NomaTech Challenge 2026 - Problem to Prototype Bootcamp

Theme: Restoring Land. Restoring Hope. Innovating for Climate Resilience.

I. Program Overview

The NomaTech Challenge 2026 – Problem to Prototype is a collaborative innovation residency designed to bridge the gap between climate theory and tangible action. Ahead of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17), we are convening a cohort of "young makers" to bring scalable solutions for climate resilience.

This is an intensive 7 days prototyping sprint hosted at the Gerlab Engineering Workshop in Mongolia. Participants move beyond the classroom to engage in deep co-creation, building solutions alongside the people most impacted by environmental change. 

• Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

• Date: To be finalized (10–17 August)
  COP17 Showcase: 21 August

• Format: Intensive Hybrid (Online Prep + In-Person Prototyping)

II. Gain Intensive Prototyping Experience

• Rapid Fabrication: Access industrial-grade tools (CNC, 3D printing, electronics) and Global Fablab expertise.

• Human-Centered Co-Creation: Conduct deep-dive interviews and field sessions with herders, farmers and local communities. 

• Systems Innovation: Apply design thinking to solve complex challenges in climate resilience.

• COP17 Showcase: Successful projects will be exhibited at the UNCCD COP17 Innovation Showcase, presenting directly to global policymakers and investors.

III. Core Focus Areas

Applicants may propose ideas or projects related to one or more of the following areas:

1. Climate & Environmental Innovation

• Land restoration technologies

• Desertification mitigation solutions

• Smart environmental monitoring systems

• AI and satellite-based ecological analysis

• Water conservation and drought resilience tools

• Carbon reduction and climate adaptation solutions

1. Sustainable Agriculture & Rangelands

• Regenerative agriculture

• Sustainable pasture management

• Livestock resilience systems

• Soil health monitoring

• Agri-tech for rural communities

• Food security innovations

1. Circular Economy & Green Cities

• Waste reduction and recycling systems

• Plastic alternatives and circular materials

• Green infrastructure and urban resilience

• Renewable energy solutions

• Sustainable mobility and low-carbon lifestyles

1. Community & Social Innovation

• Climate education platforms

• Indigenous knowledge preservation

• Youth-led environmental initiatives

• Digital tools for rural inclusion

• Sustainable tourism and local livelihood solutions

• Community resilience and adaptation programs

IV. Eligibility & Candidate Profile

We are seeking high-potential undergraduate students from the Institute of Science Tokyo committed to addressing environmental and social challenges through rapid prototyping and co-creation.

• Academic Standing: Current undergraduate students (open to all disciplines preferably science, engineering, business administration, social science, etc.,).

• Language Proficiency: Applicants should have the ability to communicate in English.

• Grit: Willingness to work in interdisciplinary teams and thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

VII. Application Requirements

Prospective participants must submit the following via the official portal:

1. Personal and academic details.

2. Problem Statement: Applicants may propose ideas or projects related to one or more of the core areas listed above. Provide a concise description of the project and the challenge it aims to address (maximum 800 characters).

3. 1-Minute Pitch Video: A brief introduction to your technical background and motivation, presented in any style you prefer.

VIII. Fees and Expenses

The Program Fee is waived for all participants. Under the support of the National University of Mongolia (NUM), major local costs are covered.

Provisions Covered by National University of Mongolia

The National University of Mongolia will arrange and provide the following at no additional cost to the participants:

• Accommodation: Twin-share rooms for the duration of the program.

• Meals: Full board is provided (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).

• Transportation: All scheduled bus transport for site visits and program-related excursions.

Join the Movement

No prior fabrication experience is required for participants. Global instructors from Fab Labs around the world will guide the program, while technicians at the Gerlab Engineering Workshop will provide hands-on support during prototyping sessions. Participants will have full access to digital fabrication machinery and tools, and all necessary consumable materials will be provided.

As 77% of Mongolia’s land faces degradation, the need for immediate, tech-driven restoration has never been greater. Be the innovator who turns the tide.

Application Form: [ click here to access the form]. Please submit your completed application in PDF format to the project coordinator at otgonujin@num.edu.mn by July 25th, 2026. If you have any questions regarding the bootcamp, please feel free to contact us.