Call for Applications: Climate Innovation Fund Programme – Bangladesh

Bangladesh, ranked seventh on the Global Climate Risk Index, faces significant challenges due to its low-lying geography, high population density, and widespread poverty. However, the country also stands as a global leader in climate adaptation, offering scalable solutions that can be applied worldwide.

Aims

• The Climate Innovation Fund aims to stimulate and drive innovation in climate resilience by:
  • Identifying the most promising and innovative approaches to climate resilience in Bangladesh and supporting them to establish and scale
  • Building a strong and credible pipeline of initiatives and facilitating support from other agencies and investors
  • Creating opportunities for collaboration to facilitate learning & knowledge exchange

Support Streams 

• For this call, applicants may apply to either one of two separate support streams:
  • Venture Building: Suitable for early-stage ventures or initiatives that have a validated idea or prototype, typically have conducted initial research, proof of concept, or small-scale testing. Selected ventures will be able to access:
    • 6 months of tailored advisory, mentorship, & training
    • Business development support
    • Grant funding: Up to BDT 600,000 for 6-month venture building awardees, with opportunities for follow-on funding of up to BDT 3,000,000
  • Catalytic Funding: Suitable for ventures with a product or service that is ready for market or in the early stages of market entry. Selected ventures will be able to access:
    • Business development support
    • Grant funding up to BDT 4,500,000

Eligibility Criteria

• Enterprises and organizations with tested innovations that are working towards financial sustainability but need funding to strengthen their business models. This includes private limited companies, social enterprises, sole proprietorships, and NGOs.
• Enterprises with well-defined innovations, committed to developing and testing their ideas while aiming for financial sustainability.
• Rural Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with a strong operational base in rural communities, focused on delivering innovative agriculture products and collaborating with farming communities.
• Eligible enterprises may include innovations in Climate-Smart and Resilient Agriculture, Agricultural Technology and Innovation, Nature-Based Solutions, and/or Agri-Financing.
• Bangladesh-based organisations and enterprises with innovative solutions addressing climate change within the agriculture sector can apply.

For more information, visit British Asian Trust.