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 Ukraine to strengthen their capabilities, expand their reach, and grow their impact.
Building on insights developed through the BOOST: Green Futures Challenge – which provided tailored capacity building and mentorship to 40 ventures from Moldova and Ukraine – the new programme reflects BOOST’s broader strategic expansion from venture-level acceleration towards ecosystem strengthening – supporting the organizations that work most closely with local entrepreneurs. Many BSOs in both countries remain overstretched and under-resourced, with limited opportunities to experiment with new methods or position themselves within regional and international networks.
The BOOST: Innovation Ecosystem Accelerator aims to strengthen the capacity, sustainability and reach of these organizations. At least 10 BSOs will be selected through the new open call to join a structured acceleration journey covering mission-oriented innovation, impact management, business model innovation, innovative tools and approaches, and leadership and culture. The programme combines in-person and online learning, expert-led workshops, one-to-one mentorship, and structured peer exchange. It also includes BOOSTCamp – an in-person residency in Warsaw in autumn 2026 bringing together selected BSOs with ecosystem actors, experts and mentors from Poland and the wider BOOST network.
“Strengthening innovation ecosystems in Ukraine and Moldova is both an economic priority and a green recovery and resilience imperative. Through our partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, BOOST: Innovation Ecosystem Accelerator backs the business support organizations that are building these ecosystems locally – connecting them with Polish expertise, peer learning across both countries, and the resources to grow their impact, deepen their reach, and join a wider community of innovation actors across Europe,” said Louise Skärvall, Project Manager and BOOST Accelerator Lead.
Following the acceleration programme, a minimum of five BSOs will receive grants of US$50,000 each to design and deliver their own locally led business support programmes in 2027, directly supporting startups and micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in their communities. All graduating organizations will join the BOOST Alumni Network, gaining continued access to learning, partnerships and ecosystem opportunities across Europe and Central Asia.
The open call is open to non-governmental and civil society organizations legally registered in Moldova or Ukraine with an active track record of supporting entrepreneurs and businesses. Eligible organizations include incubators, accelerators, innovation hubs and centers, entrepreneurship networks and associations, and university-affiliated innovation units. Particular attention will be given to teams committed to inclusive entrepreneurship – including support for women, youth, internally displaced persons, veterans, and entrepreneurs outside major urban centers.
Applications are open until 31 July 2026. Interested organizations are invited to register for an information webinar on 2 July 2026 for a walkthrough of the programme, the application, and what BOOST is looking for. Full details and the application form are available at: https://undp.zoom.us/meeting/register/gtLqHyRWT2ereMHb2q9XQQ (in English).
As a regional initiative powered by UNDP Europe and Central Asia, BOOST supports impact-driven innovation across the region. The BOOST: Innovation Ecosystem Accelerator is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland reflecting a shared commitment to support green recovery, resilience and long-term economic transformation in the region.
Contact:
Svetla Baeva, Strategic Communications Lead, Innovation and Digital Team,
UNDP Europe and Central Asia
svetla.baeva@undp.org
About BOOST:
BOOST is a regional impact acceleration programme, powered by UNDP Europe and Central Asia, reimagining our future by supporting innovators across the region.
About UNDP:
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries and territories, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow @UNDP.
About Polish Aid:
The BOOST: Innovation Ecosystem Accelerator is part of the Polish-UNDP Partnership: Innovative Solutions for SDGs Project, funded by the Polish Aid programme, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland. This project aims to empower innovation-driven, scalable solutions for sustainable development by leveraging Polish expertise to address SDG challenges in partner countries, with a focus on green recovery and regional resilience.
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