Applications are open for the Youth Ecopreneur Programme 2026–27. It is a joint initiative of the G20 Global Land Initiative of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the International Trade Centre. The programme supports young entrepreneurs who are developing solutions in land restoration and green business. It helps them strengthen their ventures, access expertise and financing, and scale their environmental and social impact.
What the programme offers
- Access to funding opportunities, including a $100,000 equity-free funding pool for eligible businesses in the land restoration category
- The chance to compete for a $10,000 cash prize at the Youth Ecopreneur Awards
- Expert training, mentorship and tailored coaching
- Connections with a global network of entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts, along with partnership, market and investment readiness support
- Legal and intellectual property guidance from international experts
- Opportunities to take part in international events and showcase their businesses
- Partner support, including:
- pro bono legal guidance from Sidley Austin
- business expertise from EY
- intellectual property support from the World Intellectual Property Organization
- preferential access to the Google Startups for Sustainable Development programme
Who can apply
Applicants must:
- be under 35 years old at the application deadline
- be founders, co-founders or chief executive officers of a business
- be developing solutions in land restoration or green business
- be committed to growing their ventures while generating positive environmental and social impact
Applications are particularly encouraged from women entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs in developing countries and members of underrepresented groups. The previous call received over 1,500 applications from more than 120 countries.
