Innovations for a Sustainable Future: Islamic Development Bank Launches International Call for Technology Solutions
October 15, 2026
Application deadline: 15 November 2026
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has launched an international Competitive Technology Sourcing initiative aimed at identifying innovative solutions in sustainable infrastructure and clean energy.
The initiative forms part of the pilot collaboration between the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Islamic Development Bank, coordinated through the Islamic Finance-led Economic Transformation in Africa, the Arab Region and Beyond (IFETAA) Programme.
UNIDO’s global Investment and Technology Promotion (ITP) Network is supporting the initiative by raising awareness and engaging innovative companies, research institutions and technology providers worldwide.
The initiative aims to identify mature, cost-effective and scalable technologies capable of addressing development challenges, improving access to essential infrastructure and enhancing quality of life across IsDB Member Countries.
Main Technology Sourcing Areas
1. Soil Stabilization Technologies
This category focuses on innovative solutions for the construction and improvement of road infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Priority is given to technologies that can:
- Reduce road construction and maintenance costs;
- Improve road durability, strength and resilience to adverse weather conditions;
- Minimize dependence on imported construction materials and energy resources;
- Reduce the environmental footprint of road construction;
- Support scalability and adaptation to local conditions.
The initiative seeks proven solutions that can improve rural connectivity and contribute to the development of sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure.
2. Innovative Solar Energy Solutions
This category focuses on affordable, reliable and environmentally sustainable energy solutions, particularly for rural communities and areas with limited access to conventional electricity networks.
Relevant technologies include:
- Stand-alone solar home systems;
- Advanced photovoltaic panels and battery storage solutions;
- Hybrid renewable energy systems;
- Affordable and scalable energy delivery models;
- Technologies that reduce dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.
Proposed solutions should demonstrate technical reliability, economic viability and long-term sustainability across different climatic and socioeconomic environments.
Who Can Participate
The initiative welcomes applications from technology companies, startups, research institutions, universities and other organizations offering innovative, commercially ready solutions.
Key assessment criteria include technological maturity, proven performance, cost competitiveness, environmental sustainability and scalability.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong track record, including deployment to at least three clients with a total sales value of no less than USD 20 million.
Opportunities for Participants
The initiative provides technology developers with an opportunity to showcase their innovations internationally and demonstrate their potential to address sustainable development challenges.
Promising technologies may be shortlisted for further technical assessment and due diligence by the Islamic Development Bank and considered for potential deployment in projects across its Member Countries.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen international technology cooperation, promote technology transfer and facilitate new partnerships.
Application Process
The deadline for applications is 15 November 2026.
Interested applicants are invited to review the technical requirements for their respective technology areas and submit information on their solutions directly through the Islamic Development Bank’s official application platform.
Official information and application details:
IsDB Competitive Technology Sourcing
Submit your application:
UNIDO encourages interested Russian companies, research institutions and innovative technology providers to explore these opportunities and submit their solutions, contributing to international technology cooperation and sustainable industrial development.