UNIDO Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP)

A Moroccan startup developing solar-powered desalination systems. A South African company creating electric vehicles from recycled materials. An Indian enterprise building biogas generators from agricultural waste. These are the kinds of cleantech innovations the UNIDO Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) identifies, accelerates, and connects to investors and markets.

At a Glance

What is GCIP?

The Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) is a joint initiative of UNIDO and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), now in partnership with various national governments. Since 2011, it has supported 1,500+ cleantech entrepreneurs across 50+ countries.

How GCIP Works

GCIP operates through national programs that feed into a global ecosystem:

1. National Programs: Each country runs its own cleantech accelerator
2. National Competition: Winners selected from each country
3. Regional Platforms: National winners compete regionally
4. Global Forum: Top cleantech innovators showcased internationally
5. Ongoing Support: Investment facilitation, policy dialogue, market access

What Makes GCIP Unique

• UN/UNIDO backing: Legitimacy and global network
• National customization: Programs adapted to local contexts
• Gender focus: Emphasis on women-led cleantech enterprises
• Market orientation: Focus on commercial viability, not just innovation
• Ecosystem building: Connects entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers

Participating Countries

GCIP operates in multiple countries, with new countries joining and programs evolving:

Current/Recent GCIP Countries

Africa:

• South Africa, Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya

Asia:

• India, Pakistan, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia

Europe/Central Asia:

• Turkey, Ukraine

Latin America:

• Argentina, Uruguay

Middle East:

• Jordan

Check UNIDO’s website for current active programs—availability changes annually.

What GCIP Supports

Cleantech Categories

GCIP focuses on innovations addressing:

Energy Efficiency

• Industrial efficiency solutions
• Building energy management
• Smart grid technologies
• Energy storage systems

Renewable Energy

• Solar applications (beyond standard panels)
• Wind energy innovations
• Bioenergy and biogas
• Small-scale hydro
• Hybrid systems

Green Buildings

• Sustainable construction materials
• Building automation
• Natural ventilation/cooling
• Water-efficient buildings

Sustainable Transportation

• Electric vehicles and components
• Charging infrastructure
• Alternative fuels
• Mobility solutions

Water and Wastewater

• Water purification
• Desalination technologies
• Wastewater treatment
• Water-efficient irrigation

Waste Management

• Recycling technologies
• Waste-to-energy
• Circular economy solutions
• Plastic alternatives

Sustainable Agriculture

• Precision agriculture
• Post-harvest loss reduction
• Agricultural waste utilization
• Sustainable inputs

Innovation Criteria

GCIP looks for innovations that are:

Program Benefits

Acceleration Program (6-9 months)

Competition & Awards

Post-Program Support

• Investment facilitation introductions
• Policy advocacy and engagement
• Alumni network membership
• Ongoing visibility and promotion
• Follow-on program opportunities

Eligibility Requirements

Enterprise Eligibility

Founder/Team Requirements

• At least one founder based in participating country
• Committed to full program participation
• Available for training sessions and mentorship
• English proficiency (for international components)

What Qualifies as “Cleantech”

Your innovation must have measurable environmental benefits:

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
• Improved energy efficiency
• Resource conservation (water, materials)
• Waste reduction or circular economy
• Pollution prevention

Pure software or apps may qualify if they enable significant environmental improvements.

What Doesn’t Qualify

• Ideas without working prototype
• Large established companies
• Non-environmental innovations
• Organizations not based in participating countries
• Pure research without commercial pathway

Application Process

Step 1: Find Your National Program

Each country has its own:

• Application timeline
• Local partner organization
• Specific focus areas
• Selection process

Contact UNIDO or search for “GCIP [your country]” to find local information.

Step 2: Application Submission

Typical application includes:

• Company/innovation overview
• Founder and team background
• Technology description
• Environmental impact assessment
• Business model and market analysis
• Financial projections
• Investment needs

Step 3: Screening

National partners screen applications for:

• Eligibility (country, stage, sector)
• Innovation quality
• Team capability
• Commercial potential
• Environmental impact

Step 4: Acceleration Program

Selected companies participate in:

• Training workshops (often 4-6 sessions)
• Mentor matching and sessions
• Pitch preparation
• Peer networking events

Step 5: National Competition

Culminating event where:

• Companies pitch to judges
• Winners selected for prizes
• Top performers advance to regional/global

Typical Timeline

Timelines vary significantly by country—check local program.

Strengthening Your Application

What Judges Look For

Innovation & Technology

• Clear technical differentiation
• Validated technology (prototype, pilot)
• IP protection or strategy

Environmental Impact

• Quantified emissions reduction or resource savings
• Clear methodology for impact calculation
• Scalable impact potential

Business Viability

• Realistic revenue model
• Understanding of customer needs
• Credible financial projections

Team Capability

• Relevant expertise
• Entrepreneurial drive
• Execution capability

Market Opportunity

• Clear target market
• Understanding of competition
• Go-to-market strategy

Tips for Strong Applications

• Quantify impact: “Reduces emissions by X tons CO2 per year” beats vague claims
• Show traction: Customers, pilots, letters of intent matter
• Be realistic: Overstated projections hurt credibility
• Explain technology clearly: Judges may not be deep experts
• Highlight team strengths: Relevant experience and commitment
• Know your numbers: Unit economics, market size, growth potential

During the Accelerator

• Engage fully: Attend all sessions, complete assignments
• Leverage mentors: They have valuable experience and networks
• Connect with peers: Fellow participants become lifelong contacts
• Iterate your pitch: Use every opportunity to improve
• Follow up: Maintain relationships after sessions

Insider Tips

Maximizing GCIP Value

• Network beyond your category: Investors often look across sectors
• Document everything: Impact data, customer testimonials, media
• Prepare for investors: Have materials ready when opportunities arise
• Engage with policy: UNIDO convenes policymakers—your insights matter
• Stay connected: Alumni network provides ongoing opportunities

Building Toward Success

• Start with real impact data: Even small pilots should generate measurements
• Get customer validation: Letters of intent or pilot agreements strengthen your case
• Understand your IP position: Freedom to operate matters to investors
• Have a clear ask: Know what funding/support you need and why
• Practice your pitch constantly: Every conversation is pitch practice

After GCIP

• Maintain visibility: Update your contacts on progress
• Leverage the UNIDO brand: “GCIP alumni” carries weight
• Connect with investors: GCIP opens doors; you must walk through
• Consider follow-on programs: Many organizations target GCIP alumni
• Pay it forward: Mentor future participants

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Application Errors

• Vague impact claims: “Helps the environment” without quantification
• Technology-first thinking: Not explaining market need
• Missing business model: Innovation without path to revenue
• Incomplete applications: Rushed submissions with gaps
• Wrong stage: Applying with just an idea (no prototype)

Program Mistakes

• Passive participation: Attending but not engaging
• Ignoring feedback: Not adapting based on mentor input
• Networking failure: Only focusing on training content
• Pitch stagnation: Not improving presentation over time
• Post-program dropout: Losing connection with network

Strategic Errors

• Overestimating technology: Assuming good tech sells itself
• Underestimating operations: Cleantech often needs operational excellence
• Ignoring policy: Regulatory environment shapes markets
• Going it alone: Not building partnerships
• Impact-profit tension: Treating environmental and business goals as opposed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GCIP a grant program?

GCIP is primarily an accelerator with prizes. Cash grants are modest ($10,000-$50,000 for winners), but business support services and network access often provide greater value.

Can I apply from any country?

Only from participating countries with active GCIP programs. Check UNIDO’s website for current active programs in your country.

What stage should my company be?

Ideally, working prototype through early revenue. Pure ideas are too early; large established companies are too late.

Do I need to be incorporated?

Yes, in most programs. You need a legal entity in a participating country.

Is the program in English?

National programs are often in local languages. International components (Regional, Global Forum) are typically in English.

What happens after I graduate?

You join the alumni network with ongoing access to events, investor introductions, and follow-on opportunities. Success depends on your continued engagement.

Can I apply to multiple programs?

GCIP is one program across countries—you apply to your national program. You generally cannot apply to multiple national programs simultaneously.

Is GCIP Right for You?

Strong fit if:

• You have a cleantech innovation with measurable environmental impact
• You’re based in a GCIP participating country
• You have at least a working prototype or pilot
• You can commit 6-9 months to an accelerator program
• You’re seeking investment and market connections

Not the right fit if:

• You’re at pure idea stage (no prototype)
• You’re not based in a participating country
• Your innovation doesn’t have environmental benefits
• You can’t commit time to a structured program
• You need large grant funding immediately

GCIP represents one of the most established global programs for cleantech entrepreneurs in developing countries—offering not just funding and training, but connection to a global network of innovators, investors, and policymakers advancing the clean energy transition.