Ukrainian Innovation Recognized Through Blueing the Black Sea Eco-Innovation Challenge

The Eco-Innovation Challenge is part of the GEF-funded Blueing the Black Sea Regional Program, executed by UNOPS on behalf of the World Bank. The initiative supports innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and environmental changemakers in developing practical solutions to address pollution and environmental pressures affecting the Black Sea while contributing to a more sustainable and resilient blue economy.

The Shark Tank Event brought together 27 finalists selected from 186 applications received from 40 countries. Following months of mentorship, training, and evaluation, finalists presented their solutions to an international jury of experts in Chișinău, Republic of Moldova. The Challenge was organized through two competition windows. The Focus Country Window supports solutions proposed for implementation in Georgia, Moldova, and Türkiye through grant funding and implementation support, while the Greater Black Sea Window provides mentorship and technical assistance to help promising early-stage innovations further develop and scale their ideas.

Among the selected solutions is Solar ZLD, developed by the Ukrainian company Solarify LLC. The innovation introduces a solar-powered wastewater treatment system that converts contaminated wastewater into reusable clean water and recoverable solid materials, eliminating liquid wastewater discharge while operating entirely on renewable energy. The solution is proposed for implementation in the Republic of Moldova, where it has the potential to help address nutrient and chemical pollution entering river systems connected to the Black Sea.

The selection of Solar ZLD demonstrates how environmental challenges affecting the Black Sea are inspiring innovative responses from across the region. While the solution was developed in Ukraine, its proposed implementation in Moldova reflects the collaborative spirit of the Blueing the Black Sea Regional Program and the recognition that pollution does not stop at national borders.

By supporting cross-border cooperation and innovation, the Eco-Innovation Challenge aims to accelerate practical solutions that can contribute to cleaner waterways, healthier ecosystems, and more resilient communities throughout the wider Black Sea basin. The participation of Ukrainian innovators in the Challenge highlights the country's continued contribution to developing technologies and approaches capable of addressing some of the region's most pressing environmental challenges. In addition, the Ukrainian team of Civitta, a global business acceleration and consultancy company, played a key role in providing acceleration and mentorship to all finalists of the Challenge.

Disclaimer: Final grant awards under the Focus Country Window remain subject to World Bank and
UNOPS compliance requirements, due diligence processes, and grant agreement finalization.

For more information about the Blueing the Black Sea (BBSEA) GEF Regional Program, please
visit www.bbsea.project.unops.org

For questions, additional information, or media inquiries, please contact:

Eslem Timofei – eslemnt@unops.org
Julia Kaufmann – juliak@unops.or