UN Youth Ecopreneur Programme 2026-2027

About

A global accelerator run by ITC and the G20 Global Land Initiative/UNCCD that supports youth-led green businesses in Land Restoration and Green Business Solutions through a bootcamp, accelerator, awards, training, mentorship and funding opportunities.

Benefits

• 🎓Business training and mentorship
  Selected participants receive world-class business training, mentorship and international exposure.
• 🏆Youth Ecopreneur Awards
  The programme includes a Youth Ecopreneur Awards stage where selected finalists pitch their businesses to an international audience.
• 💰Cash prizes
  Winners receive US$10,000 in prize money, subject to winning at the Awards.
• 🌱Land Restoration funding pool
  Eligible Land Restoration businesses can access a US$100,000 equity-free funding pool, with entrepreneurs receiving a portion while retaining full ownership, subject to selection.
• 🌍Networks and funding access
  Participants gain access to networks and funding opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

• Start-ups with an innovative business providing solutions in the green economy or improving land productivity
• Applicants must be entrepreneurs aged 35 or younger
• Businesses must apply in one of two categories: Land Restoration or Green Business Solutions
• Land Restoration category: businesses that help protect, sustainably manage or restore land and ecosystems, such as reforestation, soil conservation, wetland restoration, erosion control, agroforestry, carbon farming, invasive species management, wildfire prevention, river restoration and related technologies
• Green Business Solutions category: businesses developing environmentally sustainable products, services or business models, such as circular economy solutions, sustainable materials, low-carbon technologies, eco-design and green innovation
• Entrepreneurs from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply (preferred)

Participation Commitments

• Applicants must apply in one of two categories: Land Restoration or Green Business Solutions.
• The programme follows a structured sequence beginning with a Global Bootcamp, followed by a Global Accelerator and the Youth Ecopreneur Awards.
• Selected finalists pitch their businesses to an international audience at the Youth Ecopreneur Awards.
• Applications close on 22 November 2026.

Target Sector

Agriculture & Food, Other

Target Location

Global accelerator; entrepreneurs from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.