About The Challenge

The Eco-Innovation Challenge (EIC) is the flagship innovation initiative of Blueing the Black Sea, a GEF regional project implemented by the World Bank and executed by UNOPS.

The Challenge identifies, supports, and scales eco-innovative solutions that prevent or reduce pollution in the Black Sea. Through funding, technical assistance, and international acceleration support, EIC helps transform promising ideas into real-world impact.

Civitta supports the initiative as the International Accelerator, guiding selected innovators throughout their development and implementation journey.

Applications Closed

The application phase of the Eco-Innovation Challenge is now complete. We thank all innovators who submitted their ideas and contributed to addressing pollution in the Black Sea.

We are now progressing into the selection and acceleration stages, where the most promising eco-innovations will receive targeted support to move toward implementation and impact.

The Challenge attracted strong interest from innovators across the world, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing pollution through innovation. Below is an overview of the applications we received.

What Happens Next

Evaluation and preparation of selected semi-finalist are currently underway. Selected teams will then proceed to a matchmaking process with experts and potential partners, followed by an in-person bootcamp scheduled for March.

Further updates on semi-finalists and subsequent stages of the Eco-Innovation Challenge will be shared on this page and through official Blueing the Black Sea communication channels.

Timeline and Selection Process