Solve real-world challenges with global organisations
Finnpartnership’s financial grant for piloting offers Finnish companies a unique pathway to build strategic partnerships with international organisations like the UN, EU, and global NGOs.
Whether you are offering a digital solution, a sustainable innovation, or a scalable service, Finnpartnership’s financial grant for piloting with ODA-eligible international organisations helps you test it in real-world conditions — with the potential to scale globally.
Through Finnpartnership’s financial grant of 15 000 to 400 000 EUR, Finnish companies can pilot existing technologies or services directly within the operations of international organisations — from UN agencies and EU bodies to global NGOs and development banks.
Why consider ODA piloting?
- Real-world validation: localise and test your solution in authentic, high-impact environments.
- Strategic partnerships: collaborate with trusted international organisations and gain direct access to international development organisations and their operational environments
- Market entry: gain visibility and credibility in new regions.
- Sustainable growth: align your business with global development goals.
How it works
Finnish companies can apply for Business Partnership Support to run a pilot project in cooperation with an ODA-eligible organisation. All it takes is a Letter of Intent (LOI) to kickstart the collaboration.
The pilot whether remote or on-site, can include relevant localisation and training tasks and eligible reimbursable costs include travel costs, personnel costs, external experts, necessary equipment and freight costs among others. It’s designed to be a low-barrier, high-impact way to explore new markets and build long-term relationships.
Eligible international organisations
A full list of operators considered eligible international organisations are found on the OECD’s List of ODA-eligible international organisations. Eligible organisations are considered those whose Annex 2 list organisation type (Channel Parent Category) is 21000 (International NGO), 30000-32000 (PPPs and networks) or 40000-47000 (multilateral organisations).
For more information on ODA piloting, please contact:
Jessica Lehdonvirta
Programme Officer
Business Partnership Support
jessica.lehdonvirta@finnpartnership.fi +358 (0)40 849 0832
ODA piloting opportunities for Finnish companies
Tespack gained access to UN procurement through Colombia
Tespack, a Finnish company providing portable energy solutions, has partnered with UNDP in Colombia and is discussing broader collaboration opportunities with UN agencies.
What kinds of projects are eligible for financial grant
Projects whose objective is to e.g. establish long-term business partnership or cooperation with an international ODA eligible organisation are eligible for Business Partnership Support. Learn about other project types and their project phases.
Application workshops
Finnpartnership organises monthly virtual application workshops, in which the participants learn more about submitting the application. The participants are given examples of different project types and phases to help them plan their own projects.
Amount of support and target countries
The amount offered by Finnpartnership is between EUR 15,000 and 400,000. Support is granted for projects in developing markets.