Bringing together young innovators for climate action
The Youth Climate Innovation (YCI) Programme is a transformative initiative by the Climate Technology Centre & Network (CTCN) designed to support young innovators from developing countries as they create, develop, and scale high-impact climate technology solutions that are both locally relevant and globally adaptable.
In 2024, the United Nations Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), in collaboration with Seedstars, launched an expanded Youth Climate Innovation (YCI) Programme for the 2024-2025 cycle. This initiative aims to empower young innovators from developing regions, including Africa, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia-Pacific, by providing them with the tools and support to develop impactful climate technology solutions.
Youth Climate Innovation Programme 2024-2025
The programme, which addresses pressing environmental challenges, offers a unique combination of mentorship, resources, and funding to young entrepreneurs. Its goal is to foster innovative ideas and practical solutions to combat climate change, particularly in regions most vulnerable to its effects.
Building on previous success
Since its inception in 2020, the YCI Programme has already made significant strides in empowering youth to take on climate challenges. Over 300 young innovators from more than 70 countries have participated in the programme's past editions. The 2024-2025 cycle promises to build on this momentum, with an expanded and more comprehensive framework designed to drive even greater impact.
The enhanced YCI programme: The YCI Programme has been redesigned to provide a clearer pathway from idea generation to market-ready solutions. It comprises three distinct components:
- YCI Idea Lab: This 7-day online event challenges young innovators to brainstorm and develop climate solutions using design thinking methodologies. Participants will focus on ideating creative, high-impact technologies that can address critical environmental issues.
- YCI Incubator: Spanning 12 weeks, the incubator stage helps participants refine their ideas into viable products and services. Teams receive hands-on mentorship from industry experts to develop prototypes, build sustainable business models, and position their solutions for real-world implementation.
- YCI Accelerator: For high-potential teams, the 4-week accelerator programme offers an intensive period of start-up support. This phase emphasizes securing financing, forming strategic partnerships, and scaling solutions for broader impact.
