Deadline Date: June 19, 2026
Applications are now open to encourage and support the wider distribution of recent non-national European films by promoting investment in promotion and effective distribution activities across participating countries.
The focus areas of this call include Blue Renewable Energy, Sustainable Blue Food systems, Green Maritime Transport and Smart Ports, Coastal and Marine Tourism and Recreation, Sea–Lake–River Health and Restoration, and Blue Tech and Biotechnology.
The initiative is structured around a global competition that invites innovative solutions aimed at improving ocean, marine, and inland water ecosystems while promoting economic growth that is inclusive and resilient. Applications are open to startups, enterprises of all sizes, academic institutions, NGOs, public-private partnerships, and development-focused organizations working on technologies or initiatives that are beyond the conceptual stage and demonstrate at least Technology Readiness Level 4 or higher.
Selected participants will gain access to an acceleration program supported by UNIDO and WTCA, which includes technical cooperation, expert mentoring, matchmaking opportunities, and potential pilot deployments in partner countries. They will also benefit from business development platforms that support market expansion and international scaling. The funding amount has not been explicitly specified, although selected projects will receive structured institutional support and opportunities for pilot implementation and scaling.
Eligible applicants include individuals aged 18 and above as well as micro, small, medium, and large enterprises, startups, academic and research institutions, NGOs, and public-private partnerships. Proposals must be submitted in English, comply with intellectual property requirements, and clearly align with one or more of the defined thematic categories.
For more information, visit UNIDO.
