Deadline: 07-Aug-2026
The Circular Solutions Innovation Challenge supports scalable private-sector innovations that improve waste management and promote green tourism in collaboration with local government units in the Philippines. It focuses on circular economy solutions such as plastic reuse systems, food waste recovery, recycling technologies, and digital waste tracking tools. Selected projects receive USD 35,000–40,000 for pilot implementation in partnership with LGUs over 10–15 months.
Programme Overview
The Circular Solutions Innovation Challenge is part of the EU–Philippines Green Economy Partnership.
It is co-led by:
- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
- UNDP Philippines
The programme supports market-ready innovations that can be tested and scaled in partnership with Local Government Units (LGUs).
Key Focus Areas
The challenge promotes circular economy and sustainability solutions in three main areas:
Plastic Circularity
- Sustainable packaging alternatives
- Reuse and refill systems
- Deposit return schemes
- Recycling and upcycling businesses
- Circular product design innovations
Food and Organic Circularity
- Food waste reduction systems
- Food rescue and redistribution platforms
- Composting solutions (household to city scale)
- Biogas production systems
- Animal feed production from organic waste
Green Tourism and Hospitality
- Zero-waste tourism operations
- Sustainable hotel and restaurant practices
- Resource-efficient tourism systems
- Upcycled local souvenir production
- Eco-friendly tourism service models
Purpose and Strategic Goals
The challenge is designed to:
- Strengthen LGU waste management systems
- Promote circular economy adoption at the local level
- Support scalable private-sector innovations
- Encourage inclusive green business models
- Integrate technology and data-driven sustainability solutions
- Engage youth, women, and local communities in innovation
The programme focuses on real-world pilot implementation rather than conceptual ideas.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Individuals
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Corporations and private companies
- MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises)
- Social enterprises
- Technology startups
- Academic institutions
- Chambers of commerce and cooperatives
Eligibility requirements:
- Legal registration of the applicant entity
- Active bank account under applicant name
- At least one year of commercial operation of the proposed solution
- No duplicate funding for the same project under other EU-PH initiatives
Funding Details
Grant Amount
- USD 35,000 to USD 40,000 per selected project
Project Duration
- 10 to 15 months implementation period
- Pilot deployment in a single Local Government Unit (LGU)
Eligible Costs
Funding may be used for:
- Project staffing and personnel
- Technical services and advisory inputs
- Materials and equipment for implementation
- Technology deployment and systems setup
- Community engagement activities
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Limited travel expenses
Ineligible Costs
- Capital expenditures (large infrastructure purchases)
- Debt repayment
- Marketing unrelated to project delivery
- Previously funded or duplicate costs
How It Works / How to Apply
Application Process
- Identify a scalable circular economy solution
- Ensure readiness for real-world deployment
- Partner or coordinate with relevant LGUs
- Prepare project proposal aligned with focus areas
- Submit application under EU–PH Green Economy Partnership call
- Demonstrate at least one year of operational experience
- Provide technical and financial implementation plan
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Innovation and scalability of solution
- Environmental impact and circularity contribution
- Feasibility of LGU implementation
- Inclusion of community stakeholders
- Use of technology and data systems
- Sustainability and long-term viability
Why This Programme Matters
The Circular Solutions Innovation Challenge is important because it:
- Reduces waste and pollution in local communities
- Strengthens municipal waste management systems
- Promotes circular economy adoption in developing regions
- Encourages green innovation in tourism and hospitality
- Supports private-sector climate solutions
- Builds inclusive economic opportunities for local communities
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting non-scalable or conceptual-only solutions
- Lack of LGU partnership or implementation plan
- Ineligible applicants without 1-year operational history
- Requesting funds for capital-heavy infrastructure
- Ignoring circular economy focus requirements
- Duplicate funding from other EU-PH initiatives
- Weak environmental or social impact justification
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Circular Solutions Innovation Challenge?
It is a funding programme supporting circular economy innovations for waste management and green tourism in the Philippines.
Who leads the programme?
It is co-led by DILG and UNDP Philippines under the EU–Philippines Green Economy Partnership.
How much funding is available?
Selected projects receive USD 35,000–40,000.
What is the project duration?
Projects run for 10 to 15 months in a single LGU.
Who can apply?
Private sector companies, NGOs, startups, MSMEs, academic institutions, and social enterprises.
What types of solutions are supported?
Plastic circularity, food waste systems, recycling innovations, and green tourism solutions.
Are capital expenses allowed?
No, capital expenditures and debt-related costs are not eligible.
Conclusion
The Circular Solutions Innovation Challenge is a strategic innovation programme that advances circular economy solutions in partnership with local governments. By supporting scalable, technology-driven, and community-inclusive projects, it helps transform waste management and promote sustainable green tourism in the Philippines.
For more information, visit UNDP.