Him-CONNECT: Platform for Upscaling Himalayan Innovation to the Global Level

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India, successfully organized Him-Connect from 25–27 February 2026 at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi, during the Silver Jubilee edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit 2026 hosted by The Energy and Resources Institute. Launched by Bhupender Yadav under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS), the initiative builds on over a decade of Himalayan-focused research, with NMHS supporting more than 250 field-based projects addressing water security, climate adaptation, waste management, sustainable construction, and nature-based livelihoods. Him-CONNECT was conceived as a catalytic innovation and partnership platform to translate validated research and technological solutions into market-ready, scalable applications for the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The event showcased 24 innovative research initiatives from diverse domains, all demonstrating proven potential for protecting Himalayan society and the environment. By bringing together research institutions, grassroots innovators, start-ups, investors, incubators, industry leaders, and policymakers, the platform aims to align science, finance, and policy for sustainable and climate-resilient development. On 26 February 2026, Pitching & Knowledge Sharing Sessions enabled NMHS-supported innovators to present their technologies before investors and industry representatives. Ms. Nameeta Prasad, Joint Secretary, MoEF&CC, emphasized Him-CONNECT as a convergence point “where Science meets Society,” strengthening pathways toward commercialization and long-term resilience. On 27 February 2026, Tanmay Kumar, Secretary, EF&CC, engaged with innovators and stakeholders, encouraging sustained collaboration to scale livelihood-centric and environmentally sustainable solutions across the Indian Himalayan Region. The event concluded successfully, reinforcing the bridge between scientific innovation and commercial scalability in one of the world’s most ecologically significant mountain ecosystems.

Date: 25th Feb 2026 -27th Feb 2026