Global Cleantech Innovation Programme for SMEs and Startups in Pakistan (GCIP) The world's largest clean technology competition is supporting Pakistani entrepreneurs (SMEs and Startups) with the best ideas that deal with today's most imperative energy, environmental and economic challenges through a competition based approach.The Programme focuses on fostering emerging and commercially viable clean technology startups to fuel green industrial growth in the country, while small and medium-sized enterprises are provided with training, mentoring, and access to potential investors.
Overview Based on the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) mandate to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development in developing countries and given the significance and contribution of small businesses to the promotion of job creation and overall economic development of Pakistan, UNIDO is implementing a GEF funded Programme, titled as 'Global Cleantech Innovation Programme for SMEs and Start-up (GCIP) in Pakistan, since 2013. The project is supported by the Pakistan Council for Science and Technology (PCST), National Productivity Organization (NPO), and Pakistan Institute of Management (PIM).
Background of the project The model follows Cleantech ecosystem approach which, among others, includes close engagement with the private sector, scaling up the momentum for sustainable industrial development and strengthening the policy framework as required. It works closely with diverse stakeholders across the spectrum such as SMEs, national ministries, academia, industrial associations, provincial governments, potential investors, partner agencies, financial institutions and autonomous research centers in the country. By tapping into this broad network the programme has established an effective awareness campaign as well as a platform to mobilize interest among targeted beneficiaries ensuring adequate buy-in of SMEs. The programme employs a competition-based ecosystem approach to identify the most promising entrepreneurs across the country. It works as a local business acceleration programme that supports, promotes and “de-risks� the participating companies and connects them to potential investors, customers, and partners. An integral part of the project deals with the strengthening of institutional infrastructure and capacity of local implementing partners, which are mainly government agencies and private sector through fostering cleantech innovations. This global competition is simultaneously carried out in twelve countries around the world and aims at promotion of innovations in the area of Clean Technologies. The main aim of this competition is to foster innovations in Renewable energy, Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Waste to Energy and Green Building. The target market of Cleantech competition is SMEs and Startup companies. The process involves extensive mentoring, training, access to investors and opportunities to showcase their innovations. Winners are given prizes ranging from US$ 15,000 to 20,000 plus an opportunity for further mentorship and training in Silicon Valley, USA.
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