The Catalyst Lab is an extended learning journey for individuals and teams seeking to learn about systems thinking, systems change, awareness-based systems change methodologies and participatory processes. You are preferably already involved in an initiative or a project, are in the process of starting one, or work in a department that strives for positive and sustainable change in your field.

The Catalyst Lab helps changemakers get a deeper understanding of the system they are working on and empowers them to achieve a deeper systemic impact with their work.

We updated to a fixed cost and value-based pricing model (read more). The fixed costs for the whole cycle (9 months) is 2000 CHF (including space rental, accommodation, food, and material). At the end of the Catalyst Lab, you decide how much to donate for our work based on the value you received.

Yes, the Catalyst Lab can be joined if you work full time – we in fact encourage you to enrol in the Catalyst Lab while working on a sustainability project. It is to be noted that the modules take place on weekends and on evenings, and may still need participants to take some time off work for travel time. All the dates will be communicated in advance, as to allow participants to plan accordingly.

The Catalyst Lab is hybrid. It comprises a total of 5 beautiful weekend retreats in the mountains, 2 in-person modules, and 6 online sessions.

The online sessions take place on Zoom, and the on-site modules take place in different locations in Switzerland. Usually, the first module takes place in Bern, and the rest in a remote location in the Swiss mountains, where we enjoy the sublime scenery as a supplement energiser. All locations will be communicated in advance.

The Catalyst Lab has several requirements, in order to ensure a successful experience.

Language: All modules are conducted in English. Participants should therefore be comfortable in spoken English. If language is a concern of you - please reach out, we’ll figure it out!

Time commitment: Participants must commit to joining the modules and online sessions, as well as to contribute their own part of the work between the modules.

As soon as the Call for Catalysts opens up, you can submit your application through an online form. You will be asked to tell us about yourself, your projects, and your experiences. After reviewing your application, the hosting team will get in touch with you for an exchange where we will get to know each other better, and where all questions can be answered. After a short deliberation, the hosting team will let you know if you have been admitted to the Catalyst Lab. The enrolment will be concluded with an agreement form.

At collaboratio helvetica, we work with awareness-based methodologies of systems change. The Catalyst Lab journey begins with a deeper understanding of oneself and gradually expands towards a broader understanding of others, their place within the system, and the system as a whole. This powerful approach allows individuals to get a better understanding of how to intervene in a system, namely with the gained knowledge and awareness of the system-related collective of stakeholders, and with a shared understanding of the system’s needs, roles, relationships, rules, and possibilities. Through this process, the participants will identify leverage points in their system, and learn how to use them to generate sustainable impact.