Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs (HKH-ICE)

HKH-ICE seeks to empower entrepreneurs to develop innovative, climate-resilient solutions in the agriculture, water security, and sustainable tourism sectors.

the Global Resilience Partnership (GRP) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) have come together to launch the Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs (HKH-ICE). This initiative is designed to mobilise local innovation and entrepreneurship, driving scalable solutions that address ecological, market, and value chain challenges across the region.

HKH-ICE seeks to empower entrepreneurs from Bhutan, Bangladesh (Chittagong Hill Tracts only), India (Himalayan states only), and Nepal to develop innovative, climate-resilient solutions in the agriculture, water security, and sustainable tourism sectors. The challenge will support initiatives that leverage the region’s untapped potential for sustainable economic growth and environmental conservation while addressing the urgent need for climate adaptation and resilience.

HKH-ICE is open to for-profit organisations, local entrepreneurs and innovators from Bhutan, Bangladesh (Chittagong Hill Tracts), India (Himalayan states), and Nepal.

Winners will receive tailored mentoring, leadership development, communications, and resource mobilisation support. Additionally, they will receive prizes ranging from USD 5,000 to 25,000 to further develop and scale their solutions. Shortlisted applicants will also benefit from a leadership academy and capacity-strengthening initiatives with regional and global experts.

Learn more and apply here.