The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development has launched the National Climate Stack Innovation Challenge with The Gates Foundation and Dalberg Advisors. The initiative aims to build the foundational layers of a National Climate Stack for rural India. It seeks to improve climate resilience by creating decision-ready climate intelligence for agriculture, rural finance, and public planning.
Need for Climate Intelligence
India is facing rising climate risks, including heatwaves, floods, droughts, and cyclones. These hazards are increasing pressure on agriculture and rural livelihoods. Although climate data availability has improved, forecasting remains fragmented across datasets and isolated models. Existing risk management systems are still largely reactive.
Purpose of the Challenge
The challenge is designed to mobilise India’s scientific and innovation ecosystem. It invites proposals for two key areas:
- Near-term climate hazard forecasting frameworks for the next 10–15 years.
- Practical use-case dashboards built on the hazard layer for operational use.
The larger aim is to move from climate data aggregation to interoperable climate intelligence. This is expected to support farmers, rural institutions, and government planning systems.
Challenge Process and Timelines
The innovation challenge will follow a multi-stage selection process. An open call for proposals is scheduled for 6 March 2026. Research institutions, universities, startups, and private-sector innovators can apply. Shortlisting will take place during March and April 2026. Selected teams will then enter a 6–8 week guided development sprint in April and May 2026. Final technical validation and jury selection will be held between May and June 2026.
Evaluation Criteria and Policy Relevance
Submissions will be assessed on scientific rigour, explainability, practical relevance, interoperability, and scalability. The initiative reflects a broader push to use technology for a more resilient rural India. It also marks the growing importance of climate data systems in disaster preparedness, agricultural planning, and rural credit assessment.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026