Applications Open for Youth Ecopreneur Programme 2025, Backed by UN to Boost Land Restoration Startups

EduNe Bureau

Guwahati: Applications are now open for the Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) 2025, offering young entrepreneurs a global platform to scale their businesses in land restoration, sustainability, and circular economy.

Jointly launched by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the G20 Global Land Initiative under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), YECO is one of the most prominent initiatives linking youth-led green enterprises with international investors, mentors, and policymakers.

This year’s Land Restoration Category promises a transformative journey for selected entrepreneurs, beginning with a global bootcamp to sharpen leadership and strategy, followed by a global accelerator aimed at scaling businesses with expert guidance.

The programme culminates in the prestigious Youth Ecopreneur Awards, where finalists pitch their ventures on the international stage and compete for seed funding and prizes.

YECO offers a unique combination of opportunities: access to an equity-free funding pool of USD 100,000, intensive training, personalized mentorship from EY experts, and free legal and intellectual property support from global law firm Sidley Austin and the World Intellectual Property Organization. Finalists will also gain entry to Google’s Startups for Sustainable Development programme, enjoy expanded visibility through UN and partner networks, and receive support in market linkages and investment matchmaking.

The winners will walk away with a USD 10,000 cash prize, and finalists will be flown to an international event to showcase their innovations, fully funded by the programme.

Eligibility is open to founders, co-founders, or CEOs of legally registered businesses led by individuals under the age of 35. The businesses must focus on land restoration, circularity, sustainability, or the green economy. Organisers have also encouraged applications from women entrepreneurs, innovators from Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States, landlocked nations, and other underrepresented groups, including people with disabilities.

The deadline for applications is September 14, 2025, and selected participants will become part of a growing network of youth innovators driving ecological change. More details, including success stories from YECO alumni, are available on the official UNCCD and G20 Land Initiative platforms.