Application Deadline: 22 November 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 Ye! Youth Ecopreneurs Programme. a global initiative by ITC and the UNCCD-G20 Global Land Initiative supporting young entrepreneurs who are developing innovative green businesses and land restoration solutions.
The programme offers young entrepreneurs the opportunity to strengthen and scale their businesses through expert-led training, investment readiness support, international networking opportunities and access to global partners, including EY, Sidley Austin, WIPO and Google. Outstanding entrepreneurs can also compete for USD 10,000 in prize money through the Youth Ecopreneur Awards, while eligible land restoration businesses can access a USD 100,000 equity-free funding pool.
Requirements
The programme is looking for passionate innovators with a clear understanding of the environmental challenges they tackle and scalable solutions ready for acceleration.
Applicant must be:
- Must be under the age of 35 (by the application deadline)
- Must be a Founder, Co-Founder or CEO.
Eligible businesses must be:
- Legally registered and majority-run by a young person
- The bootcamp is open globally, the accelerator is reserved for eligible countries – see the list here
- Focused on Land Restoration or Green Business solutions
The programme consists of a:
Scale and Impact Phase to help you grow your business and expand your impact.
Global Bootcamp to kickstart your journey with dynamic training and e-learning.
Global Accelerator to get personalized coaching, mentorship, and masterclasses to take your sustainable solutions to the next level.
Youth Ecopreneur Awards to showcase your solutions on a global stage.
Programme Benefits
- Capacity-building for scaling your venture
- Seed Funding (shared pool of $100,000 USD for the land-restoration cohort in total, 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)
Application Timeline
- Global Bootcamp: 225 selected entrepreneurs participate in a 10-week programme featuring expert-led training, networking, investment readiness and business development support.
- Global Accelerator: 25 selected businesses receive tailored coaching, mentorship, capacity building, access to investors, access to equity free funding pool (Land restoration track), pro-bono legal support and opportunities to scale their businesses.
- Youth Ecopreneur Awards: 6 finalists showcase their innovative solutions on a global stage, competing for international recognition and 10,000 USD prize money.
- Scale and Impact Phase: YECO participants can access continued mentorship, networking opportunities, strategic partnerships, access to international events and support to scale their businesses and environmental impact
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Ye! Youth Ecopreneurs Programme
