About

The Bridging the Cold Chain Gap Challenge seeks innovative, scalable, and affordable cold chain solutions to reduce post-harvest food loss and improve the livelihoods of fruit and vegetable vendors across India. The program focuses on strengthening last-mile cold chain infrastructure, extending the shelf life of perishable produce, reducing distress sales, increasing vendor incomes, supporting women and youth vendors, and promoting sustainable value chains. By addressing the lack of accessible cooling and preservation technologies, the initiative aims to minimize spoilage, prevent income losses, and enhance food and nutrition security while fostering dignified livelihoods and building a resilient, low-carbon agricultural ecosystem.

The challenge specifically targets small street vendors—including hawkers, pushcart sellers, and footpath traders—who currently operate without cold storage. Selected pilot projects may receive up to USD 450,000 in grant funding, subject to a 10% co-financing requirement. In addition to financial support, participants will gain opportunities to test and validate solutions in new markets, collaborate with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other stakeholders, and increase visibility among governments and financiers across Asia and the Pacific.

Eligibility

Applications are open to for-profit entities, not-for-profit organizations, civil society organizations, research institutions, and government-owned enterprises that are legally and financially autonomous in the implementation country. Individual applicants are not eligible. All team members must be at least 18 years of age. Proposals will be evaluated based on their potential to deliver affordable, scalable, and impactful cold chain solutions that directly benefit last-mile fruit and vegetable vendors in India.

Post Date: July 16, 2026