Are you under 35 and building an innovative business that addresses climate change, promotes sustainability, or restores degraded land? The Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) 2025 is your gateway to global recognition, expert mentorship, funding, and access to international networks. This prestigious initiative, jointly organized by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the G20 Global Land Initiative, is designed to equip young changemakers with the resources, skills, and connections needed to scale their environmental impact.
Why Apply to the Youth Ecopreneur Programme 2025?
Selected entrepreneurs will benefit from a comprehensive package of support designed to accelerate the growth of their ventures and increase their global reach. Key benefits include:
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Capacity-building and tailored training to scale your venture
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$100,000 USD equity-free seed funding pool for the Land Restoration cohort
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Free legal and intellectual property guidance provided by WIPO and global law firm Sidley
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Preferential access to pro bono legal services and Google’s Startup for Sustainable Development Programme
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An all-expenses-paid trip to pitch at an international conference
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$10,000 USD cash prize for each Youth Ecopreneur Award winner
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Access to market linkages, investors, and high-level sustainable business networks
Programme Overview
The Youth Ecopreneur Programme is structured into several key stages, offering both virtual and in-person capacity-building opportunities.
Global Bootcamp
Participants receive expert-led training and masterclasses on investment readiness, legal frameworks, and IP protection. The bootcamp also facilitates global networking among young entrepreneurs, with mentorship provided by the Ye! Community. The bootcamp is open to legally registered businesses in both developed and developing countries.
Accelerator
Selected ventures undergo a 360-degree business assessment followed by customized coaching and training. Benefits include seed funding for land restoration projects, investment network access, preferential entry to Google’s sustainable startup program, and pro bono legal support from Sidley Austin (subject to due diligence).
Awards
Finalists receive an all-expenses-paid trip to pitch at an international conference, personalized pitch coaching, global visibility with stakeholders, and the chance to win the Youth Ecopreneur Award worth $10,000 USD. Special partner prizes may also be awarded.
Post-Awards Engagement
Award winners and alumni gain continued access to global networking, invitations to high-level sustainable development events, ongoing coaching, and membership in the YECO Alumni Community for peer learning and collaboration.
Programme Categories and Eligibility
The Youth Ecopreneur Programme 2025 is divided into two main categories:
1. Land Restoration
Open to businesses working on:
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Reforestation or afforestation
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Soil conservation and enrichment
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Wetland restoration
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Erosion control
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Cleanup of contaminated land
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Agroforestry and carbon farming
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Invasive species control
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Forest or urban woodland fire management
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Stream and river restoration
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Application of modern technology in restoration activities
200 spots are available in this category.
2. Green and Circular Economy
Open to businesses developing:
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Renewable energy systems (solar, wind, etc.)
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Eco-friendly packaging and sustainable materials
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Waste reduction and recycling innovations
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Energy-efficient technologies and processes
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Circular economy models (reuse, repair, remanufacture)
25 spots are available in this category.
Who Should Apply?
The programme seeks founders, co-founders, or CEOs under 35 with legally registered businesses that:
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Are majority-led by youth
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Promote sustainability, circularity, and/or land restoration
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Are ready to scale and attract investment
Special encouragement is given to female entrepreneurs, founders from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), landlocked countries, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.
Fast Track Option
Businesses that are beyond the early startup phase may apply for the Fast Track, bypassing the bootcamp and moving directly into the accelerator stage. To qualify, your business must:
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Have proven market traction
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Generate consistent revenue or have a clear path to profitability
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Have a scalable business model and a full-time committed team
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Be investment-ready
The Fast Track is open only to businesses registered in developing countries.
Application Details
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Deadline: 14 September 2025
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Application Duration: Approximately 30–40 minutes
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Required Documents: Passport, business registration certificate, pitch deck
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Applications must be completed in one session
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Businesses must be registered in eligible countries
How to Apply
Learn more and submit your application at the official Youth Ecopreneur Programme 2025 page: https://social.yecommunity.com/topics/49027/page/apply-now For questions, email youthecopreneurawards@intracen.org.
About the Organizers
The Youth Ecopreneur Programme is powered by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in collaboration with the G20 Global Land Initiative. Through the Ye! Community, ITC connects and empowers young entrepreneurs worldwide, offering access to finance, markets, and capacity-building opportunities.
