Building on the success of its previous editions, which have engaged more than 300 young innovators from over 70 countries across four target regions since 2020, the YCI Programme has been expanded to offer a more comprehensive framework for fostering climate innovation among youth. The enhanced YCI Programme consists of three key components:

1. YCI Idea Lab: A 7-day online event challenging young innovators to ideate climate solutions using design thinking tools.
2. YCI Incubator: A 12-week programme helping teams solidify their ideas into viable products and services through hands-on mentorship.
3. YCI Accelerator: A 4-week intensive start-up support for high-potential teams, focusing on financing and partnerships.

“We’re empowering regional innovators to lead the charge in climate solutions,” reflects CTCN Director OiC Jonathan Duwyn, on the launch. “This initiative equips them with essential tools and a global platform to turn groundbreaking ideas into impactful, scalable technologies that can drive significant system transformation.”

The Youth Climate Innovation Programme aligns with the CTCN’s focus on transformational impact. By prioritizing national systems of innovation and digitalization, alongside five system transformations - the water-energy-food nexus, buildings and infrastructure, sustainable mobility, energy systems, and business and industry - the programme drives the creation of climate solutions that tackle these vital areas head-on.

The 2023 UNEP Emission Gap Report highlighted the devastating impacts of climate change, with extreme weather events and record-high global carbon dioxide emissions underscoring the urgent need for action. Young people, especially in developing countries, face significant threats from these intensifying climate impacts. However, they are also at the forefront of efforts to raise awareness, promote sustainable lifestyles, and develop innovative climate solutions.

Seedstars Program Manager for LATAM Paulina López Zibara emphasized the programme's potential impact: "This global initiative brings together diverse perspectives and innovative ideas from young minds across the world. We're fostering a new generation of climate leaders who can drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond by providing them with the necessary tools, mentorship, and resources."

The YCI Programme welcomes applicants from individuals aged 18 to 35 from developing countries who have either a bachelor's degree or at least three years of relevant work experience. Priority will be given to those who promote gender equality, are members of climate grassroots organizations, come from marginalized communities, or possess relevant skills or strong motivation in climate solutions.

Participants will benefit from mentorship by industry experts and entrepreneurs-in-residence, networking opportunities with potential partners and investors, skills development in climate technology and entrepreneurship, and the chance to pitch at regional climate events.

Paulina López Zibara, Program Manager at Seedstars, highlighted the critical role of youth in climate action: "The world sits at a crossroads in the global climate agenda. Young people are critical players in this regard. We are very happy to work with them to come up with solutions and ideas that will drive us into the future we want. This programme offers a unique opportunity to contribute to global climate challenges."

"Through the programme, we were able to get the entrepreneurial knowledge to take our climate solution to the next stage,” says Omer Badokhon, a past participant from Yemen who further developed bioTreasure through the YCI Programme. “We've now developed a small-scale waste-to-energy system that converts bio-waste into clean energy and organic fertilizers, serving more than 30 customers and raising $50,000 in funding since our participation. This initiative truly empowers young innovators to make a tangible impact in their communities and beyond."

Previous editions of the programme have demonstrated significant impact, with over 30 teams participating, launching startups, securing funding, and achieving meaningful impacts in their communities. The newly enhanced YCI Programme is set to amplify these successes and create a more dynamic and supportive ecosystem for climate innovation.

Interested applicants can visit http://youthclimateinnovation.com/ for more information and to submit their applications. The deadline for the first phase, the YCI Idea Lab, is the 13th of October, 2024.

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ABOUT CLIMATE TECHNOLOGY CENTRE AND NETWORK (CTCN)

The CTCN is the implementation arm of the Technology Mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and is hosted by the UN Environment Programme. The Centre promotes the accelerated transfer of environmentally sound technologies for low-carbon and climate-resilient development at the request of developing countries. The CTCN provides technology solutions, capacity building, and advice on policy, legal, and regulatory frameworks tailored to the needs of individual countries by harnessing the expertise of a global network of technology experts and is committed to supporting the clean tech engagement of men and women, youth, and indigenous peoples and communities.

ABOUT SEEDSTARS

Seedstars is a Swiss-based company with a mission to impact people’s lives in emerging markets through technology and entrepreneurship. Seedstars works with the private and public sectors to implement entrepreneurial capacity-building programs in order to create jobs and fuel economic growth.

The group runs Seedstars Programs that are designed to support entrepreneurs in varying stages of growth via training, education, mentoring, and access to resources. The company also partners, operates and invests in emerging venture capital funds in emerging markets and makes direct co- and follow-on investments in their portfolio companies through Seedstars Capital. To further support the next generation of changemakers, Seedstars Academy, a talent incubator, provides digital skills and startup-based immersive education.

Through these initiatives and partnerships, Seedstars is building a world-class community and network of changemakers in over 90 emerging ecosystems. For more information, visit https://www.seedstars.com/.

CONTACTS

Anastasiia Tiurmenko

CTCN Communications

[email protected]

Michaela Villaroman
Media Relations

[email protected].