We have caught our breath a little – and are finally ready to share photos with you from our in-person gathering of GCIP Ukraine 2.0 Advanced Accelerator participants.
It was an eventful and inspiring day of introductions, discussions, hugs, and quality networking. We are delighted to have brought together so many diverse, strong, and motivated businesses so they could get to know one another, feel supported, and show each other just how brilliant they are.
Participants shared that the meeting was an opportunity for them to broaden their horizons, find like-minded individuals, and even connect with potential partners. And for us, it served as further confirmation of just how much drive and resilience exists within Ukrainian innovators!
We were particularly pleased to welcome unexpected but very welcome guests: Julia Bialetska (CEO of S.Lab – Sustainable Laboratory, Entrepreneur in Residence of our programme) and Iryna Hubarets (Representation of the European Union in Ukraine).
Furthermore, as part of the event, an online discussion took place titled “Green Business During the War: Is It Timely?”. Speakers Yuliana Onishchuk, Andrii Medvedenko, Viktor Khomenko, Mariia Shamota, and Roman Zinchenkodiscussed the challenges and prospects of green transformations in wartime.
“It was incredibly interesting to listen to presentations and give feedback to participants – if only you knew how many cool ‘mature’ projects and founders we have, who, even despite having their production facilities smashed by the Russians, are getting back on their feet and continuing to build green businesses! The Greencubator team has a special skill for finding and uniting such unstoppable people,” shares Mariia Shamota.
Our immense gratitude goes to UNIT.City for providing the perfect venue, to LCF Law Group for their legal partnership, and to the organising team at Event Envoy, led by Anastasiia Polinkova, for their attention to detail and for creating such a magical atmosphere!
GCIP Ukraine 2025 is a free, three-month acceleration programme for Ukrainian companies in the clean technology sector, implemented by UNIDO – United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, greencubator, and the GEF.
Lying ahead are training sessions, workshops, mentorship, and participation in industry events. We are making an inspired and strong start!
In July, we visited the heart of the international green discussion – the Global Green Industrialisation Dialogue (GGID 2025), held in Vienna under the auspices of our partners, UNIDO.
Greencubator was represented at the event by Valeriia Mosienko, Head of the GCIP Ukraine 2.0 accelerator program, and Olexandra Danchenko, GCIP Ukraine 2.0 Project Coordinator. Furthermore, Olexandra had the opportunity to speak at the roundtable discussion “Future Talents: Skills for the Next Generation of Green Industry.”
Her speech addressed the reality Ukraine faces following the destruction of over 30% of its energy infrastructure due to the aggressive Russo-Ukrainian war:
This dialogue encompassed a much wider range of topics: from financing and technology to human capital and supply chains. However, the most valuable aspect for us was that the Ukrainian experience was voiced at the level of global discourse and was truly heard.
We thank UNIDO – United Nations Industrial Development Organisation for the invitation, trust, and continued support! We are happy to be part of GCIP – a global program for developing innovation in clean technologies. We continue working – for a strong, green, and recovered Ukraine!
On November 23, 2025, Greencubator invites you to Cleantech Sunday — the day when Ukraine’s cleantech ecosystem comes together to exchange the energy of innovation.
This is an ecosystem event uniting startups, investors, partners, and key industry players to get charged up and recharge others — sharing knowledge, inspiring one another, and accelerating the development of cleantech and greentech in Ukraine.
The event program includes:
About the Program: Cleantech Sunday is part of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme 2.0 (GCIP 2.0) in Ukraine, implemented by Greencubator in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). GCIP supports the development of Ukrainian startups, shapes favorable policies for clean technologies, and helps attract investment in climate innovation.
Date: Sunday, November 23, 2025 Location: Kyiv, UNIT.City
To learn more and purchase your ticket for Cleantech Sunday, please email us at gcip@greencubator.info!
Cleantech Sunday 2025 Media Partners: Mind.ua, SPEKA, ShoTam.
From September 1–5, four Ukrainian startups will present their climate solutions at Cleantech Days 2025 in Istanbul — a forum organised by UNIDO, TÜBİTAK, and IOM that unites over 130 participants from 20 countries!
The event will gather innovators, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem drivers. The 5-day program features panel discussions on financing green solutions, the role of policies, and regional cooperation, as well as a startup pitching competition and CTD RealTalks.
As part of the Greencubator delegation, participants of the GCIP Ukraine 2.0 advanced accelerator will showcase their innovations:
Additionally, the Ukrainian delegation will take active roles in the program:
For Ukrainian startups, participating in Cleantech Days offers a valuable chance to gain global visibility and find new markets, partners, and investors. For the world, it is an opportunity to see how our country is building innovative infrastructure despite the war.
Ukraine has once again asserted its presence on the global cleantech stage. This year’s Cleantech Days 2025 forum, held for the first time outside Vienna — in Istanbul — served as a meeting point for innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and scientists from 20 countries. Organised by UNIDO, TÜBİTAK, and IOM, this large-scale event dedicated to knowledge exchange and innovative cleantech solutions provided a powerful space for international dialogue and cooperation.
It is symbolic that this city, serving as a bridge between Europe and Asia, became the platform for the event held under the theme: “Connecting Regions and People to Accelerate Innovation for a Just Transition.”
For Greencubator, participating in the forum was an opportunity to show the world that even in wartime, Ukrainian entrepreneurs are creating solutions that address global climate challenges. Ukraine was represented by the company S.Lab and startups from the GCIP Ukraine 2.0 advanced accelerator: MELT WATER, Mycelia Tech, and Geodesic.Life.
They presented their sustainable solutions, received valuable feedback and support, and established new contacts for future collaboration. For each of the founders, this trip was an important step toward expanding international networks and exchanging experiences with entrepreneurs from other countries.
Roundtables, workshops, and training sessions added special value to this year’s program, bringing together Project Management Units (PMUs) of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) from all participating countries.
Thanks to these events, the Ukrainian PMU representatives — Olexandra Danchenko and Elvira Amirova — were able to present the journey of the Ukrainian cleantech ecosystem and the successes of GCIP Ukraine 2.0. They also gained insights from colleagues in countries where the program has been operating for over seven years. The project offices worked collaboratively on the development and improvement of GCIP while adopting best practices from other ecosystems. These meetings created a space for genuine peer-to-peer learning and mutual support.
The discussion sessions were equally impactful. During the open circle session “Financing the Future: Mobilising Capital for Inclusive Climate Innovation,” Andrii Osadchyi, founder of MELT WATER, shared his experience from over a decade of working on water purification innovations.
He outlined the key challenges for hardware startups: access to venture capital, talent acquisition, and the necessity of securing initial sales even at the MVP stage. Andrii emphasized that having a measurable impact is critical for startups, as the proven benefit of the technology is what makes it market-attractive and paves the way for scaling.
During his speech at the discussion panel “Just Transition in Action: Low-Carbon Technologies as a Catalyst for Inclusive Industrial Development,” Greencubator co-founder Roman Zinchenko drew a parallel between the green transition and economic liberation, referencing Mahatma Gandhi’s “Salt March” as a symbol of the independence movement.
He emphasised that cleantech can become a tool for restoring economic power to communities and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by creating solutions that are not only green but also more efficient and competitive than the traditional “brown” economy.
Roman noted that achieving this requires more than just innovative startups; it demands manufacturing and management excellence, the readiness of investors to become “green angels” and support “patient” capital, as well as the development of local investment ecosystems and mutual support.
He highlighted the importance of building a culture where successful entrepreneurs pass on their knowledge and experience to the next generation, creating a wave of new greentech projects. Thus, the green transition was presented as a movement and a systemic change that provides economic independence and opens new opportunities for society.
Among the key questions Roman raised for discussion were:
We are sincerely grateful to the organisers for the opportunity to represent Ukraine on the global cleantech stage, and to the GCIP PMU teams from around the world for their inspiring partnership, exchange of experience, and collaborative effort in shaping a global innovation ecosystem!
We thank all our partners who share our values and work with us to build a sustainable, inclusive, and just world for future generations.
On Sunday, November 23, Greencubator hosted the inaugural Cleantech Sunday — a gathering of the green innovation ecosystem bringing together startups, investors, experts, and industry partners. This event marked the conclusion of the first stage of the Global Cleantech Innovation Program 2.0 (GCIP 2.0) accelerator in Ukraine, which is implemented by UNIDO in 17 countries worldwide with the support of the GEF (Global Environment Facility). Greencubator serves as the implementation partner for GCIP 2.0 in Ukraine.
Cleantech Sunday brought together Ukrainian innovators developing solutions for energy independence, decarbonisation, and sustainable development. The event also attracted venture and energy investors, as well as leaders of green businesses previously supported by Greencubator.
Fifteen startups presented their graduation pitches on the Cleantech Sunday stage at UNIT.City. These companies operate in solar energy, eco-housing, eco-furniture, biotechnology and new materials, clean water, electromobility, eco-cosmetics, and logistics.
Six of these startups, including SPOGAD, Re[Sens], and Mycelia Tech, are led by female founders, demonstrating the growing role of women in the development of cleantech in Ukraine.
The finalists were evaluated by:
Based on the jury’s decision, the winners of the GCIP Ukraine 2.0 advanced accelerator are:
Following the pitches, the startups met with investors:
These speed-dating format meetings provided startups with the opportunity to receive recommendations and discuss potential collaboration, grants, and investments.
The GCIP Ukraine 2.0 program lasted 4 months and included 16 training modules covering the entire startup development journey: from goal setting, organisational development, and customer discovery to finance, marketing, sales, pilots, climate impact, manufacturing, partnerships, and scaling strategies.
The program involved 25 experts and mentors from leading companies and organisations, including Esper Bionics, Yamaha Motors, Amazon, Ajax Systems, Citadel, PROS, Streamline, Eleks, Green Transition Office, as well as founders of rekava, S.lab, Carbominer, Deus Robotics, and representatives from LCF Law Group, Delamark, Manageable Agency, Enablers School, Arriba! Creative Agency, and lecturers from KSE and UCU.
The program winners will represent Ukraine on the main stage of Cleantech Days in Vienna — an international event by UNIDO that brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and scientists from 20 countries to exchange experiences and find solutions in the cleantech sector.
Partners:
LCF Law Group officially joins the expert team of the GCIP Ukraine 2.0 programme, which is implemented by the NGO Greencubator in partnership with UNIDO – United Nations Industrial Development Organisation and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Cooperation with LCF Law Group presents a unique opportunity for participants of Greencubator’s advanced acceleration programme, GCIP Ukraine 2025, to:
Within the framework of the programme, LCF experts will actively participate in educational, regulatory, and GR initiatives, as well as provide comprehensive support to entrepreneurs developing climate innovations.
Commenting on the cooperation with Greencubator, Ivan Bondarchuk, Partner and Head of the Energy and Projects practice at LCF Law Group, emphasised: “Today, ESG is an integral part of the successful functioning of both individual businesses and the market as a whole. For our team, the partnership with Greencubator within GCIP Ukraine 2.0 signifies not only a contribution to sustainable development but also confirmation of our strategy to support Ukrainian technological businesses on their path to scaling.”
The first closed meeting with an LCF Law Group expert awaits participants at the end of May. Companies that fully complete their application for participation in the GCIP Ukraine 2025 programme by 20 May, 23:59, will be eligible to attend.
Apply here: https://bit.ly/gcip_application_lcf
“We are delighted that Ivan Bondarchuk, one of the leading lawyers in the field of sustainable energy, is joining the team of experts, alongside the LCF Law Group team with their proven expertise in the energy cleantech sector. Legal issues are often a challenge for innovators, so the opportunity to receive high-quality consultations and mentorship is a valuable opportunity for participants of the GCIP Ukraine 2025 acceleration programme,” notes Roman Zinchenko, co-founder of Greencubator.
About the programme: GCIP Ukraine 2025 is a free, three-month advanced acceleration programme for Ukrainian cleantech companies that already have initial sales and a finished product. The programme provides training, personal mentorship, and grants of up to $20,000 for businesses working on climate-friendly technologies that reduce CO₂ emissions.
Details: https://gcip.greencubator.info/
Greencubator and UNIDO have launched the call for applications for the GCIP Ukraine 2025 competition. Finalists will have the opportunity to complete a free, three-month advanced acceleration programme for Ukrainian cleantech companies. The programme includes training, personalised mentorship, and grants of up to $20,000 for businesses developing climate-friendly technologies that reduce CO₂ emissions. Applications are open until 1 June inclusive.
GCIP is a Global Cleantech Innovation Programme implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in 17 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Since 2025, the second phase of the programme in Ukraine is being implemented by the NGO Greencubator, which has been developing the ecosystem of sustainable entrepreneurship and the green economy for 16 years.
Ukrainian companies offering innovative solutions in the following sectors are eligible to participate in the GCIP Ukraine 2025 acceleration:
How to become a participant in GCIP Ukraine 2025?
Companies meeting the following criteria are invited to participate in the competition:
GCIP Ukraine 2025 is designed to support businesses; therefore, municipal enterprises or non-profit NGOs cannot participate.
Find out more on the website: https://gcip.greencubator.info/ Apply by 1 June via the link: https://gcip.tech/register/?country=58
Greencubator also holds weekly group consultations regarding participation in the programme for all interested parties. Register for a consultation: https://forms.gle/mTDD2LTu2XCgCeh27
The programme involves three months of training with professional experts and mentors experienced in climate technologies, as well as post-acceleration support. Participants can expect personalised mentorship and advice on entering new markets, building business strategies, and finding investors. Additionally, grant support of up to $20,000 is available for the most successful teams.
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:
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:
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