ICIMOD
ICIMOD is an intergovernmental non-profit knowledge organization serving eight Hindu Kush Himalaya member countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan) through geospatial monitoring, policy advisory, and capacity building for sustainable mountain development, climate adaptation, and water management.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1983
- HeadquartersKathmandu, Nepal
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What ICIMOD does
ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development) is an intergovernmental, non-profit knowledge organization established in 1983 and headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal (Godavari, Lalitpur). It operates as the only regional intergovernmental organization exclusively focused on sustainable mountain development in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), serving eight member states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. The organization produces scientific assessments, policy advisory, capacity building, and on-the-ground community programmes addressing climate change adaptation, transboundary water resource management, biodiversity conservation, disaster risk reduction (floods, GLOFs, landslides), and livelihood improvement for vulnerable mountain populations.
The technology stack is built around geospatial infrastructure and Earth observation. Core digital products include SERVIR-HKH (a NASA/USAID-supported satellite Earth observation science applications platform), the Regional Database System (RDS) for metadata and visualized HKH datasets, the Mountain GeoPortal for spatial data access, the Koshi Basin Information System (KBIS), the HKH CryoHub for cryosphere monitoring, HKHBIF for biodiversity data publishing through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), HIMALDOC digital library (over 20,000 books, articles, and theses), ICIMOD Learn e-learning platform, and Climate Services including the HKH Monsoon Outlook. HIMAP (Hindu Kush Himalayan Monitoring and Assessment Programme) provides the overarching monitoring framework.
ICIMOD's business model is grant-funded with no commercial pricing. Revenue derives from assessed contributions by the eight member governments, bilateral donor grants (Australian DFAT, European Union, IFAD, USAID, Government of Japan), and project-specific funding including technical partnerships with NASA. The go-to-market is community-led and event-driven: the organization engages member governments through policy advisory, delivers training workshops and conferences across the HKH, and distributes knowledge products through open-access digital platforms and implementing partner networks (HELVETAS, WWF, NTNC, WCS). All publications, data resources, and capacity-building services are provided free of charge. The 2026 UN Water Conference IGO accreditation and the Strategy 2030 / MTAP V (2023–2026) plan signal continued programmatic expansion.
ICIMOD firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ICIMOD
- Legal name
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
- Website
- https://icimod.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1983
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- ICIMOD is an intergovernmental non-profit knowledge organization serving eight Hindu Kush Himalaya member countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan) through geospatial monitoring, policy advisory, and capacity building for sustainable mountain development, climate adaptation, and water management.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ICIMOD industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Environmental Research and Sustainable Mountain Development Services
- NAICS
- Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (541360), Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172), Information (51)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus & Resilience Programming (BPADAEAK)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Environmental Data Management Platforms (EHS/EMS, LIMS, ELN, Compliance Data Hubs) (EUAHAKAA)
Keywords
Where ICIMOD is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kathmandu
- HQ country
- Nepal
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
ICIMOD business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Government and Donor Funding: ICIMOD is funded through contributions from its eight regional member countries and international donors including the Australian Government (DFAT), European Union, and IFAD. The organization receives core funding for its operations and project-specific funding for initiatives.
- Australian Government DFAT Support: The Koshi Basin Programme received financial support from Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for inclusive poverty reduction and water management initiatives.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
ICIMOD product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ICIMOD is an intergovernmental knowledge and research organization that generates and disseminates evidence-based knowledge on sustainable mountain development across the Hindu Kush Himalaya. It delivers open-access digital platforms covering Earth observation, regional data infrastructure, climate services, cryosphere monitoring, biodiversity data, disaster risk reduction, and capacity-building e-learning, serving eight regional member country governments, mountain communities, and research partners.
Product overview
ICIMOD is an intergovernmental organization that operates as a platform offering multiple integrated digital products and knowledge services focused on sustainable mountain development in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region. The core product portfolio includes Earth observation and satellite-based monitoring services (SERVIR-HKH), regional data infrastructure (Regional Database System, Mountain GeoPortal), climate services, and thematic knowledge hubs addressing disaster risk reduction (Koshi DRR Knowledge Hub), biodiversity (HKHBIF), gender equity (Koshi Gender Portal), and cryosphere monitoring (HKH CryoHub). Additional offerings include the Koshi Basin Information System for basin-scale spatial analysis, the Adaptation Solutions Portal, ICIMOD Learn for e-learning, and HIMALDOC as a digital library repository. These products collectively serve the eight regional member countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan) through integrated platforms, data visualization tools, and knowledge-sharing services for climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SERVIR-HKH: A regional initiative providing satellite-based Earth observation services for decision-making in the Hindu Kush Himalaya.
- HI-WISE
- HKH CryoHub
- SANDEE
- Himalayan University Consortium (HUC)
- Koshi Basin Initiative
- Koshi DRR Knowledge Hub
- Hindu Kush Himalayan Biodiversity Information Facility (HKHBIF)
- Resilient Mountain Solutions (RMS)
- Himalica Initiative
Products and services
- SERVIR-HKH A regional initiative providing satellite-based Earth observation services, early warning systems, and geospatial tools for climate resilience and environmental monitoring across the Hindu Kush Himalayan region.
- Regional Database System (RDS) ICIMOD's centralized metadata repository and visualized datasets collected around the HKH region, providing open access to regional environmental and socioeconomic data.
- Climate Services Climate monitoring and forecasting services providing HKH Monsoon Outlook and climate risk assessment tools for the Hindu Kush Himalayan region.
- Koshi Basin Information System (KBIS) An online platform providing spatial data visualization and analysis tools for the Koshi basin, including gender-disaggregated data, landcover, wetlands, drainage networks, and socioeconomic indicators.
- Koshi Disaster Risk Reduction Knowledge Hub (KDKH) A member-driven platform fostering transboundary collaboration on disaster risk reduction, addressing water-related hazards, floods, GLOFs, landslides, and hydropower risks across the Koshi basin.
- HKH CryoHub A knowledge platform focused on cryosphere (glacier, snow, permafrost) monitoring and research, providing data and analysis on ice resources in the Hindu Kush Himalaya.
- Mountain GeoPortal A geospatial platform providing access to mountain-specific spatial data, maps, and visualization tools for the HKH region.
- Adaptation Solutions Portal A platform showcasing adaptation solutions and practices for climate resilience in mountain environments across the HKH region.
- ICIMOD Learn An e-learning hub providing high-quality courses and capacity-building resources from ICIMOD's programmes, making learning on mountain development and climate more accessible.
- HIMALDOC (Himalayan Document Centre) A digital library repository containing over 20,000 books, articles, periodicals, theses, and other reference materials related to Himalayan research.
- Hindu Kush Himalayan Biodiversity Information Facility (HKHBIF) A GBIF-mediated publishing platform for biodiversity data from the HKH region, enabling data holders to publish and share species occurrence and checklist datasets.
Quantifiable outcome
- Kangchenjunga Himalica Agriculture Industry (KHAI) recorded USD 12,000 turnover in first year, with 40% reinvested to member communities. Over 30 women entrepreneurs launched their own businesses producing diversified value-added products.
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use ICIMOD
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
ICIMOD technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature6 records
ICIMOD partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Forest Department of Myanmar (FD/MOECAF)coreGovernment partner for Landscape Initiative for Far-Eastern Himalaya (Hi-LIFE) implementing integrated landscape planning in Myanmar.
- Wildlife Conservation Society-Myanmar (WCS)coreConservation partner implementing Hi-LIFE landscape initiative for transboundary conservation in the Far-Eastern Himalayas.
- Khagrachari Hill Development Council (KHDC)minorLocal government partner in Bangladesh implementing AdaptHimal Initiative for sustainable development in Chittagong Hill Tracts.
- Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs (MoCHTA)minorGovernment ministry partner in Bangladesh for AdaptHimal Initiative implementation.
- HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation NepalcoreJoint initiative since 2014 promoting effective, efficient, and equitable water management in the Koshi Basin through Water Use Master Plans (WUMPs).
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)coreICIMOD is an associate member of GBIF. HKHBIF serves as the GBIF-mediated publishing platform and regional node for HKH biodiversity data.
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)coreCo-publisher of scientific assessments including Human Security Under Climate Stress in the Hindu Kush Himalaya Region.
- National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC)coreKey conservation partner in Nepal, collaborating on REDD+ initiatives and nature conservation education programs.
- WWF-PakistanminorCollaboration on climate resiliency projects in Upper Indus Basin mountain villages.
- Agha Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH)minorPartner in Pakistan for Upper Indus Basin initiatives strengthening mountain community resilience.
- SAARC Business Association for Home Based Workers (SABAH)minorMarket access support for Himalica Initiative women entrepreneurs producing mountain products.
- The Mountain Institute (India)minorPartner for springshed management in the Himalayas in collaboration with Rural Management and Development Department, Govt. of Sikkim.
- Utrecht UniversityminorResearch collaboration on Himalayan water tower studies and glacier research.
- Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences (YASS)minorResearch collaboration on gender issues and climate change adaptation in China.
- National Standards and Technology (NSFC)minorICIMOD-NSFC Cooperation project for joint research activities with China's National Natural Science Foundation.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
ICIMOD competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- World Meteorological Organization (WMO): UN agency coordinating international cooperation in atmospheric and hydrological science. Directly comparable to ICIMOD's climate services, cryosphere monitoring, and basin water management mandate on the science and standards side.
- World Resources Institute (WRI): Global research organization producing environmental data, indicators, and policy analysis (e.g., Aqueduct, Global Forest Watch). Comparable as a producer of open environmental datasets and basin-level decision tools relevant to ICIMOD's Regional Database System and KBIS.
- UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme): UN agency coordinating global environmental policy. Comparable as a high-level IGO producing environmental assessments and policy guidance, but operates globally rather than being specialized to mountain ecosystems or the HKH region.
- UNESCO (Man and the Biosphere Programme): UN agency with a Man and the Biosphere Programme designating biosphere reserves, many in mountain regions. Comparable to ICIMOD on intergovernmental environmental governance and capacity building across HKH member countries.
- UNDP (United Nations Development Programme): UN agency delivering development programs across nearly all HKH member countries. Comparable on intergovernmental status, donor-funded program model, and co-publication of regional human security and climate assessments alongside ICIMOD.
Direct peers
- IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): Membership-based international organization working on biodiversity, ecosystem management, and transboundary conservation. Directly comparable to ICIMOD on nature-based solutions, landscape-level conservation, REDD+, and engagement with HKH member states.
- CGIAR: Global research partnership operating international centers focused on agriculture, water, and climate in developing regions. Comparable to ICIMOD as an intergovernmental knowledge organization running regional research programs for development impact.
- The Mountain Institute: NGO focused on mountain communities and ecosystems globally. ICIMOD is a regional co-development partner with them on springshed management and Himalayan community resilience — directly comparable mission and beneficiary base.
- SERVIR (Global NASA-USAID Program): Joint NASA-USAID initiative applying Earth observation for development. SERVIR-HKH is ICIMOD's HKH regional node; the parent program is the most direct technology and product peer, sharing geospatial platforms and capacity-building workflows.
Regional players
- HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation: Swiss development NGO with major programs in Nepal and across South Asia. Listed as ICIMOD's long-standing partner on Water Use Master Plans in the Koshi basin — closely comparable on water governance and rural livelihood work in the region.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ICIMOD social profiles
Digital presenceICIMOD financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ICIMOD leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
ICIMOD funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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ICIMOD M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about ICIMOD
What does ICIMOD do?
ICIMOD is an intergovernmental knowledge and research organization that generates and disseminates evidence-based knowledge on sustainable mountain development across the Hindu Kush Himalaya. It delivers open-access digital platforms covering Earth observation, regional data infrastructure, climate services, cryosphere monitoring, biodiversity data, disaster risk reduction, and capacity-building e-learning, serving eight regional member country governments, mountain communities, and research partners.
Is ICIMOD a public or private company?
ICIMOD is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was ICIMOD founded?
ICIMOD was founded in 1983. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is ICIMOD based?
ICIMOD is headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal, in the Asia region.
How does ICIMOD make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Government and Donor Funding is the primary driver. The others are australian Government DFAT Support.
Who are ICIMOD's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are World Meteorological Organization (WMO), World Resources Institute (WRI), UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), UNESCO (Man and the Biosphere Programme) and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme). Direct peers are IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), CGIAR, The Mountain Institute and SERVIR (Global NASA-USAID Program). HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation is listed as a regional player.
Does ICIMOD have an API?
No public API is recorded for ICIMOD.
What industry is ICIMOD in?
ICIMOD's product category is Environmental Research and Sustainable Mountain Development Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPADAEAK, Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus & Resilience Programming, with a secondary code of EUAHAKAA, Environmental Data Management Platforms (EHS/EMS, LIMS, ELN, Compliance Data Hubs). Its NAICS code is 541360 and its SIC code is 7372.