The Youth Ecopreneurs Programme (YECO) is accepting applications for its 2026-2027 round. It 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), supporting youth-led enterprises working toward environmental sustainability and land restoration.

Programme stages:

• Global Bootcamp.
• Global Accelerator.
• Youth Ecopreneur Awards, where selected finalists pitch their businesses to an international audience.

Application categories:

• Land Restoration: businesses that help protect, sustainably manage or restore land and ecosystems, such as reforestation and afforestation, soil conservation, wetland restoration, erosion control, agroforestry, carbon farming, invasive species management, wildfire prevention and management, and river restoration.
• Green Business Solutions: businesses that develop environmentally sustainable products, services or business models, such as circular economy solutions, sustainable materials, low-carbon technologies, eco-design and green innovation.

Application deadline for this round: 22 November 2026.

• Entrepreneurs must be 35 years of age or younger.
• A startup with an innovative business in the green economy or improving the productivity of land.
• The business must fit one of two categories: Land Restoration or Green Business Solutions.
• Entrepreneurs from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.

• World-class business training.
• Mentorship and international exposure.
• Access to networks and funding opportunities.
• US$10,000 in prize money for the winners.
• Eligible businesses in the Land Restoration category can access a US$100,000 equity-free funding pool; entrepreneurs receive a portion of the total funding and retain full ownership of their companies.