2026 Global Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC)
By Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP)
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Quick Answer
Global innovation challenge for youth aged 15-30 to propose ocean conservation solutions. Three winners receive $1,000 USD each plus a trip to Taiwan.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 31 May 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP). Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
The 2026 Global Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC), now in its sixth year, is run by the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) — a collaboration between Taiwan's Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). It invites young people from any country to propose innovative, research-informed solutions to marine and environmental challenges.
Who Should Apply Open to individuals or teams aged 15 to 30 from any country, including India. Submissions must be in English. The challenge welcomes student innovators, early-stage builders, and youth-led teams working on environmental and marine impact.
Tracks / Themes The 2026 edition focuses on three areas: reducing personal waste and marine debris, promoting positive community and societal impacts, and advocating international marine environmental education. Proposals can address marine biodiversity, ocean pollution, sustainable practices, public awareness, and community engagement in stewardship.
Format & Timeline Applications are now open and submitted online via the NAAEE Submittable portal. Submissions close on 31 May 2026 at 11:59 PM U.S. Eastern Time. NAAEE will host an applicant webinar on 5 May 2026 covering proposal-writing tips. Strong submissions typically demonstrate a clear understanding of a marine issue, evidence-based research, innovative problem-solving, practical implementation strategies, and measurable outcomes.
Prizes
Three winners will each receive USD 1,000 (₹90,000) and an invitation to Taiwan to attend the award ceremony and present at an international forum. Total cash pool is approximately USD 3,000 (₹2,70,000), plus international travel and platform exposure.
Eligibility Individuals or teams aged 15-30 from any country. Entries must be in English. Submissions must be informed by research, feasible, measurable, and innovative.
How to Apply Review the YIC Applicant Handbook on the GEEP program page, optionally register for the May 5, 2026 applicant webinar, and submit your proposal via the NAAEE Submittable portal before May 31, 2026.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
Prizes & Awards
What You Get
This is a cash-prize competition rather than an equity or loan program. Three winners are each awarded USD 1,000 (~₹90,000), drawn from a total prize pool of approximately USD 3,000 (~₹2,70,000). Beyond the cash, each winner receives an invitation to Taiwan to attend the award ceremony and present their work at an international forum. International travel to the event is covered, and winners get platform exposure for their project through the YIC / GEEP program.
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
