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UNIDO–WTCA Blue Economy Global Call 2026
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Publish Date 7/6/2026 Application Deadline 7/19/2026 Opportunity Type Competitions Publisher Foras Khadra Available Countries All World, The Arab World, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Djibouti, Somalia, Comoros Description

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in partnership with the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), has launched the Blue Economy Global Call 2026 to identify and support innovative, scalable, and sustainable solutions that contribute to the blue economy. The competition is open to startups, companies, research institutions, universities, organizations, and innovators developing technologies or business models that promote the sustainable use of marine and freshwater resources while supporting economic development. Winners from six thematic categories will receive a tailored acceleration program and the opportunity to showcase their solutions at the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum in Rome, Italy, while connecting with investors, industry experts, and international partners.
Details
  • Final event location: Rome, Italy.
  • Winners announcement: During the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum in October 2026.

Thematic areas:

  • Blue renewable energy.
  • Sustainable blue food.
  • Green shipping and smart ports.
  • Coastal and marine tourism and recreation.
  • Protection and restoration of marine, lake, and river ecosystems.
  • Blue biotechnology and blue technologies.
  • Applications must be submitted online.
  • No application fee is mentioned.
  • Applications are submitted in English through the official application platform.
  • One winner will be selected for each of the six thematic areas.
  • Winners will participate in a specialized acceleration and business support program.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Open to applicants worldwide.
  • Eligible applicants include:
  • Small, medium, and large enterprises.
  • Startups.
  • Research centers.
  • Universities and academic institutions.
  • Public-private partnerships.
  • Non-governmental organizations.
  • Public and private institutions involved in development and business.
  • Applicants must present an innovative, scalable, and implementable solution.
  • The proposed project must fall under one of the six competition themes.
  • Projects at both early and growth stages are eligible.
  • No specific age, nationality, academic qualification, or work experience requirements are stated.
Opportunity Benefits
  • Participation in a specialized acceleration and incubation program.
  • Technical support and mentorship from UNIDO experts.
  • International visibility for winning solutions.
  • Networking opportunities with investors, industry leaders, and global partners.
  • Opportunities to establish commercial partnerships and expand into new markets.
  • Mentorship from international experts.
  • Opportunity to present the project at the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum in Rome.
  • Potential support for pilot project implementation in partner countries.
  • Increased access to investors and business development opportunities.
  • Enhanced prospects for international growth and future funding.