Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The BOOST: Innovation Ecosystem Accelerator is a UNDP programme supporting business support organizations in Moldova and Ukraine to strengthen entrepreneurship ecosystems. It helps incubators, accelerators, and innovation hubs improve their services through training, mentorship, and ecosystem development support. After the accelerator, selected organizations may receive $50,000 grants to implement local entrepreneurship support programmes.
Overview of the Programme
The BOOST: Innovation Ecosystem Accelerator is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland.
It focuses on strengthening local innovation ecosystems in Ukraine and Moldova, particularly by building the capacity of organizations that support entrepreneurs and SMEs.
The programme shifts focus from supporting individual startups to strengthening the institutions that enable entrepreneurship.
Key Focus Areas
Economic Resilience and Recovery
- Strengthening post-crisis economic systems
- Supporting sustainable business ecosystems
- Enhancing local innovation capacity
Green and Digital Transformation
- Supporting environmentally sustainable business models
- Advancing digital innovation and tools
- Encouraging climate-conscious entrepreneurship
Inclusive Entrepreneurship
- Supporting women, youth, and veterans
- Expanding opportunities for internally displaced persons
- Reaching underserved and rural communities
Ecosystem Development
- Strengthening incubators, accelerators, and hubs
- Building connected innovation networks
- Improving collaboration across stakeholders
Innovation and Capacity Building
- Mission-oriented innovation approaches
- Business model innovation
- Leadership and organizational development
- Impact measurement and management
Who Can Apply
Eligible Organizations
Applicants must be:
- Legally registered NGOs or civil society organizations
- Based in Moldova or Ukraine
- Actively supporting entrepreneurs or businesses
- Able to operate in English during programme participation
Eligible Organization Types
- Business incubators
- Accelerators
- Innovation hubs
- Entrepreneurship networks
- Business associations
- University-affiliated innovation units
Priority Groups
Strong preference is given to organizations working with:
- Women entrepreneurs
- Youth-led businesses
- Internally displaced persons (IDPs)
- Veterans
- Entrepreneurs outside major cities
Priority Regions
- Ukraine: Rivne, Zhytomyr, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, Lviv oblasts
- Moldova: secondary cities and underserved regions
Programme Structure
1. Selection Phase
- At least 10 organizations selected
- Based on relevance, impact, and feasibility
2. Accelerator Journey
Participants receive:
- Expert-led workshops
- One-to-one mentorship
- Peer learning exchanges
- Online and in-person training
3. BOOSTCamp (Warsaw Residency)
- In-person learning experience in Poland
- Networking with ecosystem actors
- Exposure to international innovation networks
4. Alumni Network
- Continued engagement after programme completion
- Access to learning and partnerships
- Regional ecosystem collaboration
5. Implementation Grants
- At least 5 organizations receive $50,000 each
- Must design local entrepreneurship support programmes
- Requires 10% co-financing (cash or in-kind)
Funding Details
- Implementation grant: $50,000 per organization
- Minimum co-financing: 10%
- Grants awarded after successful completion of accelerator
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed on:
- Relevance to local ecosystem needs
- Expected impact on entrepreneurs
- Feasibility of proposed approach
- Scalability and long-term sustainability
- Co-financing commitment
- Contribution to green and inclusive growth
Why This Programme Matters
The BOOST Accelerator strengthens the “support system behind entrepreneurs,” not just individual businesses. It helps rebuild and modernize innovation ecosystems in Ukraine and Moldova while promoting inclusive and green economic recovery.
Key impacts:
- Strengthens entrepreneurship infrastructure
- Expands inclusive economic opportunities
- Supports green and digital transformation
- Builds resilient post-crisis economies
- Enhances regional innovation networks
How the Programme Works
Step 1: Application
- Organizations apply with evidence of ecosystem support experience
- Must demonstrate capacity and impact potential
Step 2: Selection
- Evaluation based on relevance, feasibility, and impact
- At least 10 organizations selected
Step 3: Accelerator Participation
- Training, mentorship, and ecosystem learning
- Participation in workshops and peer exchanges
Step 4: BOOSTCamp (Warsaw)
- Intensive in-person residency
- Networking and international exposure
Step 5: Implementation Grant Stage
- Selected organizations apply for $50,000 funding
- Must include co-financing and detailed programme design
Step 6: Alumni Network
- Long-term engagement and collaboration
- Continued ecosystem development support
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Lack of experience supporting entrepreneurs
- Weak ecosystem-level approach (focusing only on startups)
- Poor co-financing plan
- Limited regional or inclusive focus
- Weak sustainability or scalability design
Tips for a Strong Application
- Demonstrate proven work with entrepreneurs or SMEs
- Show clear ecosystem impact strategy
- Highlight inclusion (women, youth, IDPs, veterans)
- Provide strong regional relevance
- Include realistic co-financing plan
- Emphasize green and digital transformation elements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BOOST Accelerator?
It is a UNDP programme that strengthens organizations supporting entrepreneurship ecosystems in Moldova and Ukraine.
Who can apply?
NGOs and civil society organizations supporting entrepreneurs in Moldova or Ukraine.
How many organizations are selected?
At least 10 for the accelerator phase.
Is funding available?
Yes, at least 5 organizations receive $50,000 grants after completion.
What is BOOSTCamp?
An in-person learning residency in Warsaw for selected participants.
Is co-financing required?
Yes, at least 10% for implementation grants.
What is the main goal?
To strengthen innovation ecosystems and support inclusive economic recovery.
Conclusion
The BOOST: Innovation Ecosystem Accelerator is a systems-level programme designed to strengthen the organizations that support entrepreneurs in Moldova and Ukraine. By combining capacity building, mentorship, and targeted funding, it builds more resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven local economies.
For more information, visit UNDP.