The Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP) has launched the Youth Ecopreneur Program (YECO), an initiative designed to empower young innovators to lead Pakistan’s transition toward a greener, more sustainable economy. The program offers emerging entrepreneurs a comprehensive platform to scale environmentally conscious businesses and land restoration projects while receiving world-class mentorship and exposure to international opportunities.
YECO specifically targets youth-led ventures committed to tackling climate change, restoring degraded land, and advancing sustainable business solutions. By combining capacity-building, mentorship, and equity-free funding, the initiative positions young founders at the forefront of Pakistan’s climate resilience efforts.
Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria to participate. Candidates must be under 35 years of age by the application deadline of September 14, 2025, and serve as the Founder, Co-Founder, or CEO of a legally registered youth-led enterprise. Additionally, ventures must actively promote land restoration, green innovation, or sustainability to qualify.
The program has two key categories: Land Restoration and Green Business Solutions. Selected ventures will receive tailored capacity-building programs and advanced training to prepare for scaling, along with mentorship from leading industry experts and business strategists.
YECO offers a range of benefits for participants. For startups in the Land Restoration cohort, a shared seed funding pool of USD 100,000 is available on an equity-free basis. Legal and intellectual property guidance will be provided, along with preferential access to pro-bono legal services through Sidley Austin LLP and technical support from Google Startups for Sustainable Development. Award finalists will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to an international conference, offering valuable exposure to global networks, investors, and decision-makers. Additionally, one winner in each category will receive the Youth Ecopreneur Award, which carries prize money of USD 10,000.
The application process is designed to be simple yet thorough. Young entrepreneurs can apply via the Digital Youth Hub (DYH) at pmyp.gov.pk or through the YECO website at social.yeocommunity.com. Applicants must submit an online form detailing their business model, the specific environmental challenge it addresses, and the plan for scalability and long-term impact. Late submissions beyond September 14, 2025, will not be considered.
By participating in YECO, entrepreneurs have the chance to showcase their innovations on a global stage while playing a direct role in advancing Pakistan’s environmental goals. The program aligns with national efforts to build climate resilience, restore ecosystems, and drive the green economy forward. It also provides recognition and tangible support to youth who are translating sustainable ideas into practical solutions with measurable social and environmental impact.
YECO stands out as a unique opportunity for young founders to transform their ventures into powerful engines of change. By combining funding with mentorship and international exposure, the program bridges gaps between local innovation and global sustainability standards. It reflects PMYP’s broader commitment to equipping Pakistan’s youth with the resources they need to lead climate action and secure a more resilient future for the country.
