The Build for Himalayas (BFH) theme is dedicated to addressing the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in the Himalayan region, which is marked by its rugged terrain, rich cultural heritage, and distinct environmental conditions. This theme focuses on creating sustainable solutions that align with the environmental, social, and economic realities of the Himalayas. Key areas of interest include natural resource management, where innovations are aimed at optimizing the use of the region's abundant natural resources while preserving its fragile ecosystems; rural development, which seeks to enhance the livelihoods of local communities through improved infrastructure, education, and employment opportunities; and vernacular architecture, which promotes the use of traditional building techniques and materials that are well-suited to the local climate and cultural context. Additionally, BFH emphasizes the importance of public infrastructure and disaster safety, ensuring that the region is resilient to natural calamities such as landslides and earthquakes. This theme also includes efforts to scale local products and services, bringing the unique offerings of the Himalayas to broader markets while fostering economic growth within the region. Finally, BFH is committed to social inclusion, ensuring that all members of the community, including marginalized groups, benefit from the advancements in technology and innovation. Startups under this theme are encouraged to develop holistic solutions that not only address immediate challenges but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the Himalayan region.

The problem statements in this area are devised in close communication with the state's Industries Department, HP Center for Entrepreneurship Development, Department of IT, and Labor Commissioner Office-HP.

Problem Statements in Build for Himalayas thematic area

• Product/Solution for real-time waste discharge detection and monitoring across various industries, tailored for the Pollution Control Board
• Product/solution for efficient waste segregation
• Product/solution for fault detection and consumption monitoring for households
• Hill road safety, disaster prevention, and management
• Demand and supply-side challenges to himalayan agriculture
• Vocal for local - interventions to scale local products and services
• Rural development - education, skill training, and employment
• Patient oriented hospital management information system, digitization of patient health records and prescriptions, and data based analytics for decision making
• Route tracking of popular high elevation trekking routes
• Location tracking of trekkers in areas with and without internet network
• SoS system for trekkers to call help in areas without internet network
• Integration of intra-departmental and inter-departmental data to take data-based decisions
• Low cost technology solutions for displaying, managing, and monitoring vehicle inflow, time-keeping and payment at parking areas
• Solutions for managing state’s blue collared human resource including factory commissioning, labor law compliance, labor hiring and training
• Solutions for efficient record keeping and employment matchmaking for human resource
• Technology on drones for use cases in Himalayas - essentials delivery, difficult terrain mapping and discovery, use cases in high altitude agriculture (sprays, irrigation, etc)
• Drone based solutions for monitoring, mapping, and reporting of deforestation, and solutions for reforestation
• Solutions to promote vernacular housing, sustainable living, and green practices at individual and organizational levels