UNIDO ScaleX

Where ecosystems connect and innovations scale.

ScaleX is a platform by the UNIDO Innovation Lab that connects startups, governments, corporates, and investors to accelerate technologies that transform industries.

PARTNER WITH US

POWERED BY SIX DECADES OF EXCELLENCE

In industrial transformation, climate action and innovation – with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.

1+

Countries with 600+ Ongoing Projects

120+

$0.0B

Active Portfolio

$1.1B

1+

2000+

Corporate Partners

0.0K

Technical Experts Globally

2.5K

We Make Technology, Demand and Capital Move Together

Scaling innovation takes momentum. ScaleX sets the flywheel in motion – creating a self-reinforcing cycle where innovations are proven, funded, scaled, and deliver returns, setting the stage for new breakthroughs. We do this by synching the three forces that power the ecosystem: novel technology, customer demand, and catalytic capital.

STARTUPS DEVELOP NOVEL TECHNOLOGY

Breakthrough solutions can reinvent industries, but only if they have validation, traction and funding.

STARTUPS DEVELOP NOVEL TECHNOLOGY

Breakthrough solutions can reinvent industries, but only if they have validation, traction and funding.

GOVERNMENTS AND CORPORATES CREATE DEMAND

Innovation priorities direct development, while piloting in real industrial settings proves value and de-risks adoption.

GOVERNMENTS AND CORPORATES CREATE DEMAND

Innovation priorities direct development, while piloting in real industrial settings proves value and de-risks adoption.

INVESTORS PROVIDE THE FUEL

Once traction is demonstrated, capital is unlocked, driving expansion across sectors and markets.

INVESTORS PROVIDE THE FUEL

Once traction is demonstrated, capital is unlocked, driving expansion across sectors and markets.

The ScaleX Engine: Infrastructure for Innovation

ScaleX connects fragmented networks into a coordinated ecosystem. We scout the best solutions, connect them with market opportunities, de-risk adoption and investment through testbeds and policy support, and bring in the right resources every step of the way.

1. CONNECT

We bring policymakers, corporates, investors, and innovators together around shared missions.

2. DESIGN

We co-create place-specific strategies, roadmaps, and initiatives to kickstart innovation.

3. TEST

We bring policymakers, corporates, investors, and innovators together around shared missions.

4. SCALE

We unlock investment and open markets to accelerate growth across borders.

Why Partner With ScaleX?

Governments, corporates, investors, innovation agencies and founders can all plug into and benefit from the ScaleX platform. Becoming a vetted ScaleX partner or running a national ScaleX program gives you access to the best practices, places and people from around the world – building the future together.

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PUBLIC LEADERS

Strengthen your local innovation ecosystem, shape policies that accelerate innovation, and attract global talent, investment and new industries. Through ScaleX, you can launch public innovation challenges to surface solutions for high-priority topics, run policy labs to test regulatory changes, and build capacities for transforming strategy into on-the-ground action.

PUBLIC LEADERS

PUBLIC LEADERS

INNOVATION AGENCIES

Expand your programming, reach, and results with an international pipeline of founders, collaborators, and capital. As part of ScaleX, your programs connect smoothly to those run by other providers, giving your startups additional support and increasing their chances of success – all backed by shared governance and global visibility.

INNOVATION AGENCIES

INNOVATION AGENCIES

CORPORATES

Stay ahead of the curve by incubating the innovations that will transform your industry. By working with ScaleX, you can shape emerging technologies for your specific needs, and host venture-clienting programs and testbeds that allow for managed integration and deployment of new solutions into your operations.

CORPORATES

CORPORATES

INVESTORS

Get early access to high-potential, de-risked solutions with clear go-to-market roadmaps and institutional backing. The ScaleX approach provides step-by-step milestones and clear evidence of commercial, technical and regulatory readiness so that you can invest with confidence – even in new markets and sectors.

INVESTORS

INVESTORS

FOUNDERS

Get the pilots, partners, customers, and capital you need to grow from prototype to product to scale. Whether you want to stress-test your technology through an innovation challenge, land your first paying customer through a commercial pilot, or expand to new countries with support on internationalization, ScaleX can help every step of the way.

FOUNDERS

FOUNDERS

Our Focus Areas

ScaleX is a global network with local roots. We are currently collaborating with governments and partners around the world. Join one of these programs or start your own.

BUILD WITH US

WESTERN BALKANS

Sustainable Supply Chains

Strengthening production systems across the region through emerging technologies that enhance traceability, resilience, and data-driven decision-making.

WESTERN BALKANS

Sustainable Supply Chains

Strengthening production systems across the region through emerging technologies that enhance traceability, resilience, and data-driven decision-making.

MEDITERRANEAN

Blue Industry

Enabling coastal nations to advance blue economies by piloting emerging ocean technologies, supporting early-stage innovators, and creating testbeds that accelerate the adoption of scalable BlueTech solutions.

MEDITERRANEAN

Blue Industry

CENTRAL ASIA

AI & Digital Manufacturing

Integrating intelligence by combining high-fidelity digital twins with AI control systems that enable on-demand production, predictive maintenance, and cleaner operations.

CENTRAL ASIA

AI & Digital Manufacturing

Integrating intelligence by combining high-fidelity digital twins with AI control systems that enable on-demand production, predictive maintenance, and cleaner operations.

EAST AFRICA

Resilient Food Systems

Advancing climate-adaptive food systems – from improved inputs and regenerative practices to predictive yield tools and reliable cold chains that cut losses.

EAST AFRICA

Resilient Food Systems

Advancing climate-adaptive food systems – from improved inputs and regenerative practices to predictive yield tools and reliable cold chains that cut losses.

SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES

Space for Industry

Bringing high-resolution data to places with limited on-the-ground monitoring – for infrastructure planning, coastal management and offshore activity tracking.

SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES

Space for Industry

Bringing high-resolution data to places with limited on-the-ground monitoring – for infrastructure planning, coastal management and offshore activity tracking.