UNEP’s Young Champions of the Earth prize gives young environmental entrepreneurs $10,000 in seed funding, with the top pitch winning up to $100,000 more. The 2026 application window is closed and winners have not yet been announced; the next cycle’s dates are not yet published, so this is a bookmark, not a live application.
At a glance
| Status | Eligibility (summary) | Benefit | Geography | Watch page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed — 2026 applications closed; winners not yet announced as of this writing; 2027 timeline not yet published | Individual (not a team), age 18–30, running an environmental venture with 6+ months of real-world traction, with a referee to vouch for the work | $10,000 seed funding for shortlisted Champions; top pitch can win up to $100,000 more via the Planet A grant | Global | unep.org/youngchampions |
Who’s eligible
Per UNEP’s own eligibility rules, candidates must apply as individuals rather than as a team, be between 18 and 30 years old, and have at least six months of demonstrated work on their environmental venture — not just a concept. Applicants need a referee willing to vouch for their track record. Judging weighs UNEP’s “3 Ps” framework — planet, people, and prosperity — alongside the venture’s dedication, realism, and investability, with a focus on climate, biodiversity, pollution and waste, or environmental entrepreneurship more broadly.
What you get
Selected Young Champions receive $10,000 in seed funding to grow their venture, plus mentorship, UNEP visibility, and the intangible currency of a globally recognized prize on a founder’s track record. The strongest pitch among that cohort can go on to win up to $100,000 more through UNEP’s associated Planet A grant. UNEP has not published a public count of how many Champions the 2026 cycle will name; that detail is only confirmed once winners are announced.
How to apply
There is no live application today. The channel to watch for the 2027 opening is UNEP’s own Young Champions timeline page, which states applicants should keep checking for updates on when the next cycle opens — no third-party site should be used to submit an application when the window does reopen.
Key dates
- 2026 applications: closed (exact 2026 deadline not restated by UNEP on its current timeline page)
- As of September 4, 2026, no 2026 Young Champions cohort or winners have been publicly announced
- 2027 cycle: no dates published yet — UNEP says to watch its site for updates
FAQ
Can I still apply for Young Champions of the Earth in 2026?
No. UNEP’s own site states 2026 applications are closed.
Have the 2026 winners been announced?
Not as of this writing (September 4, 2026). UNEP’s news page’s most recent Young Champions coverage still concerns the 2025 cohort.
Can a team apply together?
No. Young Champions of the Earth accepts individual applicants only, each of whom needs a referee to vouch for their venture’s track record.
How much funding is available?
$10,000 in seed funding for shortlisted Champions, with the strongest pitch eligible for up to $100,000 more through the associated Planet A grant.
When does the 2027 cycle open?
Not announced yet. Check unep.org/youngchampions/apply/timeline for updates.
