Introduction to this request for applications:

UNCDF is looking for a firm or a consortium of other related stakeholders like universities, advisory non-profit organizations to support with expert guidance the set-up of an innovation hub in multiple countries in Asia and Africa, starting with Nepal. The innovation hub will undertake different activities over the course of next few years to support the development of digital solutions that address the needs of different segments and sectors.

The result of this process will be creation of new SMEs/Start-ups that will bring in innovative services to the Nepali and other UNCDF markets and they will give impetus to the digital economy, thus creating jobs and driving growth. UNCDF will support the incubation/acceleration process of new ideas or existing solutions. This process referred to as “cohort” will bring-in different types of support as listed below.

1. Mentoring: opportunity to work alongside industry leaders and experienced investors to catalyze growth.

2. Access to support infrastructure, collaboration tools and digital platforms.

3.Knowledge Sharing: sharing know-how within global and local tech community members and start-up founders.

4. Strategic and global access to subscribers/clients, as well as insights to shape future technologies from the enabler partners.

5. Investment capital to fund early-stage companies working across use-cases where digital is a key enabler

The Innovation hub at country level plans to conduct at least four cohorts to support the creation of new SMEs/ start-ups. Each country has its own focus in terms of nos, the above mentioned number is for Nepal, but the few cohorts could also be asked to be delivered in other markets of Asia or Africa. Each cohort will focus on a specific topic and applicants will have to apply based on list of a pre-defined criteria. Agriculture, health, finance, education, remittance represent a list of the sectors under which these new SMEs would be supported to create digital solutions that address variety of pain points.

UNCDF will support the selected applicant, by bringing in the expertise of its innovation team in Asia and other markets in the region to apply the tools within each cohort and work with a network of mentors at national, regional and global level.

The overall duration of the engagement is expected to take up to 24 months.

Applications & RFA Calendar:

• Publication date: 24 August 2018
• Deadline for questions in writing 30 August 2018
• Publication of Questions and Answers Document: 3 September 2018
• Final deadline for applications 17 September 2018 6pm GMT

You may send questions to mm4p@uncdf.org A FAQ document will be generated based on enquiries received on or before 30 August. The FAQs will be posted on the UNCDF website no later Monday the 3^rd of September.

Applications should be returned to the UNCDF by email at mm4p@uncdf.org no later than midnight on 17 September Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Applications must follow the submission format in Annex I.