Deadline: 22-Dec-2025
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting grant applications to strengthen national capacities for urban innovation and resilience by equipping young professionals and institutions with digital, planning and climate-responsive tools to support sustainable urban development and reconstruction.
The United Nations Development Programme is seeking grant applications for an initiative designed to strengthen national capacities for urban innovation and resilience. Building on the foundations of Smart Urban Innovation and the Maharah Coding School, this programme creates a practical pathway for young professionals, urban planners and technology developers to translate digital skills into real-world solutions that respond to pressing urban challenges.
Programme Vision and Objectives
The core ambition of the programme is to turn digital competencies into tools, prototypes and approaches that improve municipal services, enhance climate resilience and support sustainable reconstruction. It promotes people-centred and climate-responsive planning approaches that reflect citizen needs, institutional capacities and the realities of rapid urban change. By doing so, the initiative supports both immediate recovery needs and long-term resilience, improved governance and inclusive urban development.
Inclusive Models of Urban Innovation
Participants are introduced to diverse models of innovation, ranging from grassroots and frugal solutions to enterprise-driven and municipality-led initiatives. This inclusive approach encourages collaboration across municipalities, youth groups, academia, the private sector and development partners. By embracing different innovation pathways, the programme ensures that solutions are adaptable, locally relevant and scalable within national systems.
Community Engagement and Digital Awareness
A key phase of the initiative focuses on people-centred engagement. Awareness campaigns, storytelling activities and digital surveys are used to capture community priorities and ensure that local voices inform programme themes. Participants and communities are also introduced to digital tools such as GIS, BIM and digital twins, demonstrating how technology can help address challenges like informal settlements, land-use planning and climate-related risks.
Urban Tech Bootcamp
The programme advances into an intensive Urban Tech Bootcamp that deepens technical capacity and fosters co-creation. Through expert-led webinars, participants explore climate-responsive urban design, smart planning tools and youth-led innovation. Regional and national case studies provide practical insight and inspiration. A competitive selection process identifies 20 to 25 participants who take part in a three-week full-time training structured around thematic pillars derived from the engagement phase.
Scaling, Partnerships and Sustainability
The final stage focuses on refining and scaling the most promising solutions emerging from the bootcamp. Participants explore pathways for implementation, pilot projects and partnerships with municipalities, institutions and development actors. This ensures that innovations move beyond concept stage and contribute meaningfully to Libya’s reconstruction and long-term urban development ecosystem.
Technical Expertise and Mentorship
The initiative is supported by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in urban planning, climate adaptation, digital technologies and sustainable construction. Their guidance helps participants navigate the intersection of technology, design and development in a post-conflict context, creating a supportive environment where innovation can be tested, adapted and sustained.
Opportunity for Libyan Innovators
Overall, the Urban Tech Initiative offers a unique opportunity for Libyan professionals and innovators to actively shape the future of their cities. Through advanced learning, collaborative design and practical experimentation, the programme aims to build a more resilient, inclusive and tech-enabled urban landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main goal of this UNDP programme?
The programme aims to strengthen national capacities for urban innovation and resilience by translating digital skills into practical tools that improve municipal services, climate resilience and sustainable reconstruction.
Who is the programme designed for?
It targets young professionals, urban planners, technology developers and innovators interested in urban development, digital solutions and climate-responsive planning.
What types of innovation does the programme support?
The initiative supports a range of models, including grassroots, frugal, enterprise-led and municipal innovation approaches.
What is the Urban Tech Bootcamp?
It is an intensive three-week full-time training programme where selected participants co-create urban tech solutions guided by experts and real-world case studies.
How many participants are selected for the bootcamp?
Between 20 and 25 participants are selected through a competitive process.
Does the programme support implementation after training?
Yes. The final phase focuses on refining ideas, exploring partnerships and identifying pathways for piloting and scaling solutions.
How does the programme ensure community involvement?
Community voices are integrated through awareness campaigns, storytelling and digital surveys that shape programme priorities.
What is the long-term impact of the initiative?
The initiative aims to strengthen foundations for inclusive governance, resilient urban systems and sustainable development in Libya.
Conclusion
The UNDP Urban Tech Initiative represents a forward-looking investment in people, ideas and systems that are critical to building resilient and inclusive cities. By combining community engagement, digital skill-building and hands-on innovation, the programme bridges the gap between technology and real urban needs. It empowers young professionals and institutions to co-create solutions that improve municipal services, strengthen climate resilience and support sustainable reconstruction. Through its emphasis on collaboration, scalability and long-term uptake, the initiative not only addresses immediate urban challenges but also lays the groundwork for stronger governance and a more adaptive, tech-enabled urban future.
For more information, visit UNDP.