Deadline: January 16, 2026
Applications are open for the Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs 2026. The second round of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs (HKH-ICE 2.0) is calling on entrepreneurs from Bhutan, Bangladesh (Chittagong Hill Tracts only), India (Indian Himalayan Region), and Nepal to develop scalable, market-ready, and ecologically grounded business solutions that can transform the resilience of mountain communities.
The Global Resilience Partnership (GRP) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) are pleased to launch the second round of the HKH ICE challenge seeks to accelerate locally led, market ready innovations that strengthen climate resilience across one of the world’s most fragile and strategically vital mountain systems.
Call Focus
They are looking for innovative, scalable solutions that enhance resilience for communities and ecosystems across the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. For example, initiatives can focus on (but are not limited to):
- Resilient Agriculture Innovations for Nature: Solutions that reduce the vulnerability of mountain agriculture to climate impacts, enhance biodiversity, improve rural incomes, and create market linkages for high-value niche products and non-timber forest products (NTFPs).
- Water Security and Resilience: Initiatives that address water scarcity, improve water management and services, and mitigate the effects of glacial melt, floods, droughts, and urbanisation.
- Climate-Resilient Sustainable Tourism: Models that promote sustainable ecotourism, benefiting local communities while preserving and restoring fragile mountain ecosystems.
- Climate Risk and Community Resilience: Solutions that reduce vulnerability to climate hazards in mountain regions through climate-resilient housing, improved risk-informed settlement planning, and inclusive support for climate-affected mobile or displaced populations.
Benefits
- Winners will receive tailored mentoring, leadership development, communications, MEL, and resource mobilisation support.
- Additionally, they will receive prizes ranging from USD $5,000 to $25,000 to further develop and scale their solutions.
Eligibility
- Open to for-profit organisations, local entrepreneurs and innovators seeking to implement projects in Bhutan, Bangladesh (Chittagong Hill Tracts), India (Himalayan states), and Nepal.
- HKH ICE 1.0 winners are not eligible to apply for HKH ICE 2.0.
Application
Applications are due by 23:59 GMT on 16 January 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be notified in February 2026.
For more information, visit HKH-ICE 2.0.
