The 2025 Youth Ecopreneur Programme, a collaboration between the ITC, Ye! Community, and UNCCD, aims to empower young entrepreneurs with sustainable solutions.
When is the deadline for applications?
🗓️ The exact deadline is not specified, but applications are open as of August 2025. Fast Track interviews will be conducted the week of September 14, 2025, so early application is strongly advised.
Describe the award to me:
The YE! Youth Ecopreneur Program (YECO) is a global program that supports young green entrepreneurs tackling environmental challenges through innovative, scalable business solutions. The program offers capacity-building, mentorship, global visibility, and a $100,000 equity-free seed fund for land-restoration startups, along with cash prizes and a fully funded trip to an international conference.
Which fields qualify?
Businesses must operate in one of the following two tracks:
🌱 Land Restoration – e.g. reforestation, soil rehabilitation
♻️ Green & Circular Economy – e.g. renewable energy, sustainable materials, waste innovation
The type:
🌍 Entrepreneurship Accelerator and Award Program
Who is eligible to apply?
✔️ Founders, co-founders, or CEOs under 35 years old
✔️ Business must be legally registered and majority youth-led
✔️ Must be based in an eligible developing country
✔️ Business must align with Land Restoration or Green Economy themes
✔️ Strongly encouraged: Women, persons with disabilities, founders from LDCs, SIDS, or landlocked countries
How Do They Choose Applicants?
Applicants are evaluated based on:
- Environmental impact and problem clarity
- Scalability and sustainability of solution
- Market traction (especially for Fast Track applicants)
- Team readiness and commitment
- Alignment with YECO focus areas
Fast Track applicants must also submit a motivation video and complete a 15-minute interview.
Which nations are qualified?
🌍 Only developing countries are eligible for the Accelerator. See full country list on the official website.
Where will the prize be accepted?
🏆 Awards and bootcamps are held virtually and globally, but finalists will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to an international conference for the final awards presentation.
How Many Honors?
🎖️ One Youth Ecopreneur Award winner per category
💰 Plus, $100,000 equity-free seed funding for selected land restoration cohort participants
What Advantage Does the Award Offer?
- 💸 Up to $100,000 in seed funding
- 🏅 $10,000 cash prize for Award winners
- ✈️ Fully funded trip to present at a major global conference
- 🌐 Global network access
- 📚 Personalized coaching, mentorship, and legal support
- 💼 Preferential access to Google Startup SDG Program and Sidley Austin legal services
What’s the Duration of the Award?
🗓️ Two-phase program:
- Bootcamp (short-term global e-learning experience)
- Accelerator (advanced coaching and business scaling support)
How do I Apply?
📝 Applications must be submitted online. You will need:
- Your passport
- Business registration certificate
- Pitch deck
- (Optional) Motivational video if applying for Fast Track
🔗 Apply here
Discover more from Examsabi
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
