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

Application Submission
Enterprises submit a proposal outlining the solution, impact, and business model.
Selection of Finalists
Shortlisted applicants are chosen based on innovation, feasibility, and impact.
Mentoring Phase
Finalists receive tailored mentoring to refine plans and prepare for scaling.
Award Allocation
12–15 enterprises receive grants between $5,000 and $25,000.
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.