Ilagan City - EU-PH 2026 Circular Solutions Innovation Challenge

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines, under the EU–PH Green Economy Partnership (SO2 Green LGUs) , is launching an Innovation Challenge to identify and pilot innovative, scalable business solutions that address local circular economy priorities in 10 partner Local Government Units (LGUs) : City of San Carlos (Pangasinan), City of Ilagan (Isabela), City of San Jose Del Monte (Bulacan), City of Bacoor (Cavite), City of Sorsogon, Maasin City (Southern Leyte), Isabela City (Basilan), Cagayan De Oro City, Koronadal City (South Cotabato), and Cotabato City (an independent component city in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao). The challenge focuses on three priority areas: Plastic Circularity – innovations in reducing, reusing, recycling, and redesigning plastics.

Organic & Food Circularity – reducing food waste, converting organic waste into useful products, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Green Tourism – promoting eco-friendly tourism practices, products, and services that reduce environmental impact while supporting local economies.

Eligible Applicants include individuals, organizations, NGOs, MSMEs, academic institutions, and private sector entities with legal registration (Philippine or equivalent), operational capacity, and solutions or services commercialized and in use for at least one (1) year. Each winning proposal will receive up to USD 40,000 to implement its solution in one LGU, with one award per LGU . Proposals must be submitted via the UNDP Quantum ERP system and include a completed application form, proof of registration, proof of bank account, proof of financial capacity to operate, and a pitch deck (max 15 slides) detailing the problem, proposed solution, impact, feasibility, and budget. Evaluation will consider solution fit and innovation, scalability, socioeconomic and environmental impact, sustainability, and GEDSI inclusion. The process includes shortlisting, LGU pitching, and final selection, with implementation expected to start in November 2026 and run for 10–15 months.

The deadline for submissions is on 7 August 2026, 6 PM (Manila Time) You may also access the Innovation Challenge playbook and other negotiation documents through this link Interested applicants must submit their proposal directly in the system as instructed in the solicitation document, following the instructions in the available user guide. In case you have never registered before, you can register a profile using the registration link shared via the procurement notice and following the instructions in guides available on the UNDP website: https://www.undp.org/procurement/business/resources-for-bidders . *Do not create a new profile if you already have one. Use the forgotten password feature in case you do not remember the password or the username from previous registration.

Search for the specific tender using search filters and subscribe to the tender in order to get notifications in case of amendments of the tender document. If you need support with the online system, you can contact the contact details of this tender as indicated in the solicitation document.

UNDP Procurement Unit in the Philippines