Young entrepreneurs with innovative businesses in the green economy or solutions that improve land productivity are invited to apply for the 2026/27 Youth Ecopreneurs Programme (YECO).
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The programme offers business training, mentorship, international exposure, networking and access to funding opportunities. Applications close on November 22, 2026.
YECO follows a structured process, beginning with a Global Bootcamp, followed by the Global Accelerator and the Youth Ecopreneur Awards. Selected finalists pitch their businesses to an international audience, while winners receive US$10,000 in prize money.
Eligible businesses in the Land Restoration category can also access a US$100,000 equity-free funding pool. The funding is shared among selected entrepreneurs, who retain full ownership of their companies. Applicants must be aged 35 or younger, and entrepreneurs from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.
Applicants can choose between two categories.
Land Restoration supports businesses that protect, sustainably manage or restore land and ecosystems. Examples include reforestation, afforestation, soil conservation, wetland restoration, erosion control, agroforestry, carbon farming, invasive species management, wildfire prevention, river restoration and related technologies.
Green Business Solutions is for businesses developing environmentally sustainable products, services or business models. These may include circular economy solutions, sustainable materials, low-carbon technologies, eco-design and other green innovations.
YECO is a flagship initiative of the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the G20 Global Land Initiative of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). It supports youth-led enterprises working towards environmental sustainability and land restoration.
The programme has highlighted previous participants as examples of its international reach. Satellites on Fire, winner of the 2025–26 Land Restoration category, was nominated for this year’s Earthshot Prize and closed a US$2.7 million seed round. Hellen Munyasa of Uganda’s Helton Traders Limited won the 2025–26 Green Business Solutions category, received a US$20,000 grant through the PayPal Small Business Impact Awards and showcased her business at international events.
YECO aims to support more than 10,000 startups by 2040. Its 2025 application round attracted over 1,500 applicants from 125 countries, while 365 ecopreneurs have benefited from the programme. Applicants should review the category descriptions and clearly explain how their business contributes to environmental sustainability, land restoration or greener economic activity.
How to apply
Eligible entrepreneurs can apply online through the YECO application portal at https://social.yecommunity.com/topics/49027/page/apply-now. Applications close on November 22, 2026.
