Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) 2026/27 for Youth Entrepreneurs Worldwide ($10,000 USD Prize Money + $100,000 USD Seed Funding)

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Applications are open for Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) 2026/27. The Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) is a global accelerator that powers the green and just transition by investing in young entrepreneurs as catalysts for sustainable development, environmental justice, and climate action advocacy. The project seeks to enhance the competitiveness and scale of youth-led green businesses, with a strong focus on land restoration.

Through a Global Bootcamp, Accelerator, and Youth Ecopreneur Awards, it provides comprehensive support, including training, mentorship, and financial support, to youth-led green businesses.

The programme is powered by the ITC and the G20 Global Land Initiative/UNCCD in partnership with WIPO, Sidley Austin LLP, Google Startup for Sustainable Development and EY. The five-year programme is designed as a multi-stakeholder initiative that allows ITC projects and partners to opt-in, leveraging and scaling within the existing structure. The acceleration program onboards new participants every year.

Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) Overview

Global Bootcamp
- Training and masterclasses on investment readiness among other crucial topics, facilitated by business development, legal, and IP experts.
- A unified platform for global exchange and networking within the young entrepreneur cohort, complemented by mentoring from the Ye! Community.
- Businesses legally registered in developed and developing countries can participate in the Bootcamp.
Accelerator
- A bespoke 360 degrees Business Assessment, followed by tailored trainings and coaching for your business.
- Seed Funding for Land Restoration category.
- Access to Investment networks.
- Preferential access to Pro-Bono Legal Services from Sidley Austin**
- Preferential access to the Google Startup for Sustainable Development Programme.
- One-on-One coaching session with experts from Ernst & Young (EY).
Awards
- All-Expenses-Paid Trip to International Conference.
- In-person capacity building.
- Personalized pitch training and coaching.
- Visibility with stakeholders and investors.
- Special prizes from partners.
- Win Youth Ecopreneur Award and get $10,000 USD prize money.
Scale and Impact
- Participants engage in global networking.
- Coaching and opportunities to attend high-level sustainable events and trade fairs.
- Increased visibility and connections with key stakeholders in green entrepreneurship.
- Integration into the Alumni Community of the programme.
- Access to peer learning, collaboration, and shared experiences from previous cohorts.

Programme Benefits

Capacity-building for scaling your venture
Seed Funding ($100,000 USD for the land-restoration cohort, equity free)
Access to a Global Network & Exposure
Mentorship & Coaching
Legal and IP Guidance
Preferential access to Pro-Bono Legal Services from Sidley Austin
Preferential access to the Google StartUp for Sustainable Development Programme
One-on-One coaching session with experts from Ernst & Young (EY).
All-Expenses-Paid Trip to International Conference for Award Finalists
Win the Youth Ecopreneur Award and get 10,000 USD prize money (1 Award per category

Eligibility Criteria for Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO)

The YECO Programme is designed for young ecopreneurs looking to elevate their initiatives to new heights. Ideal candidates are innovators with a clear understanding of the environmental challenges they address, offering scalable solutions ready for acceleration. This program serves as a launchpad for those ready to make a substantial impact in environmental innovation.

They are looking for candidates that meet the following profile:

Applicant
- Must be under the age of 35 (by the application deadline)
- Must be a Founder, Co-Founder, or CEO.
The Business
- Must be majority run by a young person
- Must be legally registered
- The bootcamp is open globally, the accelerator is reserved for eligible countries – see the list here
- Must promote land restoration, sustainability, circularity, and/or the green economy

Programme Categories

The YECO Programme is segmented into two main categories, each designed to support innovative solutions in the realm of environmental sustainability. These categories not only define the type of projects we’re looking to accelerate but also outline the specific benefits associated with each. We are looking for solutions that meet the following profile:

Land Restoration

Eligibility Criteria:

Reforestation or Afforestation
Soil Conservation and Enrichment
Wetland Restoration
Erosion Control
Cleanup of Contaminated Land
Agroforestry and Carbon Farming
Invasive Species Control
Forest or Urban Woodland Fire Management
Stream and River Restoration
Use of Modern Technology for any of the above

200 spots in the programme

Green Business Solutions

Eligibility Criteria:

Innovative products, or processes that significantly contribute to a sustainable and green economy
Renewable energy systems (e.g. solar, wind)
Eco-friendly packaging and sustainable materials
Waste reduction and recycling innovations
Energy-efficient technologies and processes
Circular economy models (reuse, repair, remanufacture)

25 spots in the programme

How To Apply for Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO)

Before you begin your application

The application will take around 30 to 40 minutes to complete.
Please ensure you have all your documents (Passport, Business Certificate, Pitch Deck) ready before you begin your application.
This application can be completed in on one sitting or you can save it and continue it later.
We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the questions. You can review them here

Click Here To Apply

Click Here for More Details

Application Deadline: 22nd November 2026

Bootcamp starts the week of the 14th December 2026