Belgrade, 25 May 2023 - With the support of the Government of Japan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Serbia announces a Public Challenge Call for Innovative business models that diversify electricity generation mix, reduce energy intensity of the economy or enables clean energy, especially for the vulnerable consumers. Companies from both public and private sector can apply.

The goal of the Public Challenge Call is to encourage the application of innovative solutions that contribute to the green transformation of the economy, energy security of the country and the prevention of energy poverty.

WHAT SOLUTIONS ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

The proposed solutions should contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and the reduction of environmental pollution, diversification of electricity production, encourage the development of new branches of the economy and female entrepreneurship, as well as enable the creation of new jobs and retraining of workers from the sectors that are dependent on the use of fossil fuels. It is also expected that the proposed solutions will contribute to reducing the country's energy import dependency.

For example, by applying new technologies, these solutions should improve energy efficiency, enable greater use of energy from renewable sources, more efficient use of natural resources and reuse of waste, as well as introduce automation and digitalization into the production process. Also, we encourage the proposals with the application of Japanese technology, knowledge and expertise, which can be implemented with Japanese companies which work in Serbia.

Proposals for sustainable business models that represent the support of the economic sector for activities aimed at reducing the energy poverty of individual households are also eligible for the support. This includes, for example, support for individual households that suffer from or are threatened by energy poverty, in the form of incentives for access to clean, cheaper, safer and more efficient heat and electricity (replacement of individual fireplaces, types of energy sources, etc.), as well as in the form of incentives for increasing energy efficiency of residential buildings (e.g. replacement of carpentry).

WHO CAN APPLY?

Public and private companies registered in the Republic of Serbia, independently or in a consortium, can apply for this Public Challenge Call. In case of a consortium, companies from Japan and the European Union operating in Serbia can participate in it, as well as scientific research organisations and institutions, and private and public sector companies from Serbia.

WHAT SUPPORT WILL THE SELECTED SOLUTIONS GET?

At least 20 teams whose solutions are selected will receive expert and mentoring support to develop their ideas, and the authors of at least 5 of the best solutions will receive financial support to implement their ideas in practice.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION?

The application deadline is July 12, 2023 until 5 p.m. Info days will be organized for all interested candidates on May 25 in Belgrade, May 31 in Zlatibor, June 21 in Zaječar, June 27 in Pančevo, June 28 in Valjevo, June 29 in Novi Sad and Novi Pazar (the date will be to be determined) where they will be able to get more information about how to apply, as well as about the invitation itself.

HOW TO APPLY?  

Application shall be submitted exclusively via online form. For more information, see the Application guidelines.

DOWNLOAD THE DOCUMENTATION

You can download the bidding documentation at the following links:

1.       Guidelines for Applicants

2.      Declaration of partnership 

3.      Contract form (eng. Performance-Based Payment Agreements – PBPA)

4.      Catalogue of supported projects by the Government of Japan in 2022/2023 

This Public Call was announced within the project "Innovative and just green transition as a tool for securing systemic energy security and reducing energy poverty", implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Mining and Energy, with the support of the Government of Japan.