Urban Dengue Control Innovation Challenge

Bio-enabled and digitally-powered solutions for sustainable dengue control in cities of Sri Lanka

TIMELINE

  • CHALLENGE LAUNCH

    18 June 2026

    The challenge opens for applications

  • CONCEPT NOTE APPLICATION

    18 June - 14 August 2026

     

    Submit your concept note through the ADB challenges platform. Read more about the challenge, technology compatibility, constraints etc. here.

  • SHORTLISTING

    15 August - 4 September 2026

     

    The evaluation committee reviews all concept notes and shortlists applicants. All applicants will be informed about the outcome of the shortlisting by September 2026.


  • FULL APPLICATION

    7 September - 9 October 2026

     

    If shortlisted, prepare and submit a full application, including more details of your pilot (milestones, deliverables, budget, timeline) and your team.


  • Pitching

    12 October 2026

     

    Present your technology solution and pilot proposal to the evaluation committee.


  • FINAL SELECTION

    19 October 2026

     

    The evaluation committee selects 1–2 proposals.


  • GRANT FUNDING AGREEMENT (GFA) NEGOTIATIONS

    October/November 2026

     

    If selected, negotiate and agree with ADB on e.g. milestones, deliverables, budget, and KPIs.

  • SIGNING AND OFFICIAL ANNOUNEMENT

    November/December 2026

     

    Sign the GFA between the lead applicant and ADB. The outcome of the challenge will be announced, and all shortlisted applicants will be informed.

  • PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

    From January 2027

     

    Begin implementing your pilot. Payments are milestone based.

 

 Is TIC right for you?

Think you might be a fit? Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria.

 

Co-financing

Cover at least 10% of total project cost, contributed in cash or in-kind.

Registration

Legally incorporated or registered in an ADB member country at time of concept note submission.

Entity Type

For-profit, non-profit, civil society organisation, research institution, or legally autonomous government-owned enterprise.

IP Rights

Hold intellectual property rights to the technology — through ownership or a valid license.

Local Linkages

Established ties to a local partner and/or demonstrated understanding of the local operating environment.

SELECTION CRITERIA

A technical committee will evaluate applications in two stages, concept note and full application, based on the following evaluation criteria
 
Concept Note Application Phase

  • Impact (50%) - How effective the technology solution is in resolving the development challenge, and the likelihood that it will deliver meaningful and lasting change for the intended beneficiaries. This includes whether the expected outputs and results are clearly defined and realistic, and whether the solution addresses the root causes of the challenge rather than its symptoms. The extent to which the technology solution can contribute to helping DMCs reach the Sustainable Development Goals.

  • Innovativeness (30%) - The extent to which the technology solution represents a new or innovative approach to resolving the development challenge. This includes whether the solution introduces a new technology, a new combination of technologies, or a novel application of an existing technology within the nominated DMC or context. Whether the approach demonstrates creative problem solving and offers a distinct advantage over existing solutions currently available or in use in the region.

 

  • Scalability (20%) - Quality of execution: The extent to which a successful solution could spread beyond the pilot and be sustained over time. This includes whether there is a plausible actor to take the solution to scale, such as a government agency, private provider, or development partner, and whether the solution could fit within existing systems, institutions, or workflows rather than requiring system-wide reform. Whether there is a credible pathway to sustaining and financing scale-up without reliance on continued external support.

Full Application Criteria

  • Impact (30%) - How effective the technology solution is in resolving the development challenge, and the likelihood that it will deliver meaningful and lasting change for the intended beneficiaries. This includes whether the expected outputs and results are clearly defined and realistic, and whether the solution addresses the root causes of the challenge rather than its symptoms. The extent to which the technology solution can contribute to helping DMCs reach the Sustainable Development Goals.

  • Scalability (30%) - The extent to which a successful solution could spread beyond the pilot and be sustained over time. This includes whether there is a plausible actor to take the solution to scale, such as a government agency, private provider, or development partner, and whether the solution could fit within existing systems, institutions, or workflows rather than requiring system-wide reform. Whether there is a credible pathway to sustaining and financing scale-up without reliance on continued external support.

  • Pilot Design (20%) - Quality of execution: The extent to which the proposed pilot is well designed and positioned to generate credible evidence in support of scale-up. This includes whether the overall approach is sound and appropriate to the context, whether the budget is realistic, well justified, and proportionate to the expected impact, and whether milestones are clearly defined and measurable. Project risks, including environmental and social are identified along with realistic and proportionate mitigation measures.

  • Team (20%) - The extent to which the team demonstrates the expertise, experience, and local knowledge needed to deliver the proposed pilot effectively. This includes the technical expertise of the core team in the relevant domain, a track record of implementing similar projects, and familiarity with the local context, regulatory environment, and community dynamics. The extent to which the proposal leverages local partners who bring relevant knowledge, networks, and credibility within the country of implementation.

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