The United Nations Industrial Development Organization, with the support of the Global Environment Facility and Greencubator, is launching the second phase of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) in Ukraine. The initiative will provide grants, advanced and post-acceleration support and mentoring for Ukrainian companies developing climate-friendly technologies and reducing CO₂ emissions.
GCIP addresses the growing global demand for environmental sustainability and climate action by harnessing the potential of cleantech innovation and entrepreneurship. The programme empowers clean technology startups and micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) developing scalable and impactful solutions, positioning them as key actors in the green transition and low-carbon development.
GCIP spans 17 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Since 2014, it has supported over 1,650 companies, trained more than 500 experts, and aims to mitigate over ten million metric tons of direct and indirect GHG emissions by 2030 as well as accelerate over 2,100 MSMEs and startups.
The GCIP Ukraine 2.0 project will continue until the end of 2027. The second phase of the project is implemented nationally by the NGO Greencubator, a Ukrainian platform for supporting green innovations that has been developing the sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ukraine through international training and grant programmes for 16 years.
Roman Zinchenko, co-founder of the Greencubator NGO, noted:
“There are three components critical for Ukraine’s sustainable recovery: human capital, financing, and regulation. GCIP Ukraine 2.0 is designed to activate human capital by empowering Ukrainian green SMEs despite the war, helping them raise funds at home and in the international capital markets, and building the stakeholder dialogue to streamline the adoption of green technologies for green recovery. This program not only facilitates learning from global best practices but also strengthens Ukraine’s green economy and post-war green recovery”.
GCIP Ukraine 2.0 brings together entrepreneurs, investors, experts and government authorities to create a supportive environment for the development of clean technologies in Ukraine. The programme includes:
- Acceleration programme for green startups and MSMEs, providing access to mentoring, funding and global networking.
- Grant support and investment promotion to help accelerate the implementation of climate-friendly solutions.
- Ecosystem development through cooperation with local communities, experts, and government stakeholders.
- Advocacy and policy improvement to promote the growth of the green sector in Ukraine.
Manasa Suresh, Associate Industrial Development Expert and Lead Manager, GCIP Global Programme, said:
“GCIP Ukraine 2.0 marks an important step in advancing Ukraine’s low-carbon transition by mobilising investment and fostering innovation and clean technology solutions. Particularly at a time when the fight against climate change is more urgent than ever, this project is very timely and serves as a driver to accelerate technology development and expand market access for cleantech innovators. By supporting clean energy transitions, inclusive and sustainable manufacturing, and circular economy practices, we aim to unlock opportunities that not only strengthen Ukraine’s climate commitments but also enhance long-term economic resilience, job creation and sustainable development”.
Olena Kovalova, Senior National Liaison Expert, UNIDO, mentioned:
“The Global Cleantech Innovation Programme demonstrates remarkable innovation and practical value for countries pursuing sustainable development. In Ukraine, the programme is currently focusing on supporting the emergence of early-stage technological solutions generated by start-ups that contribute to inclusive and sustainable industrial transformation on the ground. Through such initiatives, UNIDO empowers countries to recover their economies sustainably, embedding both the ‘build back better’ and ‘build back greener’ principles. This approach ensures not only economic recovery but also long-term resilience by advancing climate and environmental priorities”.
As part of GCIP Ukraine 2.0, the advanced business acceleration programme for early-stage innovative cleantech solutions will open for applications in the coming weeks. Ukrainian early-stage companies operating in the following areas are eligible to apply:
- Energy efficiency
- Renewable energy
- Waste beneficiation
- Water efficiency
- Green buildings
- Green Transportation
- Advanced materials and chemicals
Viktoriia Kyreeva, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, underlined:
“Today, Ukraine undoubtedly needs green businesses and companies that implement climate-oriented principles. Ukraine hopes to join the European Union in the near future, and those businesses that are already operating in the green sector will be the most competitive. Many Ukrainian companies that provide sustainable solutions are already on the international market. The GCIP Ukraine 2.0 programme will bring together international partners, the government and innovators to create conditions for the growth of climate-oriented businesses and significantly contribute to Ukraine’s green recovery”.
Supporting cleantech entrepreneurship and innovation is key to strengthening Ukraine’s economic resilience, especially in the context of green recovery and reconstruction. Through partnerships with governments, financial institutions and the private sector, GCIP will catalyze long-term support for cleantech innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
GCIP Ukraine 2.0 will offer a three-month acceleration programme with expert-led cleantech-specific business training, mentorship, and post-acceleration support. For more information about GCIP Ukraine 2.0 and details on the eligibility criteria for the acceleration services, visit https://greencubator.info/gcip-ukraine-2
