Request for Expression of Interest (EOI) Technical Partnership for AI Capacity Development under the UDAAN Project
Bhakta Marga, Kathmandu,
Nepal
Job Type: Consulting Service
Deadline: 22 March 2026, 23.59 hrs. (Nepal Standard time)
Request for Expression of Interest (EOI)
Technical Partnership for AI Capacity Development under the UDAAN Project
Youth Innovation Lab (YI-Lab) invites eligible Nepal-based organizations to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to serve as a Technical Partner for Artificial Intelligence (AI) capacity development and digital talent pipeline activities under the UDAAN – Unleashing Digital Acceleration and Ambition of Nepali Youth project.
The purpose of this EOI is to identify a technically qualified
organization with demonstrated expertise in Artificial Intelligence,
digital capacity development, and innovation ecosystem strengthening to
support the implementation of key technical components of the project.
Youth Innovation Lab (YI-Lab) is a not-for-profit organization committed to empowering young people through technology, innovation, and data-driven solutions. Established in 2017, YI-Lab works at the intersection of technology, governance, and community engagement to address pressing development challenges in Nepal.
Through partnerships with municipalities, academic institutions, government agencies, and international organizations, YI-Lab has implemented initiatives focusing on disaster risk management, climate resilience, civic technology, digital literacy, and youth innovation.
YI-Lab is currently implementing the UDAAN (Unleashing Digital Acceleration and Ambition of Nepali Youth) project with financial support from the European Union. The project is a 48-month nationwide initiative designed to strengthen youth participation in the digital economy by improving digital skills, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and expanding professional opportunities for young Nepali women and men.
B. Scope of Technical Partnership
The
technical partner will contribute primarily to the digital skills
development and talent pipeline and professional placement components
of the UDAAN project.
1. AI
Capacity Development
- Design and implement
a tiered AI learning program targeting beginner, intermediate,
and advanced learners.
- Deliver training modules
covering:
- AI literacy and ethics
- Machine learning and data science
- Advanced AI applications such
as NLP, computer vision, and automation.
- Support curriculum development
and delivery through hybrid learning models.
2.
Talent Pipeline and Professional Placement
- Support the preparation of
young professionals for careers in the digital economy.
- Facilitate linkages between
trained youth and private sector organizations for internships,
fellowships, and employment opportunities.
- Strengthen competency-based
pathways for youth entering AI-related fields.
3.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support
- Provide technical input in the
design and implementation of:
- Innovation bootcamps
- Hackathons
- Digital innovation programs
- Mentor youth-led teams
developing digital and AI-based solutions.
4.
Technical Advisory Support
- Provide technical guidance on AI-related project activities.
- Support the development of innovation-driven learning environments aligned with industry standards.
B. Scope of Technical Partnership
The technical partner will contribute primarily to the digital skills development and talent pipeline and professional placement components of the UDAAN project.
1. AI Capacity Development
- Design and implement a tiered AI learning program targeting beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners.
- Deliver training modules covering:
- AI literacy and ethics
- Machine learning and data science
- Advanced AI applications such as NLP, computer vision, and automation.
- Support curriculum development and delivery through hybrid learning models.
2. Talent Pipeline and Professional Placement
- Support the preparation of young professionals for careers in the digital economy.
- Facilitate linkages between trained youth and private sector organizations for internships, fellowships, and employment opportunities.
- Strengthen competency-based pathways for youth entering AI-related fields.
3. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support
- Provide technical input in the design and implementation of:
- Innovation bootcamps
- Hackathons
- Digital innovation programs
- Mentor youth-led teams developing digital and AI-based solutions.
4. Technical Advisory Support
- Provide technical guidance on AI-related project activities.
- Support the development of innovation-driven learning environments aligned with industry standards.
C. Eligibility Criteria
Interested organizations must meet the following criteria:
• Be a legally registered non-governmental organization or non-profit entity in Nepal.
• Have at least seven years of institutional experience in relevant technical fields.
• Demonstrated institutional capacity in Artificial Intelligence research, advanced machine learning, or applied AI innovation.
• Demonstrate strong expertise in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, data science, or digital innovation.
• Demonstrated experience delivering AI training programs, digital innovation initiatives, or technology capacity development programs.
• Have experience implementing projects funded by international development partners or donors.
• Demonstrate strong organizational governance, financial management, and programmatic capacity.
Interested organizations must meet the following criteria:
• Be a legally registered non-governmental organization or non-profit entity in Nepal.
• Have at least seven years of institutional experience in relevant technical fields.
• Demonstrated institutional capacity in Artificial Intelligence research, advanced machine learning, or applied AI innovation.
• Demonstrate strong expertise in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, data science, or digital innovation.
• Demonstrated experience delivering AI training programs, digital innovation initiatives, or technology capacity development programs.
• Have experience implementing projects funded by international development partners or donors.
• Demonstrate strong organizational governance, financial management, and programmatic capacity.
D. Submission Process
1. Interested organizations are invited to submit a complete EOI application package, including the following documents:
- Annex A – Project Description
- Annex B – Expression of Interest Form
- Annex C – Partner Self Assessment Form
- Annex D – Sworn Statement
- Annex E – Technical Proposal Template
- Annex F – Financial Proposal Template
To receive the application package, kindly email grants@youthinnovationlab.org with the subject line: “Application package –
Technical Partner for UDAAN Project” by 16 March 2026.
The completed
application package must be submitted electronically to: grants@youthinnovationlab.org with the subject line: “EOI Submission – Technical
Partner for UDAAN Project”
Applications
must be submitted no later than 22 March, 23:59 hrs (Nepal
Standard Time). Late submissions will not be considered.
D. Submission Process
1. Interested organizations are invited to submit a complete EOI application package, including the following documents:
- Annex A – Project Description
- Annex B – Expression of Interest Form
- Annex C – Partner Self Assessment Form
- Annex D – Sworn Statement
- Annex E – Technical Proposal Template
- Annex F – Financial Proposal Template
To receive the application package, kindly email grants@youthinnovationlab.org with the subject line: “Application package – Technical Partner for UDAAN Project” by 16 March 2026.
The completed application package must be submitted electronically to: grants@youthinnovationlab.org with the subject line: “EOI Submission – Technical Partner for UDAAN Project”
Applications must be submitted no later than 22 March, 23:59 hrs (Nepal Standard Time). Late submissions will not be considered.
G. Additional Conditions
- All
costs associated with the preparation and submission of the EOI shall be borne
by the applicant organization.
- Youth
Innovation Lab reserves the right to accept or reject any application
without assigning reasons.
- The EOI process will be conducted in accordance
with YI-Lab’s procurement policies.
- YI-Lab may request additional information or
clarification from applicants during the evaluation process.
G. Additional Conditions
- All costs associated with the preparation and submission of the EOI shall be borne by the applicant organization.
- Youth Innovation Lab reserves the right to accept or reject any application without assigning reasons.
- The EOI process will be conducted in accordance with YI-Lab’s procurement policies.
- YI-Lab may request additional information or clarification from applicants during the evaluation process.
