ITC Opens YECO 2026/27: $100,000 Seed Pool, No Equity, for Under-35 Founders

The International Trade Centre has opened applications for the Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) 2026/27, offering a shared seed funding pool of USD 100,000 for the land-restoration cohort with no equity requirements. The programme, run through ITC's Ye! Community with the G20 Global Land Initiative and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), also puts USD 10,000 in prize money behind one winner in each award category.

Demand is already proven. The 2025 edition received more than 1,500 applications from over 100 countries, which the organisers read as evidence of a growing global movement of young entrepreneurs working on land restoration and green business innovation.

Who can apply?

YECO targets founders under 35 who are actively leading sustainability-focused businesses. The eligibility rules are specific:

• Be under 35 years of age by the application deadline.
• Be the founder, co-founder or CEO of the business.
• Operate a legally registered business.
• Ensure the business is majority-run by a young person.
• Show a clear understanding of the environmental challenges being addressed.
• Present an innovative, scalable solution focused on land restoration or green business development.

The bootcamp is open globally. The accelerator is restricted to businesses from countries on the programme's official eligibility list.

How does the programme work?

YECO runs a four-stage development pathway. It begins with a global bootcamp delivering entrepreneurial training and e-learning, then moves selected entrepreneurs into a specialised accelerator with personalised coaching, mentorship and expert-led masterclasses aimed at strengthening strategy and investment readiness. The Youth Ecopreneur Awards then give participants an international platform to showcase their work and connect with stakeholders, partners and potential supporters. A final scale-and-impact phase supports entrepreneurs as they expand market presence and increase their environmental and socioeconomic footprint.

The benefits package reaches well beyond cash. Participants get:

• Capacity-building support to scale sustainable businesses.
• The USD 100,000 non-equity seed pool for the land-restoration cohort.
• Personalised mentorship and business coaching.
• Legal guidance for business operations and development.
• Intellectual property expertise and coaching through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
• Preferential access to pro bono legal services from international law firm Sidley Austin.
• Preferential access to Google's Startups for Sustainable Development Programme.
• Individual coaching sessions with experts from Ernst & Young (EY).
• All-expenses-paid participation in an international conference for award finalists.

What did the 2025 awards deliver?

The 2025 Youth Ecopreneur Awards recognised two winners, each receiving USD 10,000 in funding plus capacity-building support. Helton Traders Limited, led by Hellen Munyasa, took the Green Business Solutions Award for transforming plastic waste into affordable textile materials while creating green jobs and promoting circular economic practices. Satellites on Fire, led by Camila Maria Saa, won the Land Restoration Award for its AI-powered wildfire early warning system built to protect ecosystems and communities.

Red Diamond Compost, led by Joshua Forte, received a special mention after winning the People's Choice Award through in-person and online votes. The awards were backed by ITC, the G20 Global Land Initiative/UNCCD, WIPO, Google's Startups for Sustainable Development Programme, Sidley Austin and EY.

What is the wider agenda?

YECO operates through three connected intervention areas: youth-led green business solutions, with emphasis on land restoration, environmental sustainability and climate resilience; strengthening the land-restoration ecosystem by building the capacity of institutions and Business Support Organisations; and advocating for a green and just transition, pushing young entrepreneurs into international environmental decision-making forums. The programme frames its work against what it calls the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

For founders working in recycling, circular economy solutions, sustainable agriculture, renewable resources, ecosystem restoration, climate technology and environmental protection, YECO presents a concrete growth pathway. Applications are open now through the official platform at yecommunity.com, and applicants are advised to check the country eligibility list and official guidelines before submitting. With the 2025 round drawing 1,500-plus applications from more than 100 countries, competition for the 2026/27 cohort is likely to be sharp.