Catalyst Lab: The future laboratory for SYSTEMS CHANGE in switzerland
Do you sometimes wonder if the scale of your actions is too small to make a meaningful difference?
The impact of human activity on the planet's ecosystem is apparent, and many ways are being sought to find solutions to remedy the climate crisis. Yet, attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 seems more and more unrealistic, and no overarching solutions seem to be taking form.
What if we could identify leverage points – small actions with the power to transform entire systems?
With the Catalyst Lab, we do exactly that: We empower dedicated changemakers (Catalysts) and their teams to have a deeper systemic impact with their work by addressing the root causes of today’s challenges.
About the Catalyst Lab:
The Catalyst Lab is a 9-month-long learning journey for individuals and teams seeking to learn about systems thinking, systems change, awareness-based systems change methodologies and participatory processes.
We explore different aspects of the question: How do living systems change? The concept of living systems includes the complex social and cultural systems that hold our way of life and work in place. What makes it so difficult to catalyse societal-level change even in the face of the enfolding ecological crisis? How do organisations, institutions, and societies change?
The Catalyst Lab supports the participants (Catalysts) in gaining a deeper understanding of the system and topic they are working on. During the process, participants acquire methodological competencies to drive awareness-based systems change, and up-to-date knowledge about the requirements for transformation.
During the learning journey, the hosting team, experts and mentors accompany the Catalysts. At the same time, they form working groups to develop a collective systems intervention project, and as a practical learning space to implement the more theoretical methods and tools.
THE 5th EDITION OF THE CATALYST LAB
Started in September 2024
Future-proofing society through intergenerational combining
One of the most profound and startling senses of disconnection within society comes from the way the status quo of our entangled systems (of food, education, healthcare, the economy, etc) continue to consume, burn, and destroy the foundations of life for new generations. At this point, this is not an obscure fear anymore – young people know that they are heading into adulthood in a world with poor ecological resources, a rapidly changing climate, and increasing social tensions due to inequality.
While we work on ensuring that life as we know it continues to go on, we are unable to integrate the demands for change which will ensure that life can keep going on beyond the immediate future. No wonder that intergenerational tensions are high. We are in the process of creating an enormous intergenerational, time-based inequality.
This is why the fifth edition of the Catalyst Lab will explore ways to create the conditions for intergenerational interactions within the complexity of the living systems of our society, allowing these systems to shift.
Highlights from Past Participants
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![Cristian Martucci, Catalyst Lab cohort 2023–2024]()
"The Catalyst Lab introduced me to various concepts and frameworks that helped me understand and challenge my assumptions about system change. A significant insight for me was the importance of thinking long-term while staying grounded in the values that connect us to the change we aspire to achieve. Previously, I was too focused on making the biggest impact immediately, often critically assessing my behaviour in a counterproductive way.”
– Cristian Martucci, Catalyst Lab cohort 2023–2024
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![Philipp Osterwalder, Catalyst Lab cohort 2023–2024]()
"Theory U provided me with a new perspective on systems change and transformation processes, including self-transformation. I learned that the U process can be applied to any challenge by viewing them as systems with root causes. Additionally, I gained insight into the importance of practising and listening to my intuition to harness my full potential."
– Philipp Osterwalder, Catalyst Lab cohort 2023–2024
FAQ
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Would you like to partner up?
We are currently exploring different formats and topics for the Catalyst Lab, to make it accessible for more sectors, and to make it relevant to a broader audience. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you would like to have a conversation about a possible collaboration.
Catalyst Lab Facts & Figures
Impact of previous Cohorts
Learn more about the Catalyst Lab
The Catalyst Lab has been brought to life with the support of Mercator Foundation Switzerland, Georg and Bertha Schwyzer-Winiker Foundation, and the Federal Office for Spatial Development (ARE). The Catalyst Lab editions 1–5 (from 2019 until 2025) have been made possible thanks to Mercator Foundation Switzerland.
