An open challenge for innovative solutions in the field of circular economy

With the support of the European Union, and in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Serbia has announced the Challenge for Innovative Solutions in field of circular economy.

The aim of this challenge is to support the implementation of innovative ideas that will contribute to more efficient use of resources, as well as the reduction and reuse of waste in production processes. The realization of these ideas will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which will accelerate the green transformation of the economy and society, in particular the implementation of the Green Agenda in Serbia.

Twenty of the best solutions that arrive on call will receive mentoring and technical support, and co-financing will be provided for the top five, so that it can be applied in practice. Until April 29, 2022, local self-governments, public utility companies, as well as companies from the private sector can apply for the Public Invitation to participate in this challenge. Public sector representatives can propose innovative business models, technologies and digital solutions that will contribute to the efficient use of resources through the use and recycling of non-hazardous waste, especially biodegradable waste, including sludge.

Registration is done exclusively through the online form.

Representatives of the private sector, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from the hospitality and waste management sector, and agricultural farms, are invited to propose ideas for industrial symbiosis, ie establishing partnerships that allow a company’s waste or by-product to be used as someone else’s resource. SMEs are also invited to propose solutions for the treatment of different types of waste such as biowaste, construction waste, plastics, paper, metals and glass.

For all interested candidates, info days will be organized on March 30, April 5 and April 15, 2022.

The public call was published within the project “EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia”, which, with the financial support of the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, is implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden and the EIB.