Blue Peace Central Asia presents: Regional Youth Water Solutions Incubator

Young innovators across Central Asia are invited to apply for the Regional Youth Water Solutions Incubator, a new initiative designed to support the next generation of leaders in addressing the region's most pressing water challenges.

Launched under the Blue Peace Central Asia (BPCA) initiative, the program aims to strengthen regional cooperation and build youth capacity in transboundary water governance by supporting innovative, practical, and policy-relevant solutions developed by young professionals from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The incubator will focus on four key thematic areas: Water Quality, Water and Climate Change, Water and Energy, and Water Data and Digital Solutions. Applicants are encouraged to submit early-stage concepts and pilot ideas that address shared water challenges and demonstrate potential for practical implementation and scale-up.

Five selected youth innovators, one from each Central Asian country, will receive tailored mentoring, participate in a regional hackathon bootcamp, and access funding of up to USD 2,500 to further develop their ideas through research, prototyping, piloting, and outreach activities.

The six-month program will combine capacity building, expert guidance, peer learning, and regional networking opportunities. Participants will showcase their solutions to regional experts, institutions, and potential implementation partners during a final regional event.

Women and young professionals from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Regional Youth Water Solutions Incubator is implemented within the framework of the Blue Peace Central Asia initiative (2025–2029), supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in cooperation with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Central Asia Regional Environmental Centre (CAREC).

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit:

•  A CV
•  A short concept note (maximum 2–3 pages) outlining:
     •  the proposed solution or innovation idea;
     •  the problem or challenge being addressed;
     •  its relevance to regional or transboundary water-related issues in Central Asia;
     •  the proposed approach or methodology;
     •  expected outcomes and practical relevance;
     •  preliminary implementation considerations and, where relevant, potential for further development or scalability.

Applications may be submitted by individuals or small teams of up to three members. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Submit applications to: m.yodalieva@cgiar.org

Application deadline: 28 June 2026.

For more information: Instructions

Together, we can empower a new generation of water leaders and innovators to shape a more resilient and cooperative water future for Central Asia.