UNDP, through the Czech-UNDP Partnership for Sustainable Development Goals, is inviting applications to the Czech Challenge Fund: Innovations for SDGs 2025/2026.
This annual initiative supports the transfer of innovative, scalable, and sustainable solutions to address pressing development challenges across six partner countries.

Eligible applicants include:

• Private sector companies

• NGOs and civil society organizations

• Universities and research institutions

• State institutions

• Innovation centers and technology hubs

Applicants must partner with a local organization in the target country. This partnership must be confirmed through a Letter of Cooperation, MOU, or similar document.

Reference: UNDP-IRH-00269
Contract Duration: Up to 12 months
Start Date: March 2026
Funding Available: USD 20,000 – 40,000 (with a minimum 20% co-funding from applicants)
Target Countries: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Ethiopia, Georgia, Cambodia, Moldova, Zambia

Scope of Work

The Challenge Fund seeks innovative, practical solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each participating country has defined priority areas:

Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Circular economy and sustainable value chains

• Technology transfer between academia and industry

• Capacity building for innovation institutions

• Sustainable tourism and natural resource management

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

• Climate resilience, renewable energy, smart urban solutions

• Inclusive and youth-focused economic transformation

• Digital finance, SME support, agricultural innovation

• Livelihood projects for internally displaced persons

• Sustainable value chains, including coffee traceability systems

Georgia

• Solutions that promote green transition, circularity, social inclusion

• Green and digital transformation for vulnerable populations

Kingdom of Cambodia

• Youth employment and entrepreneurship

• Women-led business growth

• Green and circular economy initiatives

• Sustainable agriculture and energy efficiency

Republic of Moldova

• Accessibility and inclusion

• Education-focused innovation

• Gender equality and women’s empowerment

• Media literacy and countering disinformation

Republic of Zambia

• Good governance and local enterprise development

• Renewable energy and natural resources solutions

• Circular economy innovations (agriculture, forestry, beekeeping, cooperatives)

• Climate resilience, water security, early warning systems

Funding and Contract Details

• Grant size: USD 20,000 – 40,000

• Co-funding requirement: Minimum 20% of total project cost

• Contract period: Up to 12 months

• Expected start: March 2026

For Application and More Information, visit HERE

Information Sessions (Webinars)

1. Czech-language Webinar
   “Jak podat přihlášku do Challenge Fundu”
   Date: Thursday, 6 November 2025
   Time: 14:00–15:00 CET
   Apply here

2. English-language Webinar
   “How to submit Challenge Fund application”
   Date: Wednesday, 19 November 2025
   Time: 14:00–15:00 CET
   Apply here

DEADLINE: 1st December, 2025