YE! Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) 2025 – Empowering Young Green Entrepreneurs

The Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) is a global accelerator run by the International Trade Centre (ITC) under the G20 Global Land Initiative, designed to empower young leaders driving climate innovation. It targets entrepreneurs under 35 who are founders or CEOs of startups committed to sustainable land‑based impact.

Programme Focus & Objectives

YECO supports early-stage ecopreneurs who integrate climate action into land-use, agriculture, ecosystem restoration, or clean technology ventures. Through YECO, participants access mentorship, pitch training, investment readiness coaching, and global exposure. The programme accelerates scalable solutions for a green and just transition.

 Who Should Apply?

• Age 35 or below
• Must be a founder, co‑founder, or CEO of a green startup operating in land or sustainability sectors
• Demonstrated innovation in areas such as climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity tech, green supply chains, or ecosystem services
• Committed to impact, scaling, and sustainable business growth
• Based anywhere globally; diverse, inclusive cohorts are prioritized ([turn0search2]turn0search4]turn0search9])

 What the Programme Offers

Participants in YECO 2025 receive:

• Seed funding prize (up to USD 100,000) for selected ventures
• Equity-free support including coaching on business strategy, investment readiness, and policy engagement
• Access to international conferences and global platforms with all expenses covered
• Networking with peer entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors dedicated to climate innovation

 Application Timeline & Key Dates

• Deadline for applications: 14 September 2025
• Finalists will participate in virtual and in-person selection rounds, including pitch training and capacity-building activities
• Top participants attend global conferences to present climate solutions and connect with impact investors
• Program is set to support 100 young ecopreneurs in 2024–25, with cohort announcements leading into 2026 accelerators

 Why This Programme Stands Out

• Centers on climate and land-use entrepreneurship, bridging sustainability and business innovation
• Offers equity-free capital and global visibility without compromising founder ownership
• Provides a platform to connect with international stakeholders across climate, land, and development sectors
• Encourages innovation in under-resourced communities and fledgling markets with high environmental stakes
• Designed with scalability and inclusivity in mind: supporting diverse ventures and youth voices

 Official Link