Global Engagement:
The YECO Programme

The Youth Ecopreneur Programme (YECO) is a global accelerator that empowers young entrepreneurs and seeks to enhance their competitiveness and scale of youth-led businesses focusing on two categories: Land Restoration and Green Businesses. The YECO Programme is co- created by the G20 Global Land Initiative (G20 GLI) and the International Trade Center’s Ye! Community and supported by other partners: like WIPO, Google, and Sidley Austin.

Launched in May 2025, this course targets university students worldwide enrolled in urban planning and related programs. With a focus on sustainable urban land restoration and innovation, it aims to equip a new generation of urban planners and eco-entrepreneurs.

Professors, lecturers and training instructors can receive course materials and implement this course to empower their students in addressing the challenges of balancing land use, land restoration and sustainable development through informed urban planning.

YECO Programme in numbers

857

Applications

100

Countries

283

Applicants focusing on land restoration

$1,945,931 Capital raised. Total responses: 21

$3,182,156 Total annual turnover generated. Total responses: 38

101,954 Hectares restored. Total responses: 35

314

Jobs created

22

New partnerships formed

The YECO programme structure

01.

Global Bootcamp*

Training and masterclasses on investment readiness among other crucial topics, facilitated by business development, legal, and IP experts
A unified platform for global exchange and networking within the young entrepreneur cohort, complemented by mentoring from the Ye! Community

*Ecopreneurs from Developed Countries can only participate in the Bootcamp

02.

Accelerator

A bespoke 360 degrees Business Assessment, followed by tailored trainings and coaching for your business
Seed Funding and access to investment networks for Land Restoration category
Preferential access to Pro-Bono Legal Services from Sidley Austin**
Preferential access to the Google StartUp for Sustainable Development Programme

**Subject to due diligence requirements

03.

Awards

All-Expenses-Paid Trip to International Conference
In-person capacity building
Personalized pitch training and coaching
Visibility with stakeholders and investors
Special prizes from partners
Win Youth Ecopreneur Award and get $10,000 USD prize money

04.

Post Awards

Participants engage in global networking.
Coaching and opportunities to attend high-level sustainable events and trade fairs.
Increased visibility and connections with key stakeholders in green entrepreneurship.
Integration into the Alumni Community of the programme.
Access to peer learning, collaboration, and shared experiences from previous cohorts.