Background

The UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO) Italy launched the Global Call in 2020, marking it as UNIDO’s flagship annual event recognizing and awarding companies with innovative solutions to global challenges. Since its inception in Rome, Italy, the event has spanned continents, with subsequent events in Bonn, Shanghai, and Beijing. Over the years, Global Call has attracted over 2000 applications from 108 countries, fostering a dynamic global network of innovators committed to driving positive change through technology and collaboration.

Achievements

The Global Call initiative has led to the initiation of 17 follow-up actions tailored for the winning enterprises. Particularly significant achievements include that these enterprises have participated in collaborative UN efforts such as COP 28 and UNEA-6. At COP 28 in 2023, selected winning enterprises from the Global Call 2022 participated as speakers to showcase their innovative climate-resilient solutions and share relevant experiences. At UNEA-6 in 2024, notable accomplishments were observed as four winning enterprises from both the 2022 and 2023 Global Call participated in organizing a technology matching conference with Nigeria.

Submission categories of Global Call 2024

Category 1. Production
Category 2. Manufacturing & Processing
Category 3. Distribution & Delivery
Category 4. Consumption

The submission categories cover a wide range of the foodtech industry sectors. With innovative technology solution in foodtech, enterprises of any size or nationality are eligible to apply to the Call within each category. Applications from women-owned enterprises and female researchers are strongly encouraged.