The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Europe and Central is set to spotlight a new generation of green innovators this autumn as the BOOST: Green Futures Challenge reaches its final stage with two high-energy Demo Days – on 22–23 September in Lviv, Ukraine and on 3 October in Chișinău, Moldova.
After months of tailored acceleration support, 23 Ukrainian and 16 Moldovan startups and ventures will pitch their solutions for tackling climate change, driving the circular economy, and creating green jobs – competing for a share of US$120,000 in Innovation Prizes, with up to six winners each receiving US$20,000 to scale their impact.
The Demo Days will bring together UNDP, local innovation ecosystem leaders, investors, and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland to celebrate innovation, strengthen cross-border cooperation, and accelerate green recovery and resilience. Alongside fast-paced pitching sessions, the events will feature panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to spark new collaborations and open market pathways for the participating startups.
An expert jury of leading innovation and investment actors – including Diia Business, Venture Café Warsaw, the Moldova Innovation Technology Park, and the Polish-Ukrainian Startup Bridge – will evaluate the pitches and select the winners, alongside representatives from UNDP and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.
Launched by UNDP and partners, the BOOST Green Futures Challenge supports mission-driven innovators working on solutions for climate change, biodiversity loss, and green transitions. The Demo Days mark not only the conclusion of the acceleration phase but also the launch of a post-acceleration journey, helping these ventures access mentorship, investment opportunities, and new markets to drive a just green transition across the region.
The BOOST: Green Futures Challenge is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.
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