Applications open for the UNIDO Global Cleantech Innovation Programme

The UNIDO Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) is currently accepting applications for the year 2024. The Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) is an initiative spearheaded by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). GCIP aims to encourage the advancement of clean technology innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging markets and developing countries to tackle climate-related issues and promote sustainable development.

Participating Countries in the UNIDO Global Cleantech Innovation Programme

As of the year 2023, the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) consists of 16 countries, such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Lesotho, Mongolia, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of Moldova, Senegal, South Africa, Türkiye, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Viet Nam. By the year 2025, GCIP aims to increase its membership to a minimum of 25 partner countries.

Basis of the UNIDO Global Cleantech Innovation Programme

1. Start-ups and SMEs play a crucial role in driving growth and fostering innovation, particularly within the cleantech industry. Emerging innovators at the early stages are not constrained by traditional methods, offering fresh and unconventional solutions to longstanding issues.
2. Consequently, cleantech businesses have the potential to spearhead the shift towards sustainable, low-carbon economies, while also creating job opportunities for women and the younger demographic, thereby reducing inequality and poverty.
3. Despite the immense promise, entrepreneurs often face challenges when it comes to commercializing their innovations. They come up against significant obstacles in both business and technology development, collectively known as the “valleys of death,” which must be overcome to achieve traction, growth, and scalability.
4. Through its expertise and services in cleantech and business development, GCIP facilitates transformative change and enhances the likelihood of start-ups and SMEs successfully navigating these critical “valleys of death.”

Target of the UNIDO Global Cleantech Innovation Programme

1. The GCIP provides support to early-stage start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are working on innovative cleantech solutions.
2. These solutions can be in various areas such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste beneficiation, water efficiency, green buildings, transportation, advanced materials, and chemicals.
3. The program assists these businesses in establishing and scaling up robust business models.
4. In addition to supporting start-ups and SMEs, the GCIP also works with national government institutions, research and development organizations, industry associations, and other stakeholders involved in the development of cleantech innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems.
5. The program aims to strengthen these ecosystems and facilitate partnerships and networking between private and public actors to ensure the long-term sustainability of its interventions.

Application for the UNIDO Global Cleantech Innovation Programme

1. For details and to apply, please visit the official website
2. Deadline is July 14, 2024