ToR for Youth Innovation Challenge

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Youth Innovation Challenge 2026

Climate Action, Green Enterprise, and Circular Economy in Bagmati Province

1. Background

DCA Nepal is organising the Youth Innovation Challenge 2026 to promote youth-led innovation in climate action, green enterprise, circular economy for sustainable development. DCA Nepal invites groups of participants from Bagmati Province to submit a two-page concept note outlining their innovative ideas related to climate action, green enterprise, and circular economy. Each group must include at least one female participant to ensure gender inclusion and diverse representation within the team.

2. Goal

To empower youth to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that contribute to climate resilience, green entrepreneurship, circular economy practices in Nepal.

3. Objectives

The specific objectives of the challenge are to:

• Encourage youth-led innovation in climate action and sustainable development.
• Promote green entrepreneurship and circular economy practices.
• Facilitate mentorship, networking, and learning opportunities for young innovators.

4. Geographical Coverage

The challenge will be implemented as a pilot initiative in Bagmati Province, Nepal.

5. Target Participants

Eligible participants include:

• Youth aged 18–35 years (women applicants may apply up to 40 years of age)
• Youth-led startups and enterprises
• Social enterprises

Priority will be given to women-led, climate-responsive, and socially inclusive initiatives.

6. Thematic Areas: Applications should address one or more of the following thematic areas: 

• Sustainable urban and community-based solutions
• Green enterprise and green jobs
• Circular economy solutions 

7. Challenge Process

The Youth Innovation Challenge 2026 will be conducted through the following phases:

Phase 1: Open Call for Applications

Public announcement and dissemination of the challenge through various communication platforms.

Phase 2: Screening and Shortlisting

Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted based on established selection criteria. To promote gender equality and social inclusion, each participating team must include at least one-woman member.

Phase 3: Mentorship and Networking Support

Shortlisted participants will receive mentorship, technical guidance, and networking opportunities to strengthen their ideas and presentations.

Phase 4: Final Pitch Event

Selected participants will present their innovative ideas before a panel of judges and stakeholders.

Phase 5: Award and Recognition

Outstanding innovations will be recognized and awarded during the final event in celebration of International Youth Day at the end of August 2026.

8. Selection Criteria

Applications from Bagmati Province will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Innovation and creativity
• Relevance to the challenge themes
• Feasibility and sustainability
• Social inclusion and gender responsiveness

9. Expected Outcomes

The challenge is expected to contribute to:

• Increased youth engagement in climate action and innovation
• Enhanced capacity of youth-led enterprises and innovators
• Strengthened collaboration among youth, civil society, private sector, and development actors
• Increased awareness and adoption of circular economy practices

10. Award and Support Package

Selected winner will receive:

• Seed support for innovation development
• Technical mentoring and coaching
• Networking and partnership opportunities
• Visibility through DCA Nepal and partner networks

11. Roles and Responsibilities

• Selection Committee
• Review and shortlist applications
• Evaluate final pitches and select winners
• Ensure a fair and transparent selection process

Participants

• Submit complete applications within the deadline
• Participate actively in all challenge-related activities
• Present innovative ideas during the final pitch event

Applicants are required to submit a maximum two-page concept note outlining their business innovation idea, including its relevance to climate action, green enterprise, and circular economy. The concept note should clearly explain how support from DCA Nepal would contribute to the growth, sustainability, or scaling of the initiative.

All applications must be submitted via email to based@dca.dk

12. Tentative Timeline

13. Reporting and Documentation

DCA Nepal will document the overall challenge process, lessons learned, innovation stories, and outcomes for organizational learning, future programming, and partnership engagement.