FAQ
1. General Eligibility
Q: Who can apply to the Eco-Innovation Challenge?
A: The competition is open to individuals, companies, organizations, startups, NGOs, universities, and research institutions from any World Bank-eligible country. Depending on your stage of innovation and institutional capacity, you can apply under either the BBSEA Focus Country Window (grant) or the Greater Black Sea Window (technical assistance).
Q: Can I apply as an individual?
A: Yes. Individuals can apply, particularly under the Greater Black Sea Window which does not require institutional grant management capacity. However, the BBSEA Focus Country Window requires applicants to be legally registered organizations with the financial and legal capacity to manage a grant.
Q: Can I apply from outside the Black Sea region?
A: Yes. Global applicants are welcome. However, for the BBSEA Focus Country Window, you must propose implementation in Georgia, Moldova, or Türkiye. Partnering with local organizations is encouraged.
Q: Can I submit more than one idea?
A: Yes. There is no limit to the number of proposals an applicant (individual, organization, or consortium) can submit. Each idea must be submitted as a separate Expression of Interest (EOI).
2. Application Process
Q: How do I submit my Expression of Interest (EOI)?
A: Submit your EOI via email to BBSEA.EIC@unops.org with the subject line: EOI for the Eco-Innovation Challenge. While use of the Annex A application form is strongly recommended for completeness, you may submit in any format that clearly addresses the required components.
Q: What is the deadline to submit an EOI?
A: The deadline is 14 November 2025 (midnight Central European Time). Late submissions will not be considered.
Q: Can I make changes to my EOI after submission?
A: No changes are allowed after the submission deadline. However, if you need to update your submission before the deadline, you may send a revised version with a clear note indicating it replaces your earlier submission.
Q: Can I make changes to my idea/team/country of implementation at proposal stage?
A: Yes, the changes can be made during the full proposal development stage.
Q: What language should the application be submitted in?
A: All EOIs must be submitted in English. This includes any supporting documents.
Q: Is there a specific format for the EOI?
A: While you may submit in any format, it must address all required components. Use of the Annex A – Application Form is strongly encouraged to ensure your submission is complete and aligned with evaluation criteria.
Q: Will I receive confirmation that my application has been received?
A: Yes, a confirmation email will be sent upon successful receipt of your submission. If you do not receive confirmation within 2 working days, you may follow up via email.
Q: Is there a word or page limit for the EOI?
A: The recommended word limit for the main sections (such as the eco-innovation description) is approximately 1,000 words. Try to be concise while providing sufficient detail. Supporting documents may be included as annexes if needed.
Q: Can I submit supporting documents with my application (e.g., designs, business plans, letters of support)?
A: Yes, you may include attachments such as concept notes, diagrams, financial projections, or letters of support. These should be clearly referenced in your main application and attached as separate files.
Q: What happens after I submit my EOI?
A: EOIs will go through an initial screening by the UNOPS and accelerator team. Longlisted applicants (up to 25 per window) will be invited to participate in the orientation phase and develop a more detailed proposal.
Q: Will I receive feedback if my application is not selected?
A: Please note that direct feedback will only be provided to applicants advancing to the proposal stage. While every effort will be made to provide some minimal feedback to those not longlisted, due to the expected volume of applications, individual feedback may not be possible.
Q: Can I contact someone for help while completing the application?
A: Yes, you may email questions to BBSEA.EIC@unops.org The final deadline to submit questions is Thursday, November 6, 2025. However, please allow time for responses and consult the FAQ and documentation before reaching out. In accordance with our transparency policy, all submitted questions and their official answers will be made publicly available in the Q&A section of the UNGM platform.
Q: Can I apply to both windows with the same innovation?
A: No. You must choose one window. However, there is flexibility during the accelerator-led orientation phase. If it becomes clear your solution is better suited to the other window, a transfer may be considered.
3. About the Two Windows
Q: What is the main difference between the two application windows?
A: BBSEA Focus Country Window:
For solutions that can be implemented over 18 months in Georgia, Moldova, or Türkiye. This window offers grants of USD 50,000–300,000 plus 12 months of technical assistance.
Greater Black Sea Window:
For early-stage concepts. This window offers in-kind technical assistance worth up to USD 20,000 over 6 months — no direct funding.
Q: What happens if my idea is early-stage, but I have a clear plan for implementation in a focus country?
A: If you have both a viable plan and the capacity to manage a grant, you may apply under the BBSEA Focus Country Window. However, if your concept still requires refinement, the Greater Black Sea Window may be better suited to help you de-risk and develop it further.
Q: Can I move from the Greater Black Sea Window to the Focus Country Window later?
A: Yes, if your idea gains traction, technical maturity, or a local partner during the program, you may be invited to resubmit under the BBSEA Focus Country Window.
4. Innovation and Scope
Q: Are nature-based solutions eligible under the Eco-Innovation Challenge?
A: Yes, absolutely. Nature-based solutions (NbS) are strongly encouraged, especially if they offer innovative ways to address the Black Sea's pollution problems. Examples include constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment, buffer strips to reduce agricultural runoff, green infrastructure, and ecosystem restoration approaches. As long as the proposed solution is novel within the local context and aligns with one or more of the four target pollution issues, it is eligible under both windows of the EIC.
Q: What counts as an “eco-innovation”?
A: Any practice, technology, or service that offers a new or significantly improved solution compared to locally available best practice to address one or more of the four defined pollution problems.
Q: What if there is a best practice from outside the Black Sea region that we would like to implement in a BBSEA focus country? Would this be considered innovative?
A: Yes. As long as the solution is new to the context where it will be implemented and offers improvement over current local practices.
5. Funding and Support
Q: What does the grant cover under the BBSEA Focus Country Window?
A: Eligible costs include personnel, equipment and materials, travel and fieldwork, operational expenses, minor infrastructure and training. You must demonstrate capacity to manage these funds responsibly. Specific requirements will be outlined in the limited Call for Proposals.
Q: Is co-financing required?
A: Demonstrating matching funds or in-kind contributions will strengthen your application. Specific requirements will be outlined in the limited Call for Proposals.
Q: Will the Greater Black Sea Window award funding later?
A: No direct funding is provided under this window. However, winners receive targeted support to refine their ideas and improve investment-readiness. Successful awardees may be introduced to funding partners.
Q: Who owns the intellectual property (IP) of my innovation?
A: You do. All intellectual property rights remain with the applicant. Neither UNOPS nor the World Bank will claim ownership of your innovation.
6. Implementation and Infrastructure
Q: What kinds of infrastructure are allowed?
A: Only low-risk installations and minor installations are eligible. Your installation must involve standard, well-understood technologies in stable environments, with:
- Low probability of failure
- Low-moderate environmental or social risks or impacts
- Minimal complexity and investment
Q: How will you assess infrastructure risk?
A: UNOPS will assist the applicant with a screening of the proposed infrastructure for environmental, social and technical risks. Complex or large-scale infrastructure projects are not eligible.
7. Teams and Partnerships
Q: Can we apply as a consortium?
A: Yes. Consortium applications are welcome and encouraged, especially for the BBSEA Focus Country Window. A lead entity must be designated to receive and manage the grant.
Q: Are women-led or youth-led projects encouraged?
A: Yes. To foster diverse participation, the EIC especially encourages applications from women-led, youth-led, and community-based initiatives.
8. After Selection
Q: What happens after I submit my EOI?
A: EOIs will be screened and the top 25 applicants per window will be invited to an orientation and proposal refinement phase.
Q: What if I’m not selected?
A: Even if not selected for the final award, reaching the full proposal stage provides a significant opportunity for exposure. The top 50 applicants (25 from each window) invited to submit a full proposal may be featured on the official BBSEA website and social media channels.
With your consent, this feature will showcase your innovation's title, a brief description, and your contact information, putting your project in the spotlight for potential partners, investors, and stakeholders across the region.