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Urbathon: Call for Ideas to Strengthen Urban Resilience in Petropavlovsk (Kazakhstan)

Deadline: 25-Nov-2025

The UNDP, in collaboration with regional partners in North Kazakhstan, has launched Urbathon, a contest to develop innovative solutions for urban resilience in Petropavlovsk. The competition focuses on climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable urban development, offering mentorship, incubation, and funding opportunities of up to $50,000 for selected projects. Submissions are open to students, professionals, and residents, with the deadline on 25 November 2025.

Urbathon: Innovating Urban Resilience in Petropavlovsk

The Urbathon initiative, organized by UNDP with the Akimats of North Kazakhstan Region, the city of Petropavlovsk, the Department of Emergency Situations, Qyzyljar Creative Center, and SKO Hub, seeks practical and innovative solutions to strengthen urban resilience, particularly against climate-induced challenges like flooding.

Program Objectives

  • Develop innovative solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

  • Improve the urban environment and increase the resilience of Petropavlovsk.

  • Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration across urban planning, IT, creative industries, ecology, and other relevant fields.

  • Facilitate real-world implementation through mentorship, incubation, and potential funding.

Who Can Participate?

Urbathon is open to:

  • Students, urban planners, ecologists, IT specialists, designers, and activists.

  • Local residents interested in shaping the future of their city.

  • Individuals or teams, encouraging diverse expertise and collaboration.

Eligible Project Areas

Proposals can focus on:

  • Urban planning and infrastructure projects to reduce flooding and other climate risks.

  • Digital tools and services to support smart city development.

  • Creative initiatives addressing social, cultural, or environmental challenges.

  • Educational programs promoting awareness and community resilience.

  • Interdisciplinary approaches combining multiple fields for holistic solutions.

Funding and Prizes

  • Prize Fund: 300,000 KZT for winners.

  • Incubation and Mentorship: Selected projects gain access to guidance and support to refine ideas.

  • Implementation Funding: Up to $50,000 USD from UNDP donors for promising solutions.

Application Process

  1. Proposal Submission:

    • Submit innovative solutions by 25 November 2025.

  2. Urbathon Event & Pitching:

    • Held on 29–30 November 2025 at the Qyzyljar Creative Center.

    • Teams present and pitch their ideas to experts and mentors.

  3. Incubation Phase:

    • From December 2025 through 2026, selected projects receive ongoing mentorship and development support.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be assessed based on:

  • Innovation and creativity of the solution

  • Feasibility and practicality for urban implementation

  • Sustainability and long-term impact

  • Interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusivity

  • Potential for real-world application and funding readiness

Tips for Applicants

  • Form diverse teams to strengthen interdisciplinary solutions.

  • Focus on practical, implementable solutions for urban challenges.

  • Consider digital, educational, and creative components in addition to infrastructure ideas.

  • Highlight the impact on climate resilience and community benefit.

  • Clearly outline project timelines and milestones for incubation and implementation.

FAQ

1. Who is eligible to participate in Urbathon?

Students, professionals, activists, and residents of any background may apply, individually or in teams.

2. What types of projects are accepted?

Projects addressing urban resilience, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, urban planning, digital tools, creative initiatives, or education are eligible.

3. What funding is available?

Winners receive a 300,000 KZT prize, mentorship, incubation, and potential $50,000 USD implementation funding.

4. When is the submission deadline?

Proposals must be submitted by 25 November 2025.

5. Where and when will the Urbathon event take place?

The event and pitching will occur on 29–30 November 2025 at the Qyzyljar Creative Center.

6. What happens after the Urbathon event?

Selected projects enter a mentorship and incubation program from December 2025 through 2026 to further develop and refine their solutions.

7. Can individuals participate, or only teams?

Both individuals and teams can participate, but interdisciplinary teams are encouraged for stronger proposals.

Conclusion

Urbathon is a unique opportunity for students, professionals, and residents of Petropavlovsk to develop sustainable, innovative solutions for urban resilience. Through mentorship, incubation, and potential funding, participants can transform ideas into real-world projects that address climate challenges and improve the city’s future sustainability.

For more information, visit UNDP.