Deadline: January 16, 2026
The Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs 2026 is now open, offering funding, mentorship, and growth support to locally led, market-ready innovations that strengthen climate resilience in mountain communities across the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region.
This challenge supports entrepreneurs and for-profit organisations developing practical, scalable solutions that address climate risks, environmental degradation, and livelihood vulnerabilities in one of the world’s most climate-sensitive regions.
About the Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs 2026
The Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs 2026 (HKH-ICE 2.0) is jointly delivered by the Global Resilience Partnership (GRP) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).
The programme is designed to go beyond funding by providing tailored mentoring, leadership development, communications support, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) to help innovations scale sustainably and increase long-term impact.
Purpose of the Challenge
The challenge aims to identify and support locally rooted entrepreneurial solutions that:
- Strengthen climate resilience of mountain ecosystems and communities
- Address climate risks and environmental stressors in the HKH region
- Demonstrate market readiness and scalability
- Deliver measurable social, environmental, and economic impact
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to for-profit organisations, entrepreneurs, and innovators working within the eligible geographies listed below.
Eligible Countries and Regions
- Bhutan
- Bangladesh (Chittagong Hill Tracts only)
- India (Indian Himalayan Region)
- Nepal
⚠️ Organisations or individuals selected under HKH-ICE 1.0 are not eligible to apply again.
Focus Areas
Proposed innovations must focus on climate resilience in mountain systems, including but not limited to:
1. Climate-Resilient Agriculture & Biodiversity
- Sustainable agricultural practices
- Biodiversity conservation and restoration
- Resilient food systems for mountain communities
2. Water Security & Adaptive Water Management
- Water access and efficiency solutions
- Climate-adaptive water systems
- Community-led water resilience initiatives
3. Climate-Resilient Sustainable Tourism
- Environmentally responsible tourism models
- Livelihood-supporting tourism innovations
- Conservation-driven tourism enterprises
4. Community Climate Resilience
- Climate-resilient housing
- Risk planning and disaster preparedness
- Inclusive solutions that support vulnerable populations
Funding and Support Available
Selected innovators will receive a comprehensive support package, including:
- Grant funding between USD 5,000 and USD 25,000
- Tailored mentoring and leadership development
- Communications and visibility support
- Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) assistance
- Support for resource mobilisation and scaling impact
This combination of financial and non-financial support is designed to help innovations grow, adapt, and sustain long-term outcomes.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: December 2025
- Information Webinar: 8 January 2026
- Application Deadline: 16 January 2026 (23:59 GMT)
- Shortlist Notification: February 2026
Early preparation is strongly encouraged.
Why Apply?
This challenge is ideal for entrepreneurs and for-profit innovators who are:
- Working in climate-vulnerable mountain regions
- Developing practical, community-driven solutions
- Ready to scale impact with strategic support and funding
Get Support with Your Application
Need help strengthening your application?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to improve clarity, alignment, and competitiveness before submission.
Application Links
👉 Apply for the Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs 2026
