BOOST Urban Future Finance Challenge

Reimagining our future through innovation!

In response to the critical funding challenges faced by cities in the Western Balkans, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched the BOOST: Urban Future Finance acceleration programme. This initiative aims to catalyze urban transformation by further developing, deploying and scaling novel financial solutions.

The BOOST: Urban Future Finance acceleration programme is exploring new ways to boost urban development. We’re looking for innovative or alternative finance solutions that align with at least one of the following areas of work:

1. Monetizing Sustainability: Convert environmental and social benefits into economic assets, and better ways to collect local revenues and align them with larger goals

2. Enhancing Financial Viability: Enhance the financial viability of urban projects, by reducing risks and building innovative partnerships to attract investments for urban transformation

3. Engaging Communities: Involve local communities to better plan and distribute city resources to meet their needs, enhance relevance and ensure strong community buy-in

BOOST will onboard up to 20 teams teams working on innovative solutions with the potential to unlock urban growth. Startups, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, social enterprises, non-profits, academic institutions, and municipalities with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)* or further developed solutions are eligible. Selected participants will benefit from a wealth of resources provided by UNDP and partners.

The programme will include:
- Participation in a four-week BOOSTCamp, featuring three weeks of online sessions (5-7 h per week) and an in-person event 25-29 November (full time, location to be announced)
- Tailored training sessions designed to fast-track solutions towards market readiness and scalability.
- Exclusive mentorship (2-5 h per month) from industry experts, specializing in impact measurement, business model development, and innovative financing strategies.
- Matchmaking opportunities with cities ready to test and implement cutting-edge solutions.
- Direct access to financial and technical support provided by UNDP, investors and partners.
- A lifelong alumni network, providing continued support, collaboration, and valuable connections.

Join BOOST, apply today!

*An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is the simplest version of a product or service that can be created and released to test an idea with real users. It has just enough features to work and solve a specific problem, allowing you to gather feedback and make improvements before investing more time and resources.