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