Blue Innovation Challenge

Join the Q&A session on May 8, 10:00 via the link: https://undp.zoom.us/j/86281925436 (Language: Ukrainian)

In the wake of unprecedented challenges brought forth by the Russian war, Mykolaiv City stands at a crossroads of resilience and renewal. Once a thriving economic powerhouse nestled along the banks of the Dnipro River and the Black Sea, Mykolaiv now grapples with the harsh reality of severed access to waterways, continuous shelling, and dwindling investment prospects. 

Amidst adversity, Mykolaiv is charting a bold course toward economic revival through the concept of the Blue Economy. But what exactly is the Blue Economy? It’s a transformative approach that harnesses the sustainable use of water resources to drive economic growth, enhance livelihoods, and promote environmental conservation. For Mykolaiv, transitioning to the Blue Economy represents not just a strategy for survival, but a blueprint for prosperity. 

By capitalizing on its strategic location and maritime heritage, Mykolaiv can unlock a wealth of opportunities in sectors such as marine transportation, fisheries, renewable energy, coastal tourism, and others linked to the Blue Economy. Embracing sustainable practices and innovative technologies, the city can reinvigorate its economy while safeguarding its natural resources for generations to come. 

To assist the City on the Wave, UNDP Ukraine is launching the Blue Innovation Challenge — an acceleration programme that welcomes entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries to join us in shaping Mykolaiv’s future.  

The Blue Innovation Challenge is open to micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with groundbreaking solutions that align with the principles of the Blue Economy. Whether it’s pioneering marine technologies, eco-friendly maritime services, or resource-efficient business models, your innovations have the power to propel Mykolaiv’s transformation into a central hub for the Blue Economy in the Black Sea region. 

The acceleration programme will handpick a maximum of 10 MSMEs that demonstrate significant business potential for making the shift toward Mykolaiv’s development strategy. For this, UNDP Ukraine has teamed with BOOST — a regional acceleration programme for social impact innovators in Europe and Central Asia. Together we will provide impactful learning for the selected participants. 

As part of the Blue Innovation Challenge, the MSMEs will receive financial awards of up to USD10,000. Subject to the availability of funds, participants may also have the chance to pitch for additional financing after completing the programme. 

Together, let’s turn adversity into opportunity, and build a brighter future for Mykolaiv and Ukraine. Join us in Mykolaiv as we embark on a journey of innovation, sustainability, and economic resurgence.  

Apply now and be a catalyst for change in the Blue Economy transition! 

The Blue Innovation Challenge is implemented within the framework of the Mayors for Economic Growth facility and supported by the Innovation Fund Project funded by the Kingdom of Denmark. The projects are implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). 

We’re looking for innovations related to the blue economy that leverage blue, sustainable, and resource-efficient solutions. Solutions that will propel Mykolaiv’s development as a central hub for the blue economy in the Black Sea region will be prioritised. 

• Type: MSMEs with a minimum of 1 year of business operations.
• Location registration: Registered in Ukraine and with the intent to develop and/or deploy the innovation in Mykolaiv city territorial community.
• Language: Ukrainian 

• Innovation: Innovations that use cutting-edge technologies or innovative digital tools, or introduce new ideas, approaches, products, or services to a target group or a market. 
• Feasibility: Innovations that are feasible, i.e. they can be tested and/or implemented during July-October 2024 with the suggested budget.   
• Scalability: Innovations that have the potential to be scaled up or replicated within or even beyond their respective geographical area of operations.  
• Potential impact: Innovations that contribute to Mykolaiv City’s Blue Economy Transition strategy and demonstrate high potential for impact.
• Management: MSMEs with an adequate team in place, with clear roles and responsibilities, and the capacity to develop and implement their innovation.

*Each criterion carries a weight of 20%.