BOOST
BOOST is a UNDP regional impact acceleration programme that helps identify, test, and scale innovative solutions to pressing development challenges across Europe and Central Asia.
Reimagining our future through innovation
BOOST is UNDP’s impact acceleration programme in Europe and Central Asia, supporting innovation ecosystem actors such as startups, social enterprises, nonprofits, academic institutions and business support organizations to develop and test solutions for complex development challenges. Each programme is built around one complex development challenge, from digital transformation and green transition to gender equality and more and uses open innovation calls to mobilize innovators to address it through a structured, expert-led acceleration journey.
Through tailored mentorship, targeted capacity-building, and access to new partnerships and financing pathways, BOOST helps innovators refine, validate, and scale solutions with real impact potential. Built on a proven and scalable methodology, a diverse set of partnerships and a growing alumni network, BOOST is helping build the innovation ecosystems that drive lasting change across the region.
At a glance
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13
completed programmes
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20+
countries, cities & territories reached in Europe & Central Asia
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250+
participating organizations
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US$1M+
in prizes awarded
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80+
innovators supported
How BOOST works
BOOST follows a structured, proven acceleration methodology that helps innovators move from problem to prototype to scale.
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Working with partners to define pressing development challenges grounded in real community needs. This ensures each programme is rooted in evidence and aligned with regional, national or local priorities.
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Attracting diverse innovators – from startups to nonprofits – through national and regional outreach. A rigorous selection process identifies teams with strong potential, compelling ideas, and clear commitment to impact.
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Conducting tailored diagnostics to understand each participant’s maturity, constraints, and opportunities. This allows BOOST to design personalized learning pathways and match teams with mentors and partners who best fit their needs.
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Providing training, coaching, expert sessions, and hands-on guidance to strengthen business models, impact logic, and technical capabilities. Teams receive individualized mentorship and practical tools to validate, test, and refine their solutions
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Showcasing solutions to donors, investors, and ecosystem partners during high-visibility events. This creates opportunities for partnerships, funding, piloting, and long-term collaboration.
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Recognizing the most promising solutions through financial awards that help teams move from idea to implementation. Prizes and grants provide not just funding but visibility, credibility, and a platform to attract further investment and partnerships.
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Sustaining engagement through an active alumni community with ongoing support, masterclasses, events, and matchmaking. BOOST continues to connect graduates with growth opportunities, keeping them part of a wider innovation ecosystem across the region.
Western Balkans
Reimagining urban finance in the Western Balkans
BOOST-backed innovators in the Western Balkans piloted creative ways to make cities greener and more responsive – from citizen rewards to community crowdfunding.
Discover the stories
Kosovo
Kosovo’s circular economy pioneers
From glass upcycling to sustainable furniture, Kosovo’s BOOST innovators are turning waste into opportunity. Meet the circular-economy teams reshaping Kosovo’s green future.
Explore here
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz space programme: Breaking gender barriers
A BOOST-supported space-education initiative in Kyrgyzstan is inspiring girls to pursue STEM and aerospace careers. See how they launched a movement beyond the classroom.
Learn moreExplore the BOOST innovations repository!
Browse a growing collection of solutions developed by innovators, startups, and nonprofits across 20+ countries. Discover real examples of digital, green, gender-responsive, and inclusive innovations shaping the region.
UNDP releases 2025 Slovak Transformation Fund Annual Report
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Europe and Central Asia has published the 2025 Annual Report for the Slovak Transformation Fund (STF), highlighting how cities across the region are strengthening their capacity to manage…
UNDP launches open call for the BOOST: Innovation Ecosystem Accelerator in Moldova and Ukraine
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, is launching the BOOST: Innovation Ecosystem Accelerator – a new open call for business support organizations (BSOs) in Moldova and…
Powering resilience: How energy startups are rewiring Moldova and Ukraine
This article is the second in a three-part spotlight series exploring how local ventures in Moldova and Ukraine are advancing green innovation. The series is published as part of the BOOST: Green Futures Challenge –…
Green Innovation Takes the Spotlight as BOOST Demo Days Kick Off in Ukraine and Moldova
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…
Partner with us
BOOST collaborates with governments, cities, UNDP Country Offices, and innovation ecosystem actors such as business support organizations, businesses, academic institutions and investors to design and deliver high-impact acceleration programmes. Whether you are looking to co-design a programme, strengthen your organization’s approach to innovation, or connect with the right actors across the region, BOOST offers a range of partnership models:
- Co-creating regional or national thematic acceleration programmes
- Contributing expertise, mentorship, or funding to BOOST cohorts
- Participating in networking, matchmaking, and innovation ecosystem events
- Supporting capability-building and knowledge-sharing programmes
Get in touch
Drop us an email at innovation@undp.org