General & Eligibility
Who can apply?
The Innovation Challenge is open to Bangladeshi university students in their 3rd year or above, aged 18–26, including undergraduate and postgraduate students, and recent graduates (within one year).
Do I need a background in climate science or engineering?
No. The Challenge is open to all academic disciplines.
Can I apply as an individual?
No. You must apply as a team of 3–5 people.
I'm not a final-year student. Can I still apply?
Yes. Eligibility starts from 3rd year onward.
Is there a cost to apply?
No. Participation is completely free.
Teams
Can students from different universities form a team?
Yes. Cross-university teams are welcome.
Can students from different disciplines form a team?
Yes. Multidisciplinary teams are encouraged.
Does my team need both male and female members?
Yes. Your team must be mixed-gender and cannot consist of only one gender.
Can BRIDGE X and non-BRIDGE X participants be on the same team?
Yes.
Can a BRIDGE X member participate in more than one team?
No. A BRIDGE X member can participate in only one team.
BRIDGE X
Does being a BRIDGE X participant give me a separate selection advantage?
No. BRIDGE X is not a separate selection track. All applicants go through the same eligibility requirements, selection criteria and merit-based assessment process.
Can a BRIDGE X team include people outside BRIDGE X?
Yes. The BRIDGE X team lead can invite eligible students or recent graduates from outside BRIDGE X.
Challenge Themes
What themes can I work on?
The overarching theme is Climate Information Services for Climate Adaptation, with five challenge areas:
- Climate adaption for Agriculture & Livelihoods
- Urban Life & Work
- Climate adaptive financial protection
- Water Resource Management
- Health & Resilience
Do I need prior knowledge of Climate Information Services?
No. You do not need prior CIS expertise to participate.
Can I choose which theme I want to work on?
Yes. You can choose the challenge area that best fits your interests, skills and perspective.
Application & Selection
What do I need to submit?
An initial concept during the application window. Full submission requirements will be shared at launch.
Do I need an existing business or prototype?
No.
How are applications reviewed?
Applications go through an initial screening followed by a more detailed proposal review for shortlisted concepts.
What happens if my team is shortlisted?
Selected teams progress through field immersion and a design bootcamp before the final pitch.
When is the final pitch?
TBA.
Participation
How much time will the Challenge take?
The commitment varies by stage. The application requires time to work with your team and develop your concept. Field immersion and the design bootcamp will involve a more intensive commitment.
A detailed schedule will be shared with selected teams.
Rewards & What Comes Next
What do the top teams receive?
The top three teams will each receive a BDT 100,000 grant.
What if my team doesn't win?
The Challenge offers experience, field exposure, practitioner engagement and recognition beyond the final award. Outstanding participants and ideas may also be considered for opportunities within the wider FIF ecosystem.
Is the FIF Fellowship guaranteed?
No. The Fellowship has its own eligibility and selection process.
