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Global Cleantech
Innovation Programme

Empowering changemakers,
transforming tomorrow.

GCIP at a glance

Who we are

Global Cleantech Innovation Programme promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging markets and developing economies to address climate and environmental challenges. GCIP supports start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with innovative cleantech ideas in establishing and upscaling robust business models. GCIP also strengthens entrepreneurship ecosystems and facilitates partnerships and networking between private and public actors to ensure the long-term sustainability of its interventions.

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GCIP is unique in that it fosters a systemic approach by combining direct support to start-ups with ecosystem building, which leads to a multiple value creation and ensures an extremely wide impact.

Olga Rataj

GCIP GLOBAL PROGRAMME MANAGER

At the Global Environment Facility, we recognize the central role of cleantech SMEs in delivering game changing solution. By promoting cleantech innovation, entrepreneurship development and long-term ecosystem sustainability, GCIP has the potential to contribute to the critical systemic transformation needed to accelerate climate action.

Filippo Berardi

GEF, SENIOR CLIMATE CHANGE SPECIALIST

The programme creates a platform for linking South African entrepreneurs, especially youth and women, with local and global investors, business and commercial partners, potentially resulting in the commercialisation of new products and services and ultimately, job creation.

Senisha Mooshamy

HEAD OF GCIP SOUTH-AFRICA

ESTIMATED GCIP IMPACT BY 2030

2100+

SMEs

to be supported

40% WOMEN LED

11mln

CO2e

metric tons direct & indirect

emission savings

12000+

beneficiaries

in cleantech and beyond

30+$

millions

Total budget

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GCIP Partner Countries

FAQs

GCIP in answers & questions

  • What is GCIP?

    GCIP is a programme led by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in partnership with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). GCIP promotes cleantech innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging market and developing economies to address climate challenges and foster sustainable development.

  • Why was GCIP established?

    GCIP was launched at COP17 in 2011 in South Africa in response to the global challenge of climate change. GCIP’s primary goal is to identify and support innovative cleantech solutions from developing countries through business acceleration and investment facilitation services specifically designed for cleantech companies operating in the developing country context.

  • What does GCIP do?

    GCIP offers comprehensive support to micro, small and medium sized enterprises, as these MSMEs are the backbone of emerging and developing economies, to help them bring their solutions to market. GCIP directly supports cleantech innovators through business acceleration training, mentorship, networking and financing facilitation. GCIP also helps partner countries strengthen their national innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems. GCIP builds capacities of national institutions and contributes to the formulation of inclusive national policy frameworks as well as creates partnerships between stakeholders in the public, private and academic sectors.

  • Who are the beneficiaries of GCIP?

    The primary direct beneficiaries of GCIP are early-stage start-ups and SMEs developing innovative cleantech solutions in the following areas: energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste beneficiation, water efficiency, green buildings, transportation, advanced materials and chemicals. GCIP also provides support to national government institutions in the partner countries, R&D organizations, industry associations and other stakeholders involved in the development of cleantech innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems.

  • Which countries are participating in GCIP?

    As of 2023, 16 countries are part of GCIP, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Lesotho, Mongolia, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of Moldova, Senegal, South Africa, Türkiye, Ukraine, Uruguay and Viet Nam. By 2025, GCIP plans to expand to at least 25 partner countries.

  • What is the role of gender in GCIP?

    The guiding principle of GCIP is that of equal opportunities for women and men to be involved in cleantech innovation. GCIP recognizes the key role that women play in the development of cleantech as innovators, enablers (mentor community, investors, policymakers) and thought leaders. Since 2014, GCIP has worked extensively with women-led start-ups and students from technical disciplines and informed them about the programme. GCIP has also ensured a gender-equal environment within its acceleration activities, which also includes recruitment of women mentors, trainers and judges.