The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with the support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Greencubator, is launching the second phase of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP Ukraine). The initiative provides grants, acceleration, and mentorship for Ukrainian companies working on climate-friendly technologies and reducing CO₂ emissions.
GCIP addresses the constantly growing global demand for environmental sustainability and climate action by leveraging the potential of innovation and entrepreneurship in the cleantech sector. The programme supports cleantech startups and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) developing scalable and efficient solutions, positioning them as key players in the green transition and low-carbon development.
GCIP covers 17 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Since 2014, it has supported over 1,650 companies, trained over 500 experts, and aims to mitigate more than ten million metric tons of direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, as well as accelerate the growth of over 2,100 MSMEs and startups.
The GCIP Ukraine 2.0 project will run until the end of 2027. The second phase is being implemented at the national level by the NGO “Greencubator” — a Ukrainian platform for green innovation support that has been developing the sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ukraine for 16 years through international educational and grant programmes.
Roman Zinchenko, co-founder of Greencubator, notes: “There are three components crucial for Ukraine’s sustainable recovery: human capital, financing, and regulation. GCIP Ukraine 2.0 is designed to activate human capital and empower Ukrainian green SMEs, despite the war, helping them attract funding domestically and on international markets. At the same time, it will stimulate dialogue among stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of green technologies for Ukraine’s green recovery. This programme not only facilitates learning global best practices but also strengthens Ukraine’s green economy and its post-war green reconstruction.”
GCIP Ukraine 2.0 unites entrepreneurs, investors, experts, and government authorities to create a favorable environment for cleantech development in Ukraine. The programme includes:
- An acceleration programme for green startups and SMEs, providing access to mentorship, funding, and global networking.
- Grant support and assistance in attracting investment to accelerate the implementation of climate-friendly solutions.
- Ecosystem development through collaboration with local communities, experts, and government stakeholders.
- Advocacy and policy improvement to foster the growth of the green sector in Ukraine.
Manasa Suresh, Global Cleantech Innovation Programme Manager at UNIDO, states: “GCIP Ukraine 2.0 marks a significant step in advancing Ukraine’s low-carbon transition by mobilizing investment and fostering innovation and cleantech solutions. Especially at a time when the fight against climate change is more urgent than ever, this project is highly timely and serves as a driver to accelerate technology development and expand market access for cleantech innovators. By supporting the transition to clean energy, inclusive and sustainable manufacturing, as well as circular economy practices, we aim to unlock opportunities that not only reinforce Ukraine’s climate commitments but also enhance long-term economic resilience, job creation, and sustainable development.”
Olena Kovalova, Senior National Engagement Expert at UNIDO, adds: “The Global Cleantech Innovation Programme demonstrates extraordinary innovation and practical value for countries striving for sustainable development. In Ukraine, the programme currently focuses on supporting the emergence of early-stage technological solutions created by startups that contribute to the inclusive and sustainable transformation of industry. Through such initiatives, UNIDO helps countries recover their economies sustainably, embodying the principles of ‘build back better’ and ‘build back greener.’ This approach ensures not only economic recovery but also long-term resilience, promoting climate and environmental priorities.”
Under the GCIP Ukraine 2.0 project, applications are now open for the acceleration programme for innovative early-stage cleantech solutions. Early-stage Ukrainian companies working in the following sectors are eligible to apply:
- Energy Efficiency
- Renewable Energy Sources
- Waste Management
- Water Resource Conservation
- Green Construction
- Green Transport
- Advanced Materials and Chemicals
Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, Victoria Kyreieva, emphasizes:“Today, Ukraine undoubtedly needs green business and enterprises implementing climate-conscious principles. We hope to join the European Union in the near future, and those businesses already operating within the green vector will be the most competitive. Many Ukrainian companies representing sustainable solutions are already present on the international market today. The GCIP 2.0 programme will allow uniting the efforts of international partners, the state, and innovators to create conditions for the growth of climate-oriented business and make a significant contribution to the green recovery of Ukraine.”
GCIP Ukraine 2.0 features a three-month acceleration programme with business training, mentorship, and post-acceleration support led by cleantech experts. For more information about GCIP Ukraine 2.0 and details on participant selection criteria, please visit https://greencubator.info/gcip-ukraine-2
Registration for the programme is open at: https://gcip.greencubator.info/
Watch the press conference on the launch of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme in Ukraine at https://www.youtube.com/live/Lox07ZMFIO4?si=agNY70zQ-eaj9Eze