CFAs: Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs

The Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs (HKH-ICE 2.0) supports youth- and women-led enterprises delivering climate-resilient solutions for mountain communities. Backed by GRP and ICIMOD, the program offers mentoring and grants of $5,000–$25,000 to scale market-based innovations across the HKH region.

The Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs (HKH-ICE 2.0) is a regional funding and mentorship initiative launched by the Global Resilience Partnership (GRP) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). It is designed to strengthen climate resilience in mountain ecosystems by supporting locally rooted, market-driven enterprises.

Program Overview

HKH-ICE 2.0 focuses on practical, scalable innovations that address climate risks faced by mountain communities. The program combines financial awards, tailored mentoring, and long-term implementation support to help early-stage and growing enterprises expand their impact.

Key characteristics of the program include:

• Climate-focused, market-based innovation

• Long-term environmental and social resilience

• Local relevance within the Hindu Kush Himalaya region

• Strong emphasis on gender equality and inclusion

Funding and Support Details

Financial Awards

• Grant size: USD $5,000 to $25,000

• Number of awardees: 12–15 enterprises

• Funding period: 12 months

• Implementation timeline: May 2026 to April 2027

Funds are intended for scaling, piloting, and implementing solutions, not for idea-stage research only.

Mentoring and Capacity Building

Selected finalists receive:

• Customized mentoring from GRP and ICIMOD experts

• Support to refine business models and implementation plans

• Guidance on scaling, monitoring, and impact reporting

• Ongoing advisory support throughout the funding period

Mentoring continues beyond selection to ensure sustained progress from planning to execution.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Enterprises

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• For-profit enterprise

• Youth-led or women-led, with clear leadership and decision-making authority

• Legally registered and operational

Eligible Geographic Areas

Enterprises must be based in and serve communities in:

• Nepal

• Bhutan

• Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh

• Himalayan and adjoining mountain states of India

Solutions must directly benefit mountain communities in these regions.

Enterprise Stage

• Early-stage or growth-stage enterprises are eligible

• Must demonstrate a proof of concept or minimum viable product (MVP)

• Must show capacity to implement and manage funded activities

Priority Innovation Areas

Proposed solutions should address climate risks in mountain ecosystems, including but not limited to:

• Climate-resilient agriculture

• Water security and watershed management

• Ecosystem and biodiversity restoration

• Clean and renewable energy

• Sustainable livelihoods and green jobs

Cross-cutting priorities include:

• Gender equality and women’s economic empowerment

• Social inclusion and human rights

• Biodiversity protection

• Do-no-harm environmental and social practices

Why It Matters

Mountain communities in the Hindu Kush Himalaya face disproportionate climate risks, including glacial melt, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and livelihood insecurity. HKH-ICE 2.0 matters because it:

• Empowers local entrepreneurs closest to these challenges

• Scales solutions that combine climate action and economic opportunity

• Strengthens resilience while protecting ecosystems

• Promotes leadership by youth and women, often underrepresented in climate innovation

How the Program Works

1. Application Submission
   Enterprises submit a proposal outlining the solution, impact, and business model.

2. Selection of Finalists
   Shortlisted applicants are chosen based on innovation, feasibility, and impact.

3. Mentoring Phase
   Finalists receive tailored mentoring to refine plans and prepare for scaling.

4. Award Allocation
   12–15 enterprises receive grants between $5,000 and $25,000.

5. Implementation and Reporting
   Awardees implement projects over 12 months and share progress updates.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly link your solution to specific climate risks in mountain regions

• Demonstrate local relevance and community benefit

• Show strong women or youth leadership in governance and decisions

• Provide evidence of feasibility through pilots, MVPs, or early traction

• Address environmental and social safeguards explicitly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting ideas without a working proof of concept

• Weak explanation of how communities directly benefit

• Unclear leadership roles for women or youth

• Ignoring do-no-harm or biodiversity considerations

• Overestimating scale without realistic implementation plans

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply to HKH-ICE 2.0?
For-profit, youth- or women-led enterprises legally operating in eligible HKH regions.

2. Are nonprofits or NGOs eligible?
No, only for-profit enterprises are eligible.

3. Can early-stage startups apply?
Yes, provided they have a proof of concept or minimum viable product.

4. How much funding can an enterprise receive?
Between $5,000 and $25,000, depending on scale and needs.

5. Is mentoring mandatory?
Yes, all finalists and awardees participate in the mentoring program.

6. What is the project duration?
12 months, from May 2026 to April 2027.

7. Can enterprises outside the HKH region apply?
No, enterprises must be registered and operating in eligible HKH areas.

Conclusion

HKH-ICE 2.0 offers a powerful opportunity for youth- and women-led enterprises to scale climate-resilient innovations where they are needed most. By combining funding, mentoring, and regional expertise, the program enables practical solutions that strengthen livelihoods, protect ecosystems, and build long-term resilience across the Hindu Kush Himalaya region.