The Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP) has officially launched the Youth Ecopreneur Program (YECO), a new initiative designed to empower young people in Pakistan to become leaders in environmental sustainability. This program gives young innovators a platform to create eco-friendly businesses, restore land, and develop solutions for a greener and cleaner future.
The program is not just about funding—it focuses on building the skills of youth, providing mentorship from experts, and creating opportunities for international exposure. By supporting these eco-entrepreneurs, the government aims to make Pakistan a key player in the global fight against climate change and land degradation.
What the Program Offers
The Youth Ecopreneur Program (YECO) has been designed to help young business leaders grow their sustainable ideas into impactful projects. Participants will receive:
- Capacity-building and advanced training to expand their ventures and reach larger markets.
- Seed funding support: A shared equity-free pool of USD 100,000 for the Land Restoration category.
- Expert mentorship and coaching from industry leaders and environmental specialists.
- Legal and Intellectual Property (IP) support, including pro-bono legal services from Sidley Austin LLP.
- Preferential access to programs such as the Google Startups for Sustainable Development Program.
- Networking opportunities with global partners and leaders in sustainability.
- International exposure through a fully-funded trip to a global conference for selected award finalists.
- Youth Ecopreneur Award: Winners in each category will receive USD 10,000 prize money as recognition for their innovative contributions.
This combination of funding, training, and mentorship makes YECO a unique chance for young entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and bring real change.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age Limit: You must be under 35 years old by the application deadline (14th September 2025).
- Leadership Role: You should be a Founder, Co-Founder, or CEO of your venture.
- Business Type: Your venture must be youth-led and legally registered.
- Focus Area: Your business must actively contribute to land restoration, sustainability, or the green economy.
Categories of Application
Applicants can apply under one of the following two categories:
- Land Restoration – Projects that focus on reversing land degradation, improving soil health, planting trees, and reviving natural ecosystems.
- Green Business Solutions – Innovative business ideas that promote clean energy, reduce waste, recycle materials, or introduce eco-friendly technologies.
How to Apply
The application process is simple and online:
- Visit the Digital Youth Hub (DYH) at https://pmyp.gov.pk/ and apply through the Environment Section.
- Alternatively, apply through the YECO Website at:
https://social.yeocommunity.com/topics/49027/page/yeco - Fill out the online application form and submit a detailed proposal that includes:
- Your business model.
- How your idea addresses environmental challenges.
- The scalability and long-term sustainability of your project.
Important Dates
- Deadline for Applications: 14th September 2025
- Note: Late submissions will not be accepted. Make sure to apply on time.
Why You Should Apply
This program is more than just financial assistance—it’s an opportunity to showcase your innovation to the world. By applying, you can:
- Get funding to scale your eco-friendly business.
- Gain international recognition by representing Pakistan at global forums.
- Receive mentorship from experts in the field of sustainability.
- Be part of the green transition, helping Pakistan fight climate change and build resilience.
For young people passionate about the environment, YECO is a chance to turn ideas into action and contribute to a sustainable future for generations to come.
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