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Hosted by:
UNDP & Polish Aid

BOOST: Green Futures Challenge

Submission deadline:
Applications closed

Introduction

The BOOST: Green Futures Challenge is a fast-paced acceleration programme supporting bold, green innovations from startups and ventures in Ukraine and Moldova. Backed by UNDP, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland and local partners, this initiative aims to support businesses that are reshaping the future through green tech, circular economy models, and digital solutions – building resilience and driving sustainable recovery. This is your opportunity to turn bold ideas into impactful solutions – through expert-led training, mentorship, and financial support! 

Green recovery isn’t just about rebuilding. It’s about transforming and empowering businesses to lead the way. In the face of war, climate crisis, and economic disruption, we must design solutions that are cleaner, smarter, and more resilient. 

  • In Ukraine, green recovery means shifting from outdated, carbon-heavy systems to renewable and eco-innovative models. 
  • In Moldova, it means tackling energy and food insecurity while laying the groundwork for economic independence and environmental resilience. 

Watch this step-by-step video on how to apply on UNDP’s platform. Candidates are invited to submit their full application by June 1, 2025 (see section below to learn more about the process). If you missed it, take a look at our LIVE Q&A session to learn more about the programme.

Project co-financed within the framework of the Polish development cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland

BOOST: Green Futures Challenge – Quick Overview (English)

BOOST: Green Futures Challenge – Quick Overview (Romanian)

BOOST: Green Futures Challenge – Quick Overview (Ukrainian)

Who can apply

We are looking for startups and ventures that: 

  • are legally registered in Moldova and Ukraine and have up to 50 employees; 
  • have a proven track record in developing and/or scaling products; 
  • offer solutions responding to challenges related to war (displacement, infrastructure collapse, wellbeing) as well as economic disruption. 

Joint applications (e.g., partnerships between Ukrainian & Moldovan businesses) are also encouraged. 

What we're looking for

We seek scalable, innovative solutions that address one or more of the below key innovation areas:  

  1. Energy security & sustainable power 
  2. Circular economy & sustainable business models 
  3. Climate-resilient infrastructure & urban development 
  4. Green finance & impact investment 
  5. Services related to recovery and resilience (E.g. health and care)  

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must:

  • be a registered company/enterprise in Ukraine or Moldova;
  • have an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) or working prototype;
  • be committed to actively participate in the acceleration programme.

Based on these criteria, interested applicants will be invited to proceed to the second stage of the application process. 

Selection criteria

  • Innovation: Unique and impactful solutions 
  • Scalability: Growth potential and market fit 
  • Feasibility: Realistic implementation and clear objectives 
  • Impact: Economic, social, and environmental benefits 
  • Team strength: Experienced, committed, and capable leadership 

Application process

Applying for the BOOST: Green Futures Challenge is a simple two-step process. Follow the timeline below to submit your application and take the first step toward scaling your green innovation. The application process includes two stages: an expression of interest (phase 1), followed by a full application for interested candidates (phase 2).  

Step 1: Submit your expression of interest by May 8 by filling out this form. If you were not able to submit your expression of interest, you can still submit a full application (see Step 2).

Step 2: Interested candidates can submit a full application by June 1 on UNDP’s platform. It includes:  

  • A detailed proposal explaining your innovative solutions and business model. 
  • A video pitch (2-3 minutes) introducing your team and showcasing your innovation and its potential for green recovery and resilience.  

Watch this step-by-step video on how to apply on UNDP’s platform. A total of 40 participants will be selected and announced in early June and invited to join the acceleration programme!

Timeline

April 24, 2025
Q&A Session
May 8, 2025
Submit expression of interest (Phase 1)
June 1, 2025
Submit full application (Phase 2) (EXTENDED)
June 2025
Final selection & onboarding
June – August 2025
Training programme
September 2025
Demo Day
September 2025
Innovation prizes
September – December 2025
Post-acceleration support

Who can apply

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Type of applicant:
Startups, Ventures
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List of eligible locations:
Moldova, Ukraine

Programme

The BOOST: Green Futures Challenge is a 10-week acceleration programme designed to equip startups and ventures with the tools, knowledge, and networks to scale their impact. Participants will engage in expert-led training, mentorship, and hands-on exercises to refine their business models, sustainability strategies, and investor pitches. 

  1. Needs assessment: We will conduct an initial needs assessment to understand the cohort’s and your needs, challenges, and opportunities, which will help us refine the curriculum 
  2. BOOST training modules: The BOOST journey will equip participants with future-ready tools and practical skills – from navigating emerging technologies and measuring SDG impact, to building sustainable business models and pitching their innovation to investors. 
  3. Demo Day & Innovation Challenge: At the end of the programme, all participants will have a chance to pitch their solutions to a jury panel of industry leaders, investors, and ecosystem partners and compete for a total prize pool of USD $120,000. Selected participating organizations will receive: 1) Innovation Prizes ($20,000 per winning participant); 2) Tailored mentorship from experts in Poland, Ukraine, and Moldova; 3) Opportunities to present at global startup events. 
  4. Post-acceleration support: After graduation, participants will be invited to join the BOOST alumni network of over 100 organizations for ongoing support, including specialized trainings, networking events, and access to resources and future financing opportunities.  

Learn more about the Innovation Challenge procedure and template legal agreement here.

Modules

Module 1: Anticipatory Innovation for Startups & Ventures

This module introduces foresight and systems thinking to startups and ventures anticipate future trends and potential disruptions. Participants will explore how to identify and leverage emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital platforms to build more resilient and sustainable businesses. By developing future scenarios, participants will be equipped to adapt their strategies and stay ahead in an ever-changing landscapes.

Module 2: SDG Impact Management 

Participants will learn how to align their business models with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that their operations contribute meaningfully to global priorities. The module focuses on developing robust impact measurement frameworks and strategies, enabling participants to track and assess their progress. Additionally, it covers effective methods for communicating impact to investors, partners, and other key stakeholders.

Module 3: Sustainability-Focused Business Models 

This module centers on applying the Triple-Layered Business Model Canvas (TLBMC) to design more sustainable enterprises. It emphasizes strengthening revenue models and enhancing long-term resilience while integrating principles from the green and circular economy. Participants will gain tools and insights to transform their business practices in ways that are both environmentally and economically viable.

Module 4: Storytelling & Pitching for Impact 

Effective communication is key to securing support and funding. In this module, participants will learn how to craft compelling, impact-driven narratives that resonate with funders. They will develop tailored pitch decks for investors and grant-making organizations and explore various financing strategies, including crowdfunding and impact investing, to support their growth and mission.

Watch our LIVE Q&A session!
Find out more about the programme & application process for the BOOST: Green Futures Challenge!
Watch now!

Partners

The BOOST: Green Futures Challenge is part of the Polish-UNDP Partnership: Innovative Solutions for SDGs Project, funded by the Polish Aid programme, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland. This project aims  to empower innovation-driven, scalable solutions for sustainable development by leveraging Polish expertise to address SDG challenges in partner countries, with a focus on green recovery and regional resilience.

 

Moldova Innovation Technology Park is a premier nationwide virtual e-park launched by the Moldovan Government in 2018 to boost the tech ecosystem’s growth and competitiveness. It brings together over 2,000 companies and 24,900 professionals across IT, R&D, and creative industries, including 309 firms with foreign capital from 45 countries. MITP fosters innovation, attracts investment, and drives digital transformation. It has been internationally recognized, including by the ITU, as a model for IT ecosystem development.

 

Diia.Business is a large-scale national project supporting entrepreneurship and exports, launched by Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation in 2020. Since 2021, it has been jointly implemented with the Entrepreneurship and Export Development Office. It combines an online one-stop-shop portal with a growing offline network of 12 entrepreneur support centers across the country.

 

Polish-Ukrainian Startup Bridge connects the Polish ecosystem, which is supportive of innovation, with the most ambitious Ukrainian founders. It supports Ukrainian startups in the recovery of Ukraine and regularly explores the needs of organizations and the business ecosystem involved in the country’s development.

 

Polish-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce is a center of knowledge, support, inspiration, and exchange of experiences and contacts that serve the development of Polish-Ukrainian cooperation. PUIG creates opportunities for its member companies to develop by providing high-quality services and also acts as a link between member companies and other institutions and organizations. It has 30 years of activity, 55 events a year, and more than 650 completed projects.

 

Venture Café Warsaw is a national-level Innovation Ecosystem Activator. Its mission is to connect innovators to make things happen. It is a neutral and trusted center of gravity that connects the entire ecosystem and is accessible to everyone. Through its programs, it routinely activates ecosystems, creating continuous exchange and conversation.