UNEP Young Champions of the Earth 2026
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Quick Answer
US$10,000 (about ₹9.5 lakh) seed funding, mentoring and a shot at a US$100,000 grant for environmental innovators aged 18–30. The 2026 call closed on 31 March 2026.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- UN Environment Programme
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 31 March 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by UN Environment Programme. 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 call for UNEP Young Champions of the Earth is closed: the listed deadline was 31 March 2026. The sources we could read do not announce a next call, but UNEP has run the award since 2017, so a later call is possible and UNEP's Young Champions page is where it would appear.
Young Champions of the Earth is the flagship youth award of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Since 2017 it has recognised 33 young activists, entrepreneurs and environmental innovators aged 18 to 30 with strong ideas to protect the planet. It is run in partnership with American cleantech CEO Chris Kemper, UNEP's Advocate for Partnerships and co-founder of Planet A. It is a global award, open to young people from any country, and Indian winners have been named before.
What the program offers
The 2026 Young Champions receive US$10,000 in seed funding (about ₹9.5 lakh) from Kemper. They also get mentorship, access to a network of experts, and chances to take part in high-level United Nations events. The winners are brought to New York to compete in a pitch competition for a US$100,000 grant (about ₹95 lakh) from Planet A. The sources do not say how many winners there are in a given year, or how the seed money is paid. In the 2025 round three winners were named, and one of them went on to win the US$100,000 grant.
The seed funding is described as seed money for the idea. The sources do not say whether it comes with conditions, so read the official terms when a call opens.
Who can apply
You must be between 18 and 30. UNEP welcomes young entrepreneurs, scientists, economists, artists and communicators from all backgrounds who are advancing bold ideas for people, planet and prosperity. To show feasibility and commitment, you must have actively pursued your idea for at least six months. The ideas should tackle problems such as climate change, land degradation, biodiversity and nature loss, or pollution and waste.
For an Indian founder this is a good fit if you are under 31, have a working environmental project or startup that is at least six months old, and can show real progress. It is not for older founders, or for ideas that exist only on paper.
How to apply
Applications are made through UNEP's Young Champions of the Earth page when a call is open. The sources we could read do not list the form fields or documents. A practical tip: have a short written description of your idea, evidence of your six months of work, and a clear statement of the environmental problem it addresses ready before the call opens.
How applications are judged and what happens next
The sources do not describe the judging steps. They say winners are named by UNEP and then brought to New York for the Planet A pitch competition. The 2026 call opened on 24 February 2026 and closed on 31 March 2026. Because the sources do not publish a selection timeline, plan for a long wait after applying and check UNEP's page for updates.
About UNEP
The UN Environment Programme is the United Nations body that leads on environmental matters worldwide. Its executive director said the Young Champions programme gives young people mentorship, training and seed funding to turn ambitious ideas into viable solutions for people and the planet. The 2025 winners were Jinali Mody of India (Banofi Leather, which turns banana crop waste into a plant-based leather alternative), Joseph Nguthiru of Kenya (HyaPak, biodegradable packaging from water hyacinth pulp) and Noemi Florea (Cycleau, a system that turns greywater into drinking water).
Things to check before you apply
- Confirm that a new call is open; none is announced in the sources we could read.
- Check the age rule at the time of application.
- Expect to travel to New York if you win; the sources do not say who pays.
- Check the official terms for entry fees, language and ownership of your idea.
- Indian founders receiving foreign money should check tax and foreign-exchange rules with an adviser.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
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
Each 2026 Young Champion receives US$10,000 (about ₹9.5 lakh) in seed funding from Chris Kemper, plus mentorship, access to a network of experts and opportunities to take part in high-level UN events. Champions are also brought to New York to compete in a pitch competition for a US$100,000 grant (about ₹95 lakh) from Planet A.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The sources we could read do not describe the judging steps. They say UNEP names the Young Champions, who then travel to New York to compete in a pitch competition for the US$100,000 Planet A grant.
Application Process
- 1
Application
Apply on UNEP's Young Champions of the Earth page during the call.
You - 2
- 3
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Young Champions of the Earth?
Young people aged 18 to 30 with an idea to protect or restore the environment. Entrepreneurs, scientists, economists, artists and communicators can apply. You must have actively pursued your idea for at least six months.
Can Indian founders apply for Young Champions of the Earth?
Yes. The award is global and invites applicants from all backgrounds. Jinali Mody of India, founder of Banofi Leather, was one of the 2025 Young Champions.
How much do winners get?
Winners get US$10,000 in seed funding (about ₹9.5 lakh) from Chris Kemper. They are also brought to New York to compete for a US$100,000 grant (about ₹95 lakh) from Planet A.
Is it a grant or equity?
The sources call the US$10,000 seed funding and the US$100,000 a grant. They do not mention UNEP or Planet A taking equity. Read the official terms for conditions.
Is the 2026 call still open?
No. The 2026 call opened on 24 February 2026 and the listed deadline was 31 March 2026. The sources do not announce a next call.
When is the next call likely?
Not stated. UNEP has run the award since 2017, so another call is plausible, but no date is published in the sources we could read. Watch UNEP's Young Champions page.
What does the six-month rule mean?
UNEP says applicants must have actively pursued their idea for at least six months, to show feasibility and commitment. A new idea with no work behind it is not enough.
Do winners have to travel?
Yes. Winners are brought to New York to compete in the Planet A pitch competition. The sources do not say how travel is arranged or paid.
What topics does the award cover?
The call names climate change, land degradation, biodiversity and nature loss, and pollution and waste. UNEP welcomes bold ideas for people, planet and prosperity.
What documents do I need?
The sources we could read do not list the documents. Expect to describe your idea and show your six months of work; check UNEP's page when the next call opens.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
