About The Challenge
The Eco-Innovation Challenge (EIC) is the flagship innovation initiative of Blueing the Black Sea, a GEF regional project implemented by the World Bank and executed by UNOPS.
The Challenge identifies, supports, and scales eco-innovative solutions that prevent or reduce pollution in the Black Sea. Through funding, technical assistance, and international acceleration support, EIC helps transform promising ideas into real-world impact.
Civitta supports the initiative as the International Accelerator, guiding selected innovators throughout their development and implementation journey.
BBSEA Eco-Innovation Challenge Winners Selected
Following a highly competitive process involving innovators from around the world, 9 winners were selected under the Focus Country Window and 6 winners under the Greater Black Sea Window.
The winners were announced during the Eco-Innovation Challenge Shark Tank Event held in Chișinău, Republic of Moldova, where 27 finalists pitched their solutions before an international jury of experts.
The Challenge Begins
The Challenge was launched to identify and support innovative solutions capable of reducing pollution and contributing to a healthier Black Sea.
The response exceeded expectations. A total of 186 applications from 40 countries were received from startups, researchers, entrepreneurs, private sector companies, and environmental innovators committed to tackling pollution through innovation.
The Journey to the Shark Tank
Together with the International Accelerator, Civitta, participants took part in a series of online orientation sessions, expert workshops, and country-specific briefings designed to strengthen their solutions and better understand the environmental challenges facing the Black Sea region.
The journey continued with a three-day Eco-Innovation Bootcamp, where semi-finalists came together to further develop their ideas, receive mentorship from international experts, and prepare for the next stage of the Challenge.
The Bootcamp provided participants with technical guidance, business development support, pitching preparation, and valuable opportunities to connect with fellow innovators, experts, and stakeholders working to improve the future of the Black Sea.
From Finalists to Winners
Following the Bootcamp, participants submitted full project proposals for evaluation by an official selection committee.
Twenty-seven finalists were selected to advance to the Shark Tank Event in Moldova, where they presented their solutions before an international jury.
After a full day of pitching and evaluation, 15 winning solutions were selected:
- 9 winners under the Focus Country Window
- 6 winners under the Greater Black Sea Window
The selected solutions represent innovative approaches that have the potential to deliver tangible environmental benefits across the Black Sea region.
What’s Next?
The Challenge now moves from innovation to implementation.
Focus Country Window
Selected winners will receive grant funding and technical support to implement their solutions in Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Türkiye.
Greater Black Sea Window
Selected winners will participate in a six-month acceleration programme providing mentorship, technical assistance, and expert guidance to further develop and scale their solutions.
The competition may be complete, but the journey is only beginning. Through continued support and collaboration, these innovators will help transform promising ideas into practical solutions that contribute to cleaner waters, healthier ecosystems, and stronger communities across the Black Sea region.
Important Notice: The selected winners will now proceed to the grant award preparation stage, which includes capacity assessments, environmental and social screening, due diligence reviews, and finalization of Grant Support Agreements. The provision of grant funding remains subject to the successful completion of these requirements and the execution of the relevant agreements with UNOPS.
Timeline and Selection Process
