Apply for the UNEP CTCN Youth Climate Innovation Programme 2024 and turn your climate ideas into reality.
Introduction
The UNEP CTCN Youth Climate Innovation Programme (YCI) 2024 is a remarkable opportunity for young innovators dedicated to tackling the pressing climate crisis.
This programme offers a comprehensive pathway for participants to transform their innovative climate ideas into scalable solutions.
Designed for young leaders from various regions, including Asia and the Pacific, Africa, Latin America & the Caribbean (LAC), and the Middle East and North Africa, the YCI Programme provides essential skills, resources, and networks to help turn groundbreaking climate technologies into reality.
This fully virtual programme consists of three core components: the YCI Idea Lab, the YCI Incubator, and the YCI Accelerator, ensuring a holistic approach to climate innovation.
Programme Details
The UNEP CTCN Youth Climate Innovation Programme comprises the following key components:
- YCI Idea Lab:
- A 7-day online event focused on design thinking methods.
- Participants learn to ideate and refine climate solutions tailored to their region.
- Opportunities for mentorship and collaboration with like-minded peers.
- YCI Incubator:
- Winning teams from the Idea Lab progress into a 12-week intensive incubation period.
- They receive practical assistance to transform their ideas into market-ready products or services.
- This phase features educational sessions, mentorship, and opportunities for collaborative learning with other teams in their region.
- YCI Accelerator:
- Selected teams advance to a 4-week acceleration program.
- Focus on investment readiness and partnership development.
- Opportunity to pitch ideas at regional and global climate events, connecting with potential investors and partners.
Benefits of the YCI Programme
Participating in the YCI Programme offers numerous advantages, including:
- Mentorship and Coaching: Access to over 50 experienced mentors and entrepreneurs-in-residence who provide hands-on support throughout the programme.
- Networking and Partnerships: Engage with other climate innovators, industry professionals, and prospective partners from LAC, MENA, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. Join a global innovation community with over 250,000 members from Seedstars’ network and CTCN.
- Funding and Support: Gain access to a network of over 5,000 investors and institutions focused on climate technology. Participants also receive free access to startup tools such as Amazon Web Services, Hubspot, Miro, Airtable, Notion, and Twilio.
- Skill Development: Strengthen entrepreneurial skills by participating in over 30 hours of workshops and practical training focused on business development, climate technology, and scaling solutions.
- Increased Visibility: Boost your project’s visibility through CTCN and Seedstars platforms and networks. Additionally, participants can attend a regional or global climate conference to pitch their climate solutions.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the YCI Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education/Experience: Candidates should have at least a Bachelor’s degree and/or 3 years of work experience and/or community engagement related to climate action.
- Age: Participants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Geographic Location: Applicants should reside in Africa, MENA, Latin America & the Caribbean, or Asia-Pacific.
- Experience or Interest: Candidates should have experience or a strong interest in areas such as the water-energy-food nexus, mobility, energy systems, buildings, and industry.
- Passion for Climate Action: Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to contributing to climate action.
- Entrepreneurial Drive: Interested individuals should either be developing a climate idea or already be entrepreneurs focused on climate solutions.
Required Documents
To apply for the YCI Programme, candidates must prepare the following documents:
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Vitae (CV) | An up-to-date CV highlighting relevant experience and skills. |
| Motivation Letter | A letter detailing your passion for climate action and why you wish to participate in the YCI Programme. |
| Project Proposal | A brief description of your climate idea or solution, including its potential impact. |
| References | Contact details of two professional references who can attest to your experience and commitment. |
How to Apply
Applying for the YCI Programme is straightforward. Complete the following steps to submit your application:
- Visit the Application Portal: Go to the official YCI Programme application page.
- Create an Account: If you don’t have an account yet, sign up by entering your email address and setting a password.
- Complete Your Profile: Fill in your personal details, educational background, and work experience.
- Upload Required Documents: Attach your CV, motivation letter, project proposal, and references as specified in the application guidelines.
- Submit Your Application: Ensure you review all details thoroughly before sending in your application.
- Await Confirmation: After submission, check your email regularly for updates regarding your application status.
Conclusion
The UNEP CTCN Youth Climate Innovation Programme 2024 is an exciting opportunity for young innovators eager to make a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change.
By providing a structured pathway from ideation to scaling innovative solutions, this programme equips participants with the necessary skills, mentorship, and networks to succeed.
If you are passionate about climate action and meet the eligibility criteria, don’t miss this chance to bring your ideas to life. Applications are open until October 20, 2024, so start your application today!
FAQs
1. What is the UNEP CTCN Youth Climate Innovation Programme?
The YCI Programme supports young innovators in developing and scaling climate technologies through a structured pathway involving an Idea Lab, Incubator, and Accelerator.
2. Who can apply for the YCI Programme?
Young individuals aged 18 to 35 from Africa, MENA, Latin America & the Caribbean, or Asia-Pacific with a Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience in climate action are eligible.
3. How long is the YCI Programme?
The programme runs from November 2024 to December 2025, comprising three main phases: Idea Lab, Incubator, and Accelerator.
4. What benefits do participants receive?
Participants gain mentorship, networking opportunities, access to funding, skill development workshops, and increased visibility for their projects.
5. How do I apply for the YCI Programme?
To apply, visit the YCI Programme application portal, create an account, complete your profile, upload required documents, and submit your application.