Request for Expression of Interest (EOI): Technical Partnership for AI Capacity Development under the UDAAN Project

Request for Expression of Interest (EOI)

Technical Partnership for AI Capacity Development under the UDAAN Project

Youth Innovation Lab (YI-Lab) invites eligible Nepal-based organizations to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to serve as a Technical Partner for Artificial Intelligence (AI) capacity development and digital talent pipeline activities under the UDAAN – Unleashing Digital Acceleration and Ambition of Nepali Youth project.

The purpose of this EOI is to identify a technically qualified organization with demonstrated expertise in Artificial Intelligence, digital capacity development, and innovation ecosystem strengthening to support the implementation of key technical components of the project.

A. Background

Youth Innovation Lab (YI-Lab) is a not-for-profit organization committed to empowering young people through technology, innovation, and data-driven solutions. Established in 2017, YI-Lab works at the intersection of technology, governance, and community engagement to address pressing development challenges in Nepal.

Through partnerships with municipalities, academic institutions, government agencies, and international organizations, YI-Lab has implemented initiatives focusing on disaster risk management, climate resilience, civic technology, digital literacy, and youth innovation.

YI-Lab is currently implementing the UDAAN (Unleashing Digital Acceleration and Ambition of Nepali Youth) project with financial support from the European Union. The project is a 48-month nationwide initiative designed to strengthen youth participation in the digital economy by improving digital skills, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and expanding professional opportunities for young Nepali women and men.

B. Scope of Technical Partnership

The technical partner will contribute primarily to the digital skills development and talent pipeline and professional placement components of the UDAAN project that will run until the end of 2029. 

1. AI Capacity Development

• Design and implement a tiered AI learning program targeting beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners.
• Deliver training modules covering:
  • AI literacy and ethics
  • Machine learning and data science
  • Advanced AI applications such as NLP, computer vision, and automation.
• Support curriculum development and delivery through hybrid learning models.

2. Talent Pipeline and Professional Placement

• Support the preparation of young professionals for careers in the digital economy.
• Facilitate linkages between trained youth and private sector organizations for internships, fellowships, and employment opportunities.
• Strengthen competency-based pathways for youth entering AI-related fields.

3. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support

• Provide technical input in the design and implementation of:
  • Innovation bootcamps
  • Hackathons
  • Digital innovation programs
• Mentor youth-led teams developing digital and AI-based solutions.

4. Technical Advisory Support

• Provide technical guidance on AI-related project activities until December 2029.
• Support the development of innovation-driven learning environments aligned with industry standards.

C. Eligibility Criteria

Interested organizations must meet the following criteria:

• Be a legally registered non-governmental organization or non-profit entity in Nepal.
• Have at least seven years of institutional experience in relevant technical fields.
• Extensive experience in training professionals across diverse industries on AI integration and application.
• Proven track record of publishing AI-related scientific research on top-tier academic platforms and journals.
• Strong history of education and outreach initiatives aimed at promoting AI literacy and engagement across different communities and sectors
• Have experience implementing projects funded by international development partners or donors.
• Demonstrate strong organizational governance, financial management, and programmatic capacity.

D. Submission Process

Interested organizations are invited to submit a complete EOI application package, including the following documents:

1. Annex A – Project Description
2. Annex B – Expression of Interest Form
3. Annex C – Partner Self Assessment Form
4. Annex D – Sworn Statement
5. Annex E – Technical Proposal Template
6. Annex F – Financial Proposal Template

To receive the application package, kindly email grants@youthinnovationlab.org with the subject line: “Application package – Technical Partner for UDAAN Project” by 16 March 2026. 

The completed application package must be submitted electronically to: grants@youthinnovationlab.org with the subject line: “EOI Submission – Technical Partner for UDAAN Project”

Applications must be submitted no later than 22 March, 23:59 hrs (Nepal Standard Time). Late submissions will not be considered.

E. Clarification Requests

Applicants may submit clarification requests regarding this EOI via email to: grants@youthinnovationlab.org  with the subject line: “Query – EOI Technical Partner UDAAN”

All queries must be submitted no later than 15 March 2026. Responses will be shared with all applicants.

F. Evaluation Process

The evaluation of EOI submissions will follow a two-stage assessment process.

Stage 1: Eligibility Screening

Applications will be screened based on:

• Compliance with eligibility criteria
• Completeness of submission documents

Stage 2: Technical and Financial Evaluation

Eligible applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

YI-Lab reserves the right to select the most qualified partner based on technical merit and institutional capacity.

G. Additional Conditions

• All costs associated with the preparation and submission of the EOI shall be borne by the applicant organization.
• Youth Innovation Lab reserves the right to accept or reject any application without assigning reasons.
• The EOI process will be conducted in accordance with YI-Lab’s Grant Manual.
• YI-Lab may request additional information or clarification from applicants during the evaluation process.