Frugal Innovation Challenge: Submit Low-Cost, Community-Driven Solutions to Climate Change in Bangladesh

Climate change is increasingly reshaping communities, livelihoods and everyday life across Bangladesh. From coastal villages experiencing environmental pressures to rapidly growing cities facing changing climate conditions, the effects of climate change are becoming an important concern for communities, households and local institutions. As these challenges continue to evolve, there is an urgent need for practical, accessible and sustainable approaches that help people adapt to changing environmental realities.

In response to the need for fresh thinking and locally relevant solutions, the Frugal Innovation Challenge is inviting individuals with ideas for addressing climate-related challenges in their communities to step forward and contribute to the search for practical climate adaptation solutions.

The challenge recognises that meaningful innovation does not always require expensive technology, large financial investments or complicated systems. In many cases, some of the most effective solutions are simple, affordable and developed from the knowledge, experiences and creativity of the people who understand their communities best.

Through this opportunity, participants are encouraged to look at climate realities in their communities from a new perspective, identify challenges that require attention and present ideas that could help people adapt. Whether an idea builds on traditional knowledge, improves an existing local practice or introduces a new way of responding to environmental challenges, the challenge creates an opportunity to bring community-centred thinking into conversations about climate adaptation.

Frugal innovation is an approach to developing solutions that prioritises simplicity, affordability, accessibility and effective use of available resources. Rather than beginning with the assumption that a problem requires expensive equipment, sophisticated technology or significant financial investment, frugal innovation asks how the same challenge could be addressed through a more practical and resource-conscious approach.