FULLY FUNDED WITH CASH PRIZES: Apply for the Ye! Youth Ecopreneurs Programme 2025 for Young Entrepreneurs in Climate and Sustainability

The world stands at a critical juncture. Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it’s a present reality. Global temperatures are rising, weather patterns are becoming more extreme, and ecosystems are collapsing under the pressure of human activity. From floods to droughts, plastic-choked oceans to disappearing forests, we’re witnessing a planetary emergency in real-time.

Young people today are not just the inheritors of a damaged planet—they are the drivers of the solutions. Across the globe, youth-led green businesses are rising up with creative, bold, and scalable responses to the climate emergency.

If you’re one of these changemakers—or dream of becoming one—then the Ye! Youth Ecopreneurs Programme 2025 may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

This fully-funded, high-impact accelerator programme doesn’t just give you training—it gives you capital, coaching, mentorship, and a global stage. It’s a launchpad for youth-led businesses solving real environmental problems.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Ye! Youth Ecopreneurs Programme 2025, including the confirmed application deadline: 14 September 2025—so you don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique global movement.

What is the Ye? Youth Ecopreneurs Programme?

The Ye! Youth Ecopreneurs Programme (YECO) is a flagship initiative of the International Trade Centre (ITC), delivered through the Ye! Community—a dynamic global network that connects young entrepreneurs across 100+ countries.

It’s built to recognize, support, and scale youth-led enterprises that are actively working to solve environmental challenges, especially in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as:

• SDG 13 – Climate Action

• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

• SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

• SDG 15 – Life on Land

Whether your startup tackles plastic waste, develops renewable energy solutions, promotes climate-smart farming, or builds digital tools for green living—YECO is designed to help your impact grow.

What Makes This Programme Different?

Unlike many accelerator programmes that offer mentorship without funding—or funding without long-term support—YECO is uniquely holistic. Here’s what makes it stand out:

 Fully Funded Participation

All travel, training, bootcamps, and event participation costs are covered. That means no financial barriers to entry.

 Equity-Free Capital

Up to $100,000 in seed grants is available, particularly for ventures related to land restoration, biodiversity, and nature-based solutions. This is not a loan, and you don’t have to give up equity.

 Cash Prize for Best Youth Ecopreneur

The Youth Ecopreneur Award comes with a $10,000 cash prize, handed to the winner at a major international event.

 Accelerator Training & Mentorship

Tailored business acceleration, including investment readiness, branding support, pitch training, and market access support.

 Global Stage Exposure

Present your solution at high-level events like the World Export Development Forum (WEDF) or UN Climate Summits (COP). This is global visibility that few youth ventures can dream of.

 Legal & IP Support

Legal guidance and Intellectual Property protection services are provided by WIPO and international law firm Sidley Austin LLP.

Confirmed Application Deadline

 14 September 2025
This is a strict deadline. All application components must be submitted online by this date. No late entries will be accepted.

Early submission is strongly encouraged to allow time for document reviews and feedback.

Who Can Apply?

You are eligible to apply if:

• You’re between 15 and 35 years old

• You are the founder, co-founder, or CEO of a legally registered youth-led business.

• Your business is actively addressing an environmental or climate-related challenge.

• You are past the ideation phase—your business must be operational (prototype, customers, or traction)

• You can pitch and participate in English.

This is not just for climate scientists or environmental engineers. If you’ve built a business that tackles environmental issues in any sector, you may qualify.

Examples of Eligible Ventures

Here are some of the types of businesses that have been accepted or encouraged to apply:

• Green manufacturing and materials (e.g., biodegradable packaging)

• Renewable energy startups (e.g., solar-powered solutions)

• Eco-tourism enterprises that focus on local conservation

• Recycling and upcycling innovations

• Climate-smart agriculture and agri-tech tools

• Digital platforms that track carbon footprints, waste reduction, or energy use

• Water conservation or filtration systems

• Circular economy innovations (reuse, repair, remanufacturing models)

If your startup doesn’t fit neatly into one category but still improves sustainability or reduces environmental harm, you’re encouraged to apply.

How the Programme Works: Step-by-Step

1. Online Application & Shortlisting

Submit your documents via the online portal by 14 September 2025. This includes a pitch deck, impact statement, and proof of business registration.

2. Bootcamp & Mentorship

Shortlisted applicants participate in an intensive virtual bootcamp and receive one-on-one mentorship from industry experts and climate business leaders.

3. Acceleration Programme (For Select Countries)

Participants from certain countries or regions may receive extended support, including market entry strategies, investor matchmaking, and go-to-market preparation.

4. Final Pitch & Awards

Finalists will be flown to a global climate or trade event where they pitch their ventures before a live audience, including funders, policymakers, and media.

What Do You Need to Apply?

Here’s a checklist of what’s required:

•  Business registration certificate or proof of legal status

•  Pitch deck (5–10 slides covering your product, team, market, traction, and vision)

•  One-page impact summary (quantify your environmental results)

•  Leadership bio (founder/co-founder background)

•  Optional: product demo video, customer testimonials, traction metrics

The more real-world impact and proof you can show, the stronger your application.

2025 Programme Timeline (Updated)

Meet Past Winners and Participants

1. GreenX, Kenya – Renewable Energy
   This youth-led startup developed low-cost solar mini-grids to serve off-grid communities in rural Kenya. With Ye! funding, they scaled to 12 villages and reduced kerosene usage by 80%.
2. EcoCycle, Vietnam – Waste Upcycling
   EcoCycle converts industrial plastic waste into construction materials. Their team received international attention after pitching at WEDF and landed a distribution deal with a regional hardware retailer.
3. PlantTech, Colombia – Agri-Tech
   Using satellite data and AI, PlantTech helps farmers optimize irrigation and reduce pesticide usage. After joining the Ye! Accelerator, they secured a grant from a European impact fund.

These examples show the wide range of innovation supported by YECO—from high-tech solutions to grassroots sustainability models.

Tips for a Winning Application

Here are some pro tips to help you stand out:

1. Quantify Your Environmental Impact

Don’t just say you “reduce waste”—state how much. Example: “Our app helped users divert 15 tons of e-waste from landfills in 2024.”

2. Show Traction

If you’ve already launched, prove it with numbers: revenue, partnerships, downloads, users, savings generated, etc.

3. Make It Visual

Use product photos, charts, infographics, or case stories in your pitch deck to make your solution easy to understand.

4. Tell a Strong Founder Story

Why are you the best person to lead this business? Share your passion, background, and commitment to climate action.

5. Think Globally, Act Locally

Emphasize how your solution can scale or inspire change in other regions, not just your hometown.

Why You Should Apply—Even If You Don’t Win

Even if you don’t make it to the final round, the application process itself offers huge benefits:

• Exposure to international partners and mentors

• Clarity on your business model and impact through pitch development

• Access to the Ye! Community network for future opportunities

• Eligibility for future grants, bootcamps, or ITC initiatives

Plus, many applicants have gone on to receive investment or media coverage just by participating in early rounds.

How to Apply

🖥️ Visit the official Ye! Community platform:
🔗 https://social.yecommunity.com/topics/49027/page/apply-now

Final Thoughts: This is Your Moment

Climate change isn’t waiting—and neither should you.

The Ye! Youth Ecopreneurs Programme is not just another grant application. It’s a chance to join a global community of determined, driven, and disruptive youth who are building the future of green entrepreneurship.

So if you’re between 15 and 35, leading a climate-smart business, and ready to take your impact to the world stage—apply now before the 14 September deadline closes.