Are you under 35 and running a business that helps the planet? The Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) 2026/27 is now open. It is run by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the G20 Global Land Initiative of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Winners of the Youth Ecopreneur Awards get US$10,000, and land-restoration businesses can access a US$100,000 equity-free funding pool. Applications close on November 22, 2026.
About the Youth Ecopreneur Programme
YECO supports young green entrepreneurs, especially those from developing countries. It started as an awards competition and has grown into a full support journey with training, coaching, acceleration and global exposure. The last cycle drew more than 1,500 applications from over 120 countries.
Partners supporting the programme include WIPO, Google, Sidley Austin and EY.
How the Programme Works
- Global Bootcamp: online training and e-learning, open to eligible applicants worldwide
- Global Accelerator: deeper coaching and masterclasses for selected businesses (limited to eligible countries)
- Youth Ecopreneur Awards: finalists pitch to an international audience, and winners receive US$10,000
- Scale & Impact phase: continued support to grow your business, network and impact
Benefits of YECO 2026/27
- US$10,000 prize for award winners
- US$100,000 equity-free funding pool shared among eligible Land Restoration businesses (you keep full ownership)
- Training, e-learning, masterclasses and personalised coaching
- One-on-one sessions with EY experts
- Legal and intellectual property guidance, plus preferential access to pro bono legal help from Sidley Austin
- Links to Google‘s Startups for Sustainable Development programme
- International visibility and networking
In the last cycle, finalists also received a fully funded trip to pitch at an international conference. Check the official site to see whether the same applies this year.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements
- Aged under 35 by the application deadline
- The founder, co-founder or CEO of the business
- A legally registered business that is majority-run by a young person
- Focused on land restoration or green business solutions
The bootcamp is open globally, but the accelerator is limited to eligible countries. Check the official country list in the YECO FAQs before you apply.
Land Restoration Focus Areas
Businesses in the Land Restoration track may work on agroforestry, carbon farming, invasive species management, wildfire prevention and management, river restoration, and technologies that support these activities.
Application Deadline
Applications close on November 22, 2026.
How to Apply for the Youth Ecopreneur Programme 2026/27
- Read the details on the official YECO programme page and the FAQs.
- Choose your track: Land Restoration or Green Business.
- Have your business registration documents and key numbers ready.
- Complete the official YECO application on the Ye! Community platform before November 22, 2026.
Applying is free. The Ye! Community platform may ask you to create a free account.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Show real environmental results, such as hectares restored, waste recycled or trees planted.
- Explain how your business makes money, not just its impact.
- Highlight how young people lead and run the company.
- If you choose Land Restoration, link your work clearly to one of the listed focus areas.
Key Details at a Glance
- Organisers: International Trade Centre (ITC) Ye! Community and G20 Global Land Initiative/UNCCD
- Prize: US$10,000 for award winners
- Seed funding: US$100,000 equity-free pool (Land Restoration track)
- Who: Founders, co-founders or CEOs under 35 with registered green businesses
- Where: Global (accelerator limited to eligible countries)
- Deadline: November 22, 2026
