BOOST, a new regional acceleration program that uses social impact innovation to tackle Covid-19 challenges, announces a new partnership with Koç Holding, the leading investment holding company that focuses on sustainable and profitable growth in Turkey and international markets.  

BOOST was launched at the end of July by UNDP Europe and Central Asia to help address the effects of Covid-19 across Europe and Central Asia. Together with Koç Holding, UNDP has started the Civil Society Technology Challenge to support civil society organizations (CSOs) in Turkey in mobilizing digital and emerging technologies to respond to complex societal and environmental issues.

Within the first phase, 20 CSOs will be selected to engage in an intensive learning program on digital transformation, technology for impact and crowdfunding, explore mentorship opportunities with key experts and become part of the BOOST regional network. For the second phase, five CSOs will be selected for one-on-one acceleration support from Koç University Entrepreneurship Center (KWORKS) for an additional 24-weeks and each will receive up to USD 10,000 to prototype, implement and scale-up innovative solutions. 

Upon the completion of this program, participant CSOs will have the necessary firsthand experience to design, implement and adapt their work to the digital realm through a specific solution. They will be able to transfer this know how into other areas within their organization and respective work. 

BOOST features a series of other challenges which address development issues related to: digitization, economy and wellbeing. These are open for innovative solutions from private sector entities, research institutes, academia, and CSOs in the Europe and Central Asia region. Applicants can apply for one or more challenges until September 13, 2020. 

Winning applicants will have access to the UNDP-backed network of peers, funders, and experts and take part in an intensive six-month online аcceleration program, designed to prepare them to roll out their solutions. The program includes both workshops and individual mentoring sessions taught by experienced business, med-tech, social-tech, digital technologies and impact professionals. 

BOOST is a joint initiative by UNDP, Koç Holding, the Slovak Ministry of Finance and the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. UNDP and partners will support the scalability of effective and sustainable solutions across the Europe and Central Asia region. For more information on the open challenges and program: www.boostimpact.org