full eligibility requirements can be reviewed via the online Eligibility Quiz and Pitch Form.

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How to Apply to the Democracy Innovation Lab

There are two pathways to participate:

1. Submit a Pitch here

Deadline: February 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET

Applicants interested in leading a project should submit a pitch through the official form. Keseb notes that if submissions exceed capacity, the form may close early and a final 48-hour window will be announced.

2. Nominate a Project Lead

Deadline: January 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET

If you know someone driving exceptional work in community building or democratic innovation, you can nominate them through the Nomination Form.

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Why the Democracy Innovation Lab Matters

The Democracy Innovation Lab goes beyond funding or mentorship—it signals a growing, global commitment to strengthening democracy from the ground up. In a time where polarization and fragmentation threaten civic harmony, the Lab invests in solutions centered on belonging, community connection, and inclusive participation.

By supporting visionary thinkers and bold ideas, Keseb ensures that democracy remains adaptive, resilient, and representative of all people.

For more information, click HERE