The European Union (EU), the Government of Denmark, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), together with the BOOST Impact Acceleration Programme team, are implementing the Innovation Challenge, a unique acceleration programme for Ukraine which is part of the wider Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG) initiative. The programme is aimed at strengthening the economies of the cities of Mykolaiv and Ternopil. 

Twelve teams representing micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises with innovative ideas in the “blue” or “green” economy were selected to participate in the programme. Among them are manufacturers of electric trucks, small vessels, moulds, irrigation systems, refrigeration equipment, and many others. 

Regardless of the project, all programme participants will receive mentoring support, business acceleration assistance, networking opportunities, and funding of up to US$10,000 to help them realise their innovative ideas. 

The Blue Innovation Challenge participants in Mykolaiv: 

1. AMICO DIGITAL, LLC 

A research and production enterprise that designs, develops, manufactures, and supports equipment, systems, and components for metering liquids, oil products, and liquefied gases. As part of the Innovation Challenge, the team will gain the knowledge and resources to rebuild its business so that it can continue to innovate and manufacture measuring devices for Ukraine's coastal infrastructure. 

2. KranTechElectro, LLC 

The company is engaged in the restoration, overhaul, and maintenance of portal cranes, conveyor equipment, and handling equipment, as well as equipment for ports and private terminals. Thanks to the Innovation Challenge, the company can make its production more environmentally friendly and sustainable by converting its facilities to solar energy. 

3. Kushnyrov, Individual Entrepreneur (IE) 

Mr Kushnyrov’s company produces small, high-density polyethene (HDPE) vessels. The company's leadership team will improve their management skills through their participation in the acceleration programme and the company will receive funding to support the revival of Ukraine's small fleet. 

4. Budko, IE 

Mr Budko and his team develop and implement environmentally friendly water treatment technologies for private households and industrial facilities. Participation in the acceleration programme will allow the company to develop and implement innovative water treatment units for the city of Mykolaiv. 

5. RMC, LLC 

The company is one of the national leaders in producing industrial refrigeration equipment. The unique idea that the RMC team plans to develop through the Innovation Challenge will make the use of refrigeration equipment on ships, in enterprises, and in retail more environmentally friendly. The company intends to develop technical documentation for units in a protective case that runs on natural refrigerant. 

6. MeGoElectric UA, LLC 

MeGoElectric specialises in the production of affordable electric trucks. As part of the Innovation Challenge, the company plans to develop and expand its production, making freight transportation more affordable and environmentally friendly. 

7. Netudykhata, IE 

Mr Netudykhata is engaged in the greenhouse farming and aims to develop an innovative irrigation automation system for greenhouses and open ground. This technology will allow Ukrainian farmers to reduce water and electricity costs, increase yields, and solve the problem of the lack of qualified personnel. 

The Green Innovation Challenge participants in Ternopil: 

8. Eleek, LLC 

Eleek is the first Ukrainian manufacturer of electric bicycles. Since 2010, the company has specialised in the production and sale of electric bicycles, spare parts, and accessories. Eleek is participating in the Innovation Challenge with the idea of creating the first electric bike rental business in Ternopil, which will allow local residents and tourists to move faster, more conveniently, and in a more environmentally friendly way. 

9. KVOTA, research and production company 

The programme involves a family company that has been in business for over 30 years. KVOTA operates in the mechanical engineering field, specialising in the design and manufacture of moulds, the only alternative equipment for the mass production of plastic injection moulding. As part of the programme, the company will produce specialised moulds and environmentally friendly forks for hotels, restaurants, and cafes in Ternopil. 

10. City Initiatives, LLC 

The company specialises in developing IT solutions for implementing innovative technologies for urban mobility, city management, and e-democracy. City Initiatives is participating in the Innovation Challenge with the idea of creating an “Ecomap of Ternopil” — an interactive electronic database of recycling centres. The map will be based on the popular e-Ternopil application. 

11. Association of Parks of Culture and Recreation of Ternopil City, public utility company 

This is the only public utility company participating in the Innovation Challenge. Its idea is to create a city farm in Ternopil — a modern and eco-friendly corner in Sopilche Park that will combine innovative approaches for growing plants and develop environmental awareness among city residents. 

12. Termopaneli, LLC 

The company is one of the domestic market leaders for facade insulation thermal panel production and a successful exporter of products to European countries. As part of the Innovation Challenge, Termopaneli plans to create a fully energy-independent production facility, which is a requirement of the times and will also make the company more environmentally friendly. 

The Innovation Challenge in both cities — Mykolaiv and Ternopil — is expected to end in spring 2025. The programme's final event will be Demo Days, during which the teams will present the results and impact of their ideas on the local economies. 

For more information: 

The EU-UNDP Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG) Facility supports local governments in the Eastern Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine) on their path to inclusive economic growth while building vibrant communities. The initiative offers resources, a network, and educational opportunities to explore new growth trajectories, improve living standards and employment, and ensure citizen participation in economic, social, and cultural processes at the local level.  

The “green” economy is a holistic approach to economic development aimed at improving human well-being and social justice while reducing environmental risks and natural resource scarcity. For Ternopil, transitioning to a “green” economy means implementing sustainable, circular, and nature-based business practices that promote innovation, job creation, and a better quality of life for all residents. 

The “blue” economy is the sustainable use of water and marine resources to grow economics, improve living conditions, and create jobs, while preserving marine and coastal ecosystems. It covers, in particular, the following areas: fishing, aquaculture, marine and coastal tourism, marine energy, and marine biotechnology. 

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org