Launch of the Eco-Innovation Challenge

We’ve just launched the Eco-Innovation Challenge — a global call for innovators with ideas to tackle one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges: pollution in the Black Sea.

The initiative invites participants from any World Bank–eligible country to bring forward solutions that address four major sources of marine pollution:

• Agricultural runoff
• Municipal Wastewater
• Industrial pollution
• Marine litter
  

Two Pathways to Apply

The Challenge offers two different entry points, depending on the stage of development and the applicant’s profile:

1. Focus Country Window

• Open to registered organizations such as startups, NGOs, universities, and consortia.
• Projects must be implemented in Georgia, Moldova, or Türkiye.
• Winners receive grants between $50,000 and $300,000, along with 12 months of expert support to scale up their solutions.
  

2. Greater Black Sea Window

• Open globally to individuals, students, researchers, and early-stage startups without registration or grant management capacity.
• Provides six months of expert mentorship and technical assistance, valued at up to $20,000, to refine ideas and prepare them for growth.
  
  

Turning Ideas Into Action

The Eco-Innovation Challenge is designed to support both those ready to implement solutions and those who are just beginning to shape their concepts. By combining funding with expert mentorship, the Challenge aims to accelerate innovative responses to marine pollution and foster stronger collaboration across the region.

How to Apply

Applications are open until 14 November 2025.
For more details access the Eco-Innovation Challenge section.