Applications for SEAM Cohort 2 are now closed

The selection process is now underway. All applicants will be notified directly of their outcome by end of July 2026. In the meantime, follow our channels for general programme news and updates. We look forward to sharing more soon.

What does SEAM 2 offers?

SEAM Cohort 2 is an accelerator designed to support impact-driven organisations in Malaysia that are ready to strengthen their business models and scale their social or environmental impact.

As a selected organisation, you will develop and implement a structured growth roadmap to guide your next stage of development through a combination of strategic mentorship from IKEA Thought Partners and Mentors, masterclasses with industry experts, and tailored advisory support.

SEAM brings together mission-led organisations and ecosystem partners to build stronger, more resilient impact-driven businesses.

Your SEAM Journey

SEAM Cohort 2 runs over 12 months, guiding participating organisations through two interconnected phases, shaped in partnership with you, your cohort, and your Thought Partner as the programme unfolds.

Touchpoints That Matter

Key touchpoints:

  1. Virtual Onboarding Session Online – 17 August 2026
  2. Opening Summit (In-person, 3 days) – 10-12 September 2026
  3. Closing Summit (In-person, 3 days) – August 2027 (Tentative)

SEAM is anchored by a series of intentional touchpoints designed to support you through different moments of your growth journey.

The experience begins with the Virtual Onboarding Session in August 2026 — your first opportunity to meet the programme team, be introduced to your matched Thought Partner, and connect with your cohort. This is followed closely by the Opening Summit, an in-person gathering where you set the direction for the year ahead. This in-person gathering creates the space to step out of day-to-day operations and align on what meaningful growth looks like for your organisation.

Throughout the programme, engagements are designed to fit around the realities of running your organisation — combining online sessions, mentorship, and in-person interactions where relevant. These touchpoints are not fixed moments, but part of an ongoing process of reflection, decision-making, and action.

The journey culminates in the Closing Summit, where you come together to reflect on your progress, share your learnings, and engage with the wider ecosystem. It marks both the end of the programme and the beginning of continued engagement beyond it.

Note: Exact dates will be confirmed ahead of each touchpoint.

Strategy & Scoping (August – December 2026)

The programme begins with space to reflect. Before diving into strategy, you are invited to step back and reconnect with the challenge at the heart of your work — reflecting on where you are, what is working, and what your next stage of growth really looks like.

This phase kicks off with a Virtual Onboarding Session in 17 August 2026, where you will meet the programme team, be introduced to your matched Thought Partner, and connect with your fellow cohort members for the first time. This is followed by the Opening Summit — a 3-day, in-person gathering in 10-12 September 2026 — where you will come together as a cohort to explore your vision, align on long-term direction, and reflect on the outcomes you are working towards.

You will also work closely with your IKEA Thought Partner, industry mentors, and peers through a series of in-depth planning and mentorship sessions. Together, you will refine your growth priorities and co-develop your Growth Experimentation Plan (GEP) — your strategic starting point for the experimentation phase ahead.
This is complemented by masterclasses and mentorship sessions with industry practitioners throughout August to December 2026, offering practical insights to strengthen your approach.

By the end of this phase, you will have:
– Developed and submitted your Growth Experimentation Plan (GEP)
– Gained clarity on priorities and direction for your next stage of growth
– Received the first tranche of funding to support implementation

Experimentation & Learning (January – August 2027)

This is where your plan comes to life. With continued support from your Thought Partner and access to relevant experts and masterclasses, you will test, learn, and adapt in real time — refining what works, strengthening your implementation, and building practices that last.

At the core of this phase is the implementation of your Growth Experimentation Plan. You will put your strategies into action, working closely with your Thought Partner to navigate challenges, make decisions, and adjust your approach along the way.

Learning is tailored and responsive throughout. With guidance from mentors and technical experts, you will focus on addressing key skill gaps relevant to your growth priorities. This is complemented by group learning sessions and masterclasses, designed to support common challenges across the cohort.

Beyond internal growth, you will also have opportunities to be part of communications and advocacy initiatives — contributing to broader ecosystem conversations and increasing visibility for your work.

The journey concludes with the Closing Summit — a 3-day, in-person gathering in August 2027 — where you will come together to reflect, celebrate your progress, and share your learnings with the wider ecosystem.

By the end of this phase, you will have:
– Implemented and refined your Growth Experimentation Plan (GEP)
– Strengthened capabilities through tailored mentorship and learning
– Submitted a final report capturing key outcomes and learnings
– Received the final tranche of funding upon successful completion