CAREC Climate Resilience Challenge 2025
Online, ALL, Viet Nam
Wed, 04 Jun 2025 to Thu, 31 Jul 2025
CHALLENGE OVERVIEW
The CAREC Climate Resilience Challenge is a competitive initiative spearheaded by the ADB-Korea Climate Technology Hub (K-Hub) to identify and support innovative, technology-driven solutions to pressing climate challenges in Central Asia. From water scarcity and agricultural degradation to outdated infrastructure and glacier retreat, CAREC countries face escalating climate risks that demand urgent and scalable responses.
The challenge aims to:
- Support climate adaptation/mitigation through technology and innovation,
- Enable cross-border collaboration among governments, private sector, and research institutions,
- Offer a regional entry point for market expansion and pilot funding.
With over 22 million people in the region lacking access to clean water, crop yields expected to decline by 30% by 2050, and growing infrastructure and energy vulnerabilities, this initiative offers a critical opportunity to pilot next-generation tools that can build long-term resilience and sustainable development across CAREC countries.
How might we accelerate the development and adoption of innovative, technology-driven solutions that address urgent climate challenges in Central Asia—such as water scarcity, agricultural degradation, and energy stress—while ensuring they are inclusive, scalable, and grounded in local realities?
This challenge is not only a call to action—it is a gateway to growth, recognition, and regional impact. APPLY NOW!
CHALLENGE FOCUS AREAS
Energy Transition & Grid Modernization
Aging hydropower infrastructure and grid inefficiencies threaten energy security amid rising climate variability.
Water Management & Glaciers
Rapid glacier retreat endangers long-term water supply, impacting regional hydropower and agriculture.
Climate Resilience in Agriculture
Increasing droughts and inefficient irrigation reduce food security, affecting cross-border trade and rural livelihoods.
Digitalization of Supply Chains, Infrastructure & Transport
Limited smart logistics and outdated transport systems hinder regional connectivity and trade efficiency.
Waste Management & Circular Economy
Low recycling rates and poor landfill management pose environmental and health risks across Central Asia.
TIMELINE
APPLICATION
By July 4, 2025
Submit your application on or before July 4, 2025.
EVALUATION
July 2025
Your submitted solutions will be evaluated by an expert committee based on the criteria.
RESULT ANNOUNCEMENT
August 2025
10 selected solution provider (2 per category) will be announced.
BISHKEK CLIMATE FORUM
September 2025
The selected solution will be invited to the Bishkek Climate Forum to meet policymakers and explore implementation.
APPLICATION
By July 4, 2025 [23:59 GMT+8]
The challenge is open to:
- Startups, SMEs, and technology firms with relevant climate resilience solutions,
- Research institutions and universities with prototype-ready innovations,
- NGOs and social enterprises with field-tested models from CAREC countries and globally.
Participants should be from ADB member countries and should demonstrate relevance to local contexts, feasibility for implementation, and the potential to scale regionally.
To apply for the challenge, kindly access here: https://challenges.adb.org/en/challenges/carec-climate-resilience-challenge-2025/pages/timeline-process-and-selection-criteria?lang=en
EVALUATION & SHORTLISTING
July 2025
Your submitted solutions will be rigorously evaluated by an expert selection committee using a set of pre-determined criteria, including relevance & impact, technology & innovation, implementation feasibility, sustainability & business model, team & expertise.