Led by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the UNCCD - G20 Global Land Initiative, YECO supports young entrepreneurs scaling solutions in land restoration — including reforestation, soil enrichment, wetland restoration, erosion control, agroforestry, stream and river restoration, invasive species control, and the use of modern technology for sustainable land use.

Selected participants will also gain access to grant funding from a $100,000 equity-free pool to help scale tangible restoration efforts and regenerative business models on the ground.

Benefits for Selected Participants:

• Expert-led training, 1:1 mentorship, and global visibility
• Legal and IP support from WIPO and Sidley (Global Law Firm)
• Access to Google’s Startups for Sustainable Development Programme
• Investor exposure and global networking
• $10,000 USD prize for top performers
• A fully funded trip to pitch at an international conference

Who Should Apply?

• Founder/Co-founder/CEO of a legally registered green business
• Under 35 years old by the application deadline
• Working in land restoration, sustainability, or circular economy

Women, LDCs, SIDS, landlocked countries, and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline: 

Applications are open until 14 September 2025

Learn more and apply:

Join the live Q&A session on 26 August here.

Apply now or share this opportunity with a young ecopreneur working to restore land and ecosystems.