UNIDO–WTCA Blue Economy Global Call 2026

Applications for the UNIDO-WTCA Blue Economy Global Call 2026 are now open!

At the 55th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum, UNIDO and the WTCA officially launched the UNIDO–WTCA Blue Economy Global Call 2026, an international open innovation initiative aimed at identifying innovative solutions on a global scale to address the sustainable development of the Blue Economy.

UNIDO, in collaboration with the World Trade Centers Association is currently seeking to identify innovative solutions in the following areas:

• Blue renewable energy
• Sustainable blue food systems
• Sustainable maritime transport and smart ports
• Coastal and marine tourism and recreational activities
• Health and restoration of seas, lakes, and rivers
• Blue Tech and biotechnologies

Through a competitive process, UNIDO and the WTCA will identify and select high-potential projects and technologies from companies, startups, and research centers. The ultimate objective is to transform innovation into tangible impact, fostering sustainable industrial development in developing countries and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The selected winning solutions—one per thematic area—will be officially awarded at the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum, to be held in Rome on the 2 nd of October 2026, and will gain access to a dedicated acceleration program offering technical support, international visibility, as well as business and investment opportunities.

Find more details and access the official Call at the link below:

https://itpo-rome.unido.org/GlobalCall2026/

Applications will close on 19 June 2026.