Call for Proposals for the Innovation Challenge
Sesotho AI Language Hackathon
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Lesotho and the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation (MICSTI) are calling on individual innovators, companies, NGOs and startups to participate in the AI Local Language Innovation Hackathon. This initiative aims to discover inclusive, Sesotho-based AI solutions that directly respond to local needs and broaden digital and language access for marginalised communities.
Objective of the Challenge: The objective of the hackathon is to accelerate the development of AI-driven Sesotho language solutions that enhance digital accessibility, preserve cultural identity, and build a sustainable ecosystem for inclusive digital transformation in Lesotho.
Eligible applicants: Individuals, NGOs, Companies
Expected date of contract start: 22 December 2025
Expected length of contract: 45 Days
Estimated prize: Up to a maximum of US$5,000
Interested applicants are invited to any of the two briefing sessions below:
1. The 09th December 2025, 10:00 a.m – 11:30 a.m:
Zoom Link: https://undp.zoom.us/j/88178881725?pwd=etdxuMUKsHVAWGqN4JYbKZaUG47W3P.1&from=addon
Meeting ID: 881 7888 1725
Passcode: 516619
2. The 11th December 2025, at 10:00 a.m – 11:30a.m:
Zoom Link: https://undp.zoom.us/j/88004645295?pwd=9dw6X1jRG2ltXWG1iigUSZT2TVaGeK.1&from=addon
Meeting ID: 880 0464 5295
Passcode: 268446
Other information on this Innovation challenge and forms/templates are listed below:
Annex 1 – Terms of Reference & Evaluation criteria
Annex 2 – Proposal submission Form including Applicant’s Declaration
Annex 3 – Technical Proposal Form
Annex 4 – Financial proposal Form
When preparing your proposal, please be guided by the Instructions and Data. All the details regarding the background of the call, criteria for selection and evaluation can be found in the Terms of Reference. The applicants must submit their proposals using the forms and templates provided in the system.
Please note that proposals must be submitted directly in the UNDP supplier portal system, responding to the questions and uploading required documents by the date and time indicated in the online portal. It is your responsibility to ensure that your proposal is submitted before the deadline. Proposals received after the submission deadline outside the online portal, for whatever reason, will not be considered for evaluation.
Proposals must be submitted directly in NextGenERP supplier portal following this link: http://supplier.quantum.partneragencies.org using the profile you may have in the portal.
Closing date: 14 December 2025