Deadline: November 14, 2025
The UNOPS BBSEA Eco-Innovation Challenge 2025 is now open for applications. This initiative, part of the Blueing the Black Sea (BBSEA) project, seeks bold, practical, and innovative solutions to reduce or prevent pollution in the Black Sea region. With grants of up to USD 300,000 available, this challenge presents a unique opportunity for innovators, organisations, and researchers to make a lasting environmental impact.
About the UNOPS BBSEA Eco-Innovation Challenge 2025
The Eco-Innovation Challenge (EIC) is designed to support actionable ideas and technologies that can tackle pollution and restore the ecological health of the Black Sea. The programme encourages scalable solutions that address pressing environmental issues in the region while also promoting sustainable development.
Focus Areas of the Challenge
Applicants are expected to develop projects that directly address one or more of the following problem areas:
- Agriculture and Livestock Runoff
- Addressing fertiliser and pesticide pollution, soil erosion, and animal waste runoff leading to eutrophication.
- Municipal Wastewater
- Tackling under-treated or untreated wastewater discharge, a major source of nutrient loading in the sea.
- Chemical and Industrial Pollution
- Reducing non-hazardous pollutants, including contaminants caused by industrial activity and war-related pollution.
- Marine Litter
- Finding innovative approaches to reduce plastics and solid waste, including war-related debris, in marine ecosystems.
Funding and Support Opportunities
The UNOPS BBSEA Eco-Innovation Challenge 2025 provides two windows of support:
1. BBSEA Focus Country Window
- Target countries: Georgia, Moldova, Türkiye
- Funding: USD 50,000 – 300,000 in grants
- Support: Up to 12 months of technical assistance
- Applicants must be legally registered entities with the capacity to manage grants.
2. Greater Black Sea Window
- Broader regional scope (beyond focus countries)
- Support: In-kind technical assistance worth up to USD 20,000
- Tailored for early-stage ideas and innovations
- Open to individuals and organisations without institutional grant management capacity.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to individuals, NGOs, companies, startups, universities, and research institutions.
- Applicants to the Focus Country Window must propose projects to be implemented in Georgia, Moldova, or Türkiye.
- Global applicants are welcome, provided they partner with local organisations in focus countries.
- For the Greater Black Sea Window, individuals may apply independently.
Application Process
- Deadline: 14 November 2025
- How to Apply:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by email to bbsea.eic@unops.org with the subject line:
“EOI for the Eco-Innovation Challenge” - Use the Annex A application form for best results (recommended, though other formats are acceptable if they cover all required details).
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by email to bbsea.eic@unops.org with the subject line:
Why Apply?
This challenge offers innovators the chance to:
- Access significant financial support for scaling impactful projects.
- Receive technical assistance and mentoring from experts in environmental innovation.
- Build networks with stakeholders across the Black Sea region.
- Contribute to sustainable development while combating marine pollution.
Important Links
If you need expert help with proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact us today to maximise your chances of success.
