Launch of the Eco-Innovation Challenge

The "Blueing the Black Sea" project is excited to announce that the Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for our Eco-Innovation Challenge (EIC) will officially launch on September 8, 2025.

The aim of the EIC is to welcome a broad range of eco-solutions to address four critical pollution problems in the Black Sea. The competition is open to all entities from World Bank eligible countries, including entrepreneurs, academics, NGOs, and individuals.

Innovators must apply to one of two distinct windows, each with a different scope and outcome:

1. BBSEA Focus Country Window (Leading to a Grant)
This window is for innovators with well-developed, ready-to-implement solutions. The goal is to directly fund and execute projects in one of the three BBSEA focus countries: Georgia, Moldova, or Türkiye. Successful applicants will be eligible for grants ranging from USD 50,000 to USD 300,000.

2. Greater Black Sea Window (Leading to an Award)
This window is designed for innovators with early-stage concepts, prototypes, or ideas. The goal is to nurture promising ideas with a bespoke, in-kind technical assistance package from an international accelerator, valued at up to USD 20,000.

Proposed eco-solutions can include technological advancements, new business models, policy interventions, or innovative financial mechanisms. Consortium proposals are encouraged, especially those that include entities from the focus countries and women-led organizations.