Deadline Date: January 16, 2026
The Global Resilience Partnership (GRP) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) are pleased to launch the second round of the Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs (HKH-ICE 2.0).
Designed to support solutions that respond to the growing climate challenges faced by mountain communities, the initiative focuses on empowering locally rooted, market-based innovations with the potential for long-term environmental and social impact.
Selected finalists will benefit from tailored mentoring support provided by GRP and ICIMOD. This support will help enterprises refine their ideas, strengthen business and implementation plans, and prepare their solutions for effective scaling. The mentoring continues beyond selection, ensuring that innovators receive guidance throughout the journey from planning to on-the-ground implementation.
From the group of finalists, 12 to 15 enterprises will receive financial awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. These funds are intended to support the scaling and implementation of innovative solutions over a 12-month period, running from May 2026 to April 2027. During this time, awardees will remain engaged in the mentoring program and will share regular updates on their financial progress and project outcomes.
The opportunity is open to for-profit enterprises that are led by youth or women and that demonstrate meaningful leadership and decision-making by these groups. Eligible enterprises must be legally registered and operational in Nepal, Bhutan, the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, or the Himalayan and adjoining mountain states of India, with solutions that directly serve mountain communities.
Applicants are expected to present innovative, practical solutions that address climate risks in mountain ecosystems, including areas such as climate-resilient agriculture, water security, ecosystem restoration, clean energy, or sustainable livelihoods. Enterprises may be at an early stage, provided they can demonstrate a proof of concept or minimum viable product and the capacity to implement their ideas effectively.
Strong emphasis is placed on solutions that promote gender equality, social inclusion, human rights, and biodiversity protection. All proposed activities must follow do-no-harm principles, ensuring that innovations contribute positively to communities and ecosystems without creating unintended environmental, social, or cultural risks. This opportunity represents a meaningful pathway for youth- and women-led enterprises to scale climate solutions and create lasting resilience across the HKH region.
For more information, visit Global Resilience Partnership.
