The Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs (HKH-ICE 2.0) is a high-impact accelerator program launched by ICIMOD and the Global Resilience Partnership (GRP). Designed to address the climate vulnerability of the HKH mountain system, the challenge seeks scalable, market-ready innovations from entrepreneurs in Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. Focus areas include resilient agriculture, water security, sustainable tourism, and climate-resilient housing. Winners receive tailored mentoring and financial prizes ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to scale their solutions. Applications close on January 16, 2026, at 23:59 GMT.
Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Innovation Challenge 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organizations | ICIMOD & Global Resilience Partnership (GRP) |
| Eligible Regions | Bhutan, Bangladesh (CHT), India (IHR), and Nepal |
| Category | Entrepreneurship & Climate Innovation |
| Financial Reward | USD $5,000 to $25,000 |
| Core Focus | Climate Resilience & Mountain Ecosystems |
| Organization Type | For-profit / Local Entrepreneurs |
| Application Deadline | January 16, 2026 |
Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Innovation Challenge 2026 (ICE 2.0) Details
The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region is one of the world’s most fragile and strategically vital mountain systems, often referred to as the “Third Pole.” The HKH-ICE 2.0 challenge is an intensive initiative to accelerate locally led, ecologically grounded business solutions that can transform the resilience of mountain communities facing rapid climate change.
Join our Telegram Channel for Instant Scholarship Updates
Managed by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in partnership with the Global Resilience Partnership (GRP), the program moves beyond traditional aid by fostering a market-driven approach to environmental conservation. It empowers local innovators to create niche products and services that protect the ecosystem while providing sustainable rural incomes.
Call Focus Areas of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Innovation Challenge 2026 (ICE 2.0)
The challenge specifically targets four critical thematic areas essential for mountain survival and prosperity:
- Resilient Agriculture Innovations: Nature-based solutions that enhance biodiversity, improve rural incomes through niche products, and reduce the vulnerability of high-altitude farming.
- Water Security and Resilience: Initiatives addressing water scarcity, glacial melt effects, and the management of floods and droughts in urban and rural mountain settings.
- Climate-Resilient Sustainable Tourism: Ecotourism models that restore fragile ecosystems while ensuring local communities benefit directly from the tourism economy.
- Climate Risk and Community Resilience: Solutions for risk-informed settlement planning, climate-resilient housing, and support for mobile or displaced populations.
Benefits and Specific Awards of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Innovation Challenge 2026 (ICE 2.0)
The HKH-ICE 2.0 provides more than just financial capital; it offers a pathway to international scaling and organizational maturity.
Tier 1: Financial Scaling Prizes
- Seed & Scale Funding: Prizes ranging from USD $5,000 to $25,000 awarded based on the scalability and impact of the business model.
- Resource Mobilisation: Direct support in identifying and securing further investment beyond the initial prize money.
Tier 2: Institutional Mentoring & Development
- Tailored Mentoring: One-on-one sessions with industry experts to refine business operations and market linkages.
- Leadership Development: Training focused on building the capacity of local entrepreneurs to lead climate-resilient enterprises.
- MEL Support: Guidance on Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks to track social and environmental impact.
Tier 3: Communication & Visibility
- Global Platforms: Opportunity to showcase innovations through GRP and ICIMOD’s extensive international networks.
- Strategic Communications: Support in crafting compelling narratives for resource mobilisation and market expansion.
Eligibility Requirements for the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Innovation Challenge 2026 (ICE 2.0)
- Regional Scope: Must be implementing projects in Bhutan, Bangladesh (Chittagong Hill Tracts only), India (Indian Himalayan Region), or Nepal.
- Organization Type: Open to for-profit organisations and local entrepreneurs/innovators.
- Previous Winners: Winners of HKH ICE 1.0 are not eligible to apply for this round.
- Market Readiness: Solutions must be scalable, market-ready, and demonstrate an ecologically grounded approach to resilience.
How to Apply for the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Innovation Challenge 2026 (Step by Step)
- Draft Proposal: Develop a business plan that highlights your solution’s scalability and its impact on HKH mountain communities.
- Submit Application: Complete the online application form before the deadline of 23:59 GMT on 16 January 2026.
- Shortlisting: Applications undergo a rigorous review process throughout January.
- Notification: Shortlisted applicants will be officially notified in February 2026 for the next phase of the challenge.
Application Deadline: January 16, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
For More Information Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can individuals from anywhere in India apply?
No, the challenge is restricted to the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) for the Indian eligibility component.
2. Is this challenge open to NGOs?
The call specifically targets “for-profit organisations” and local entrepreneurs who can implement market-ready solutions.
3. What is the maximum prize amount?
The highest financial reward for winners in the scaling category is USD $25,000.
4. Are previous participants of ICE 1.0 allowed to apply?
Previous winners of ICE 1.0 are ineligible, but previous applicants who did not win are encouraged to apply for ICE 2.0.
5. Does the solution have to be related to farming?
While agriculture is a focus, the challenge also accepts innovations in water security, sustainable tourism, and climate-resilient housing.
6. What does “market-ready” mean?
It means the product or service should be beyond the conceptual stage and ready to be implemented or scaled within the market.
7. Who are the main organizers?
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the Global Resilience Partnership (GRP).
8. Will the program cover travel to the HKH region?
The program focuses on local entrepreneurs already seeking to implement projects within these specific regions.
9. When will shortlisted applicants be contacted?
Notifications for shortlisted applicants are scheduled for February 2026.
10. Is there a specific time for the deadline?
Yes, the deadline is strictly 23:59 GMT on January 16, 2026.
