The Climate Innovators Challenge for Youth (CLICY) was officially launched on 9 March 2026 at the Bangalore International Centre, marking the beginning of a dynamic three-day innovation bootcamp focused on empowering young climate leaders. The event brought together 105 students from 16 colleges across Karnataka, creating a vibrant platform for collaboration, creativity, and interdisciplinary learning in sustainability.

The ceremony commenced with a traditional lamp lighting and invocation, signifying the start of a journey rooted in knowledge, innovation, and collective action. Dr. Livleen K. Kahlon, Director, Environment Education and Awareness (EEA), TERI, set the tone by highlighting the urgent need to equip youth with skills in critical thinking, innovation, and collaboration to effectively address complex climate challenges. She emphasized that initiatives like CLICY are designed to translate ideas into impactful solutions and foster long-term engagement with sustainability.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of the CLICY digital portal by Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI. In her address, she underscored that climate change extends beyond environmental concerns, encompassing technological, economic, and social dimensions — thereby requiring interdisciplinary approaches and active youth participation. The occasion also marked the release of the programme brochure, reflecting the strong collaboration between TERI and HCLFoundation.

Dr. Santanu Basu, Project Director, HCLFoundation, spoke about the organisation's sustainability initiatives under the Harit programme, reinforcing the importance of youth-led innovation in building a sustainable future. The event also recognized and felicitated winners of the "Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities" competition and participants of the Nukkad Natak.

Adding a cultural dimension, a compelling street play titled "Voice of Earth" highlighted the urgent need for environmental stewardship and behavioural change. The event concluded with an engaging "Youth Voices" panel discussion, where students shared their perspectives on climate action, followed by reflections from experts and a formal vote of thanks — setting a strong and inspiring foundation for the bootcamp ahead.