FAQ
1. General Eligibility
Q: Who can apply to the Eco-Innovation Challenge?
A: The competition is open to individuals, companies, organizations, startups, NGOs, universities, municipalities and research institutions from any World Bank-eligible country. Depending on your stage of innovation and institutional capacity, you can apply under either the BBSEA Focus Country Window (grant) or the Greater Black Sea Window (technical assistance).
Q: Can I apply as an individual?
A: Yes. Individuals can apply, particularly under the Greater Black Sea Window which does not require institutional grant management capacity. However, the BBSEA Focus Country Window requires applicants to be legally registered organizations with the financial and legal capacity to manage a grant.
Q: Can I apply from outside the Black Sea region?
A: Yes. Applications are welcome from organizations based in any World Bank eligible country. Please note that entities based in the Russian Federation, Cuba, Belarus, Taiwan, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Palestine, Monaco and North Korea are not eligible to apply. For the BBSEA Focus Country Window, you must propose implementation in Georgia, Moldova, or Türkiye. Partnering with local organizations is encouraged.
Q: Can I submit more than one idea?
A: Yes. There is no limit to the number of proposals an applicant (individual, organization, or consortium) can submit. Each idea must be submitted as a separate Expression of Interest (EOI).
Q: Do you prefer individual or joint/consortium proposals?
A: We have no preference. We welcome both individual and joint proposals and evaluate them equally based on the quality of the innovation.
Q: Can our solution involve government partners or policy interventions?
A: Yes, absolutely. We welcome proposals that involve partnerships with public entities or focus on innovative policy interventions. Government partners are considered an eligible applicant for the BBSEA Focus Country Window, both as a lead entity or as a partner in a consortium.
Q: If our team has members from different countries, who should apply?
A: The applicant's country of origin does not matter, as long as it is a World Bank eligible country. The key requirements are that the project is implemented in a focus country (for the Focus Country Window) and that the lead applicant can demonstrate the capacity to manage grant funds.
Q: Do applicants need to address all four pollution problems in their proposal?
A: No, applicants only need to address one of the four key pollution problems in the Black Sea. However, proposals that effectively address more than one problem are also highly encouraged.
2. Application Process
Q: How do I submit my Expression of Interest (EOI)?
A: Submit your EOI via email to BBSEA.EIC@unops.org with the subject line: EOI for the Eco-Innovation Challenge. While use of the Annex A application form is strongly recommended for completeness, you may submit in any format that clearly addresses the required components. Alternatively, you can submit your application via Google Form. Please find the link to the Google Form on our website.
Q: What is the deadline to submit an EOI?
A: The deadline is 21 December 2025 (midnight Central European Time). Late submissions will not be considered.
Q: Can I make changes to my EOI after submission?
A: No changes are allowed after the submission deadline. However, if you need to update your submission before the deadline, you may send a revised version with a clear note indicating it replaces your earlier submission.
Q: Do I need to choose my implementation country at the initial stage?
A: We ask you to indicate a preferred implementation country in your initial application to help us map interest. However, this is not a final commitment and can be modified later in the process.
Q: Can I make changes to my idea/team/country of implementation at proposal stage?
A: Yes, the changes can be made during the full proposal development stage.
Q: What language should the application be submitted in?
A: All EOIs must be submitted in English. This includes any supporting documents.
Q: Is there a specific format for the EOI?
A: While you may submit in any format, it must address all required components. Use of the Annex A – Application Form is strongly encouraged to ensure your submission is complete and aligned with evaluation criteria. The Google Form is built on the sections outlined in the Annex A - Application Form.
Q: Will I receive confirmation that my application has been received?
A: Yes, a confirmation email will be sent upon successful receipt of your submission. If you do not receive confirmation within 2 working days, you may follow up via email.
Q: Is there a word or page limit for the EOI?
A: The recommended word limit for the main sections (such as the eco-innovation description) is approximately 500 - 700 words per section. Try to be concise while providing sufficient detail. Supporting documents may be included as annexes if needed.
Q: Can I submit supporting documents with my application (e.g., designs, business plans, letters of support)?
A: Yes, you may include attachments such as concept notes, diagrams, financial projections, or letters of support. These should be clearly referenced in your main application and attached as separate files.
Q: What happens after I submit my EOI?
A: EOIs will go through an initial screening by the UNOPS and accelerator team. Longlisted applicants (up to 25 per window) will be invited to participate in the orientation phase and develop a more detailed proposal.
Q: Will I receive feedback if my application is not selected?
A: Please note that direct feedback will only be provided to applicants advancing to the proposal stage. While every effort will be made to provide some minimal feedback to those not longlisted, due to the expected volume of applications, individual feedback may not be possible.
Q: Can I contact someone for help while completing the application?
A: Yes, you may email questions to BBSEA.EIC@unops.org The final deadline to submit questions is Monday, 15 December, 2025. However, please allow time for responses and consult the FAQ and documentation before reaching out. In accordance with our transparency policy, all submitted questions and their official answers will be made publicly available in the Q&A section of the UNGM platform.
Q: Can I apply to both windows with the same innovation?
A: No. You must choose one window. However, there is flexibility during the accelerator-led orientation phase. If it becomes clear your solution is better suited to the other window, a transfer may be considered.
Q: When will the winning projects begin?
A: Winners will be selected in late June/early July 2026. Projects will begin shortly after, with grant winners starting an 18-month implementation and award winners starting a 6-month mentorship program.
Q: Does our company register on www.ungm.org in order to express interest?
A: No, registration on the UNGM portal is not required to apply. We use UNGM as a channel to distribute official documents, but all applications must be submitted directly via email. Please send your completed Expression of Interest to BBSEA.EIC@unops.org.
3. About the Two Windows
Q: What is the main difference between the two application windows?
A:
- BBSEA Focus Country Window: For solutions that can be implemented over 18 months in Georgia, Moldova, or Türkiye. This window offers grants of USD 50,000–300,000 plus 12 months of technical assistance.
Due to the current situation, which directly impacts the ability to implement new on-the-ground projects, implementation in Ukraine is not possible at this time. However, Ukrainian innovators are still encouraged to apply to this window, and implement their project in one of the above mentioned countries.
- Greater Black Sea Window: For early-stage concepts. This window offers in-kind technical assistance worth up to USD 20,000 over 6 months — no direct funding.
Q: What happens if my idea is early-stage, but I have a clear plan for implementation in a focus country?
A: If you have both a viable plan and the capacity to manage a grant, you may apply under the BBSEA Focus Country Window. However, if your concept still requires refinement, the Greater Black Sea Window may be better suited to help you de-risk and develop it further.
Q: Can I move from the Greater Black Sea Window to the Focus Country Window later?
A: Yes, if your idea gains traction, technical maturity, or a local partner during the program, you may be invited to resubmit under the BBSEA Focus Country Window.
4. Innovation and Scope
Q: Are nature-based solutions eligible under the Eco-Innovation Challenge?
A: Yes, absolutely. Nature-based solutions (NbS) are strongly encouraged, especially if they offer innovative ways to address the Black Sea's pollution problems. Examples include constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment, buffer strips to reduce agricultural runoff, green infrastructure, and ecosystem restoration approaches. As long as the proposed solution is novel within the local context and aligns with one or more of the four target pollution issues, it is eligible under both windows of the EIC.
Q: What counts as an “eco-innovation”?
A: Any practice, technology, or service that offers a new or significantly improved solution compared to locally available best practice to address one or more of the four defined pollution problems. Innovation can be a product, service, or technology, and even policy innovations are considered if they are linked to implementation.
Q: What if there is a best practice from outside the Black Sea region that we would like to implement in a BBSEA focus country? Would this be considered innovative?
A: Yes. As long as the solution is new to the context where it will be implemented and offers improvement over current local practices.
Q: What is the expected time commitment for the accelerator program?
A: The exact methodology is not yet defined. However, finalists can expect multiple training sessions, and the intensity may be tailored to the needs of each innovator.
Q: Is Technology Readiness Level (TRL) considered in screening and evaluation of EOIs?
A: No. TRL is collected only for information at this stage as it is not part of the evaluation criteria.
Q: Are videos required to be submitted together with the application?
A: No. Videos are optional and supplemental to the mandatory EOI form.
5. Funding and Support
Q: What does the grant cover under the BBSEA Focus Country Window?
A: Eligible costs include personnel, equipment and materials, travel and fieldwork, operational expenses, minor infrastructure and training. You must demonstrate capacity to manage these funds responsibly. Specific requirements will be outlined in the limited Call for Proposals.
Q: Is co-financing required?
A: Co-funding is not required at the initial Expression of Interest (EOI) stage. For the Focus Country Window, these details will be discussed with selected applicants during the limited Call for Proposals.
Q: What are the financial rules? Are there any guidelines?
A: Detailed financial rules are not required for this initial Expression of Interest (EOI) stage, as our current focus is on the strength and innovation of the idea itself. For applicants who are shortlisted and invited to the next phase (the Limited Call for Proposals), we will provide a comprehensive set of financial guidelines and grant management requirements at that time.
Q: Will the Greater Black Sea Window award funding later?
A: No direct funding is provided under this window. However, winners receive targeted support to refine their ideas and improve investment-readiness. Successful awardees may be introduced to funding partners.
Q: Who owns the intellectual property (IP) of my innovation?
A: You do. All intellectual property rights remain with the applicant. Neither UNOPS nor the World Bank will claim ownership of your innovation.
Q: Is the budget required in detail at the EOI stage?
A: No. Applicants simply select a budget range.
Q: Can the project budget include supporting activities like policy work?
A: Yes. At this stage, we are focused on the idea. For selected applicants, the full budget can include supporting activities (e.g., policy work, enabling environment) as long as they are well-justified and contribute to the innovation's successful implementation.
Q: How many projects will be funded in total?
A: The total number of funded projects depends on the requested grant amounts. The goal is to fund at least two innovations in each of the three focus countries (Turkey, Georgia, and Moldova). It is estimated that between 6 and 10 projects will receive final grants from the Focus Country Window and between 6 and 10 will receive technical assistance from the Greater Black Sea Window.
6. Implementation and Infrastructure
Q: What kinds of infrastructure are allowed?
A: Only low-risk installations and minor installations are eligible. Your installation must involve standard, well-understood technologies in stable environments, with:
- Low probability of failure
- Low-moderate environmental or social risks or impacts
- Minimal complexity and investment
Q: How will you assess infrastructure risk?
A: UNOPS will assist the applicant with a screening of the proposed infrastructure for environmental, social and technical risks. Complex or large-scale infrastructure projects are not eligible.
Q: Are there specific budget caps for low-risk infrastructure?
A: There is no separate cap for infrastructure beyond the overall $300,000 project limit for the Focus Country Window. Simple, low-risk infrastructure is permissible.
Q: Does the project support implementation outside the Black Sea region?
A: The project's primary goal is to benefit the Black Sea region. The support provided is designed to help you find future funding for implementation within the region.
7. Teams and Partnerships
Q: Can we apply as a consortium?
A: Yes. Consortium applications are welcome and encouraged, especially for the BBSEA Focus Country Window. A lead entity must be designated to receive and manage the grant.
Q: If we apply as a consortium, who can participate in the accelerator/bootcamp?
A: Each selected innovator can send a small team (typically 2-3 people) to participate in the accelerator trainings and bootcamp.
Q: Are women-led or youth-led projects encouraged?
A: Yes. To foster diverse participation, the EIC especially encourages applications from women-led, youth-led, and community-based initiatives.
Q: Do I need a local partner to apply for the Focus Country Window?
A: While not required at this initial stage, demonstrating a plan to partner with local entities is encouraged to ensure successful implementation. After the initial screening, an accelerator will be hired to help finalists with matchmaking.
8. After Selection
Q: What happens after I submit my EOI?
A: EOIs will be screened and the top 25 applicants per window will be invited to an orientation and proposal refinement phase.
Q: What if I’m not selected?
A: Even if not selected for the final award, reaching the full proposal stage provides a significant opportunity for exposure. The top 50 applicants (25 from each window) invited to submit a full proposal may be featured on the official BBSEA website and social media channels.
With your consent, this feature will showcase your innovation's title, a brief description, and your contact information, putting your project in the spotlight for potential partners, investors, and stakeholders across the region.
Q: What is the expected duration of project support?
A: For the Focus Country Window, implementation support lasts 18 months; for the Greater Black Sea Window, technical assistance is provided for 6 months.
Q: What is the Blueing the Black Sea (BBSEA) project duration?
A: The broader BBSEA project runs until September 2028, executed by UNOPS with World Bank funding through the GEF.