Apply Now for the 2025 Regional Civic Tech Innovation Challenge on Governance – Empowering Asia Pacific’s Next Generation of Changemakers
In an period the place democratic values, transparency, and civic engagement are below stress throughout the globe, the 2025 Regional Civic Tech Innovation Challenge on Governance presents a well timed and impactful alternative. Spearheaded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), this problem is a name to motion for younger founders aged 18–35 from Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Are you working on a civic tech resolution that addresses corruption, improves public companies, or boosts civic participation? Do you have got a technology-powered concept or group that fosters open authorities or strengthens accountability programs? This regional innovation problem may very well be your platform to showcase and scale your resolution—and the journey begins now.
About the Challenge
The Regional Civic Tech Innovation Challenge is a platform to uplift early-stage organizations—each for-profit and non-profit—which can be utilizing expertise for good governance. The programme is designed to amplify native improvements, present visibility to daring concepts, and foster regional collaboration amongst Asia Pacific changemakers. The problem is supported by Accountability Lab and the Open Government Partnership, two international organizations devoted to advancing transparency and civic empowerment.
This 12 months’s focus international locations—Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka—characterize various governance landscapes, every with distinctive alternatives and challenges. The problem seeks to nurture context-specific, community-driven improvements which can be already making a tangible influence and present potential for broader scalability.
What Kind of Innovations Are Eligible?
UNDP is welcoming a variety of digital options and civic applied sciences that intention to advertise accountability, transparency, and public participation. Example themes embrace:
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Civic Tech & Public Engagement: Tools that improve participation, transparency, or open information accessibility.
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Anti-Corruption Tech & Data: Digital or AI instruments that detect, forestall, or report corruption.
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Public Service Reform: Systems that enhance the high quality, effectivity, or equity of public companies.
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Legal & Justice Access: Projects that promote authorized literacy, assist entry to justice, or strengthen rule of regulation.
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Local Governance & Community Participation: Platforms that facilitate group enter in decision-making and planning.
Projects can take the type of apps, digital platforms, information visualizations, group dashboards, on-line advocacy campaigns, or different tech-driven instruments.
Eligibility Criteria
To guarantee equity and relevance, candidates should meet the following eligibility necessities:
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Age: At least one founder or co-founder have to be aged 18–35
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Nationality/Location: Open primarily to residents or nationals of Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, or Sri Lanka
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Project Stage: The venture have to be early-stage, with clear proof of pilot exercise or preliminary implementation
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Tech Component: Solutions should leverage expertise—apps, platforms, information instruments, or AI—to strengthen governance or accountability
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Availability: A workforce member who matches the age standards have to be out there to attend the totally funded in-person Demo Day in Bangkok in October 2025
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Language: All purposes have to be submitted in English
Only candidates who meet all standards will probably be thought of.
What You’ll Gain
Selected candidates will profit from a multi-stage programme that helps each private and organizational progress:
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Pre-Event Online Bootcamp (September 2025):
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Intensive coaching led by governance specialists, tech mentors, and civic innovators
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Topics embrace pitching, civic tech technique, group constructing, and fundraising
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Fully Funded Trip to Bangkok (October 2025):
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Participate in the in-person Demo Day alongside different regional finalists
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Present your innovation to a panel of specialists, funders, and international companions
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Compete for Regional Recognition and Prize Money
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Post-Challenge Support
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Gain entry to international mentorship and potential pilot partnerships by way of UNDP and its collaborators
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Connect with alumni of earlier civic innovation programmes
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Application Process
Applications have to be submitted by way of the official form by June 30, 2025. Please make sure you put together the following supplies:
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A transparent and concise application type
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A pitch deck (remaining model solely; updates after submission is not going to be thought of)
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A video essay (below 1 minute) introducing your venture and its potential influence
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Confirmation of availability for the in-person Bangkok occasion
For technical points throughout submission, contact: yaqi.chu@undp.org
What Makes a Strong Application?
Successful candidates will:
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Clearly align their tasks with the governance problem themes
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Articulate a compelling problem-solution-impact narrative
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Demonstrate group engagement or person validation
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Show potential for scaling or replication
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Convey how the problem will speed up their mission
The choice panel is just not trying for manufacturing high quality in video submissions, however for authenticity, readability, and imaginative and prescient.
The Regional Civic Tech Innovation Challenge on Governance 2025 is greater than a contest—it’s a launchpad for the subsequent technology of civic innovators. If you’re constructing a future the place governments are extra responsive, establishments are extra clear, and communities are extra empowered, that is your second to shine.
Be daring. Be revolutionary. Be heard.
Apply by June 30, 2025 and assist lead the future of inclusive, accountable governance in Asia Pacific.
For extra youth alternatives like this, go to: Opportunities for Youth
Apply Now for the 2025 Regional Civic Tech Innovation Challenge on Governance – Empowering Asia Pacific’s Next Generation of Changemakers
