UNIDO-WTCA Blue Economy Global Call 2026
May 13, 2026
Application deadline: June 19, 2026
Award Ceremony: October 1, 2026
UNIDO announces the launch of the international UNIDO-WTCA Blue Economy Global Call 2026, dedicated to innovative solutions in the field of the sustainable blue economy. The competition is organized by UNIDO in cooperation with the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) and aims to identify scalable technologies and projects that contribute to sustainable industrial development and the preservation of marine ecosystems.
The Global Call is UNIDO’s flagship international initiative, through which innovative solutions are selected annually to address global challenges and advance the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Main Competition Categories
1. Sustainable Blue Food
This category focuses on sustainable food production related to aquatic resources, including:
• * regenerative aquaculture;
• * sustainable fisheries;
• * innovative food technologies;
• * reduction of the environmental impact of the industry.
2. Clean Marine Technologies
This category covers technological solutions for the protection of the marine environment, including:
- ocean and water resource clean-up;
- monitoring of marine ecosystems;
- pollution reduction;
- decarbonization technologies for the maritime sector.
3. Circular Blue Economy
This category is aimed at promoting circular economy approaches in the marine sector, including:
- recycling of marine waste;
- resource reuse solutions;
- sustainable materials;
- solutions for sustainable production value chains.
4. Coastal Community Development
This category supports projects focused on the development of coastal communities, including:
- job creation;
- support for local entrepreneurship;
- inclusive economic development;
- sustainable tourism and social initiatives.
Who Can Participate
Applications are open to:
- startups;
- companies;
- research centers;
- universities;
- young entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world.
Benefits for Participants
Competition finalists will receive:
- the opportunity to present their projects to international experts and investors;
- access to the international network of UNIDO and WTCA partners;
- mentoring and expert support;
- international promotion of innovative solutions;
- participation in the final Global Call 2026 international event.
Applications
Applications for participation are now open on the official platform of the UNIDO-WTCA Blue Economy Global Call 2026.