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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is calling all those interested to an Innovation Challenge - Actions for a Greener Cyprus - for up to €20,000 of seed-funding to pilot actions in 2025. We are looking for innovative actions that aim to support the trajectory towards a greener Cyprus.
The call for this innovation challenge comes at a critical time, as impacts of water scarcity, non-renewable energy and unsustainable waste practices weigh heavy on human health levels and our environment.
With rapidly increased drought, pollution, and unsanitary conditions threatening the well-being of the island, quick changes to social and environmental models can accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This Innovation Challenge is looking to support innovators from both communities to team together and work towards creating sustainable island-wide actions that will champion climate positive movements that can have favourable environmental, social and economic impact in both communities of Cyprus.
This innovation challenge welcomes all interested individuals (18+), businesses/ companies, NGOs, academia, federations, associations etc. to submit proposals for supporting innovative sustainable solutions towards one (or more) of the following three (3) themes:
• Water
• Energy
• Circular economy / Waste Management
The proposed solutions must engage in either water, energy and/or circular economy / waste management cooperation between the two communities and contribute towards island-wide climate action efforts. The proposed actions should look to amplify interconnectivity and/or address any identified gaps of existing initiatives in the ecosystem. Seed-funding for up to €20,000 will be awarded to the selected team’s actions for a pilot testing in 2025.
What is the application process?
Applicants must complete the proposal booklet together with all relevant documentation and submit their application HERE by 23:59 EET on Sunday, December 8th, 2024.
Applications will be evaluated based on criteria attached below, and you will receive an email response within a week.
Participating teams should also register on the UNDP Quantum platform by 23:59 EET on Sunday, December 8th, 2024.
For any technical support required for registering on the platform you can email registry.cy@undp.org with subject line ‘INNOVATION CHALLENGE – QUANTUM SUPPORT’.
Shortlisted teams will be invited to present their idea to a selection panel on the week of 11 – 15 December, 2024.
Winners will be informed by the 20th December 2024.
Download the attachments below for more information on the challenge; the evaluation criteria; and the proposal booklet you need to complete.
