Youth Innovation Challenge 2025 Offers $1,000 Prize, Taiwan Trip for Marine Conservation Ideas

Young innovators passionate about marine conservation have a unique opportunity to gain recognition and funding through the Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) 2025. The global competition invites individuals and teams aged 15-30 to propose solutions for preserving marine resources and addressing related environmental issues. Three winners will each receive a $1,000 USD cash prize and a fully-funded trip to Taiwan to attend the YIC award ceremony in October 2025.

The YIC, organized by the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP), seeks to foster creative problem-solving and collaboration in tackling pressing marine ecosystem challenges. Fifteen finalists, including the three winners, will receive a Youth Innovation Challenge certificate and have their work showcased on GEEP, NAAEE (North American Association for Environmental Education), and other online platforms.

Focus on Innovation and Environmental Education

The competition encourages participants to think outside the box, proposing either novel approaches or applying existing strategies to new environmental challenges. GEEP emphasizes that effective solutions require collaboration, education, science, and innovation, with a strong focus on environmental education (EE).

Proposed solutions should align with key areas, including:

Marine biodiversity and conservation Marine debris Public-private collaboration

Submissions must integrate environmental education as a significant component of the proposed solution. Participants can enter individually or as a team, provided their proposal is feasible, innovative, and supported by research.

Expert Perspective: The Importance of Youth Engagement in Marine Conservation

"Engaging youth in marine conservation is crucial because they are the future stewards of our oceans," explains Dr. Emily Carter, a marine biologist specializing in community-based conservation efforts. "Initiatives like the Youth Innovation Challenge provide a platform for young people to develop and implement innovative solutions, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards protecting marine ecosystems. The integration of environmental education is particularly important, as it equips young people with the knowledge and skills they need to become effective advocates for marine conservation."

Benefits and Eligibility

The Youth Innovation Challenge 2025 offers several benefits to its participants:

Fifteen finalists will receive an official YIC certificate. Finalists will gain recognition through GEEP, NAAEE, and global partner social media channels. Three winners will each receive a $1,000 cash prize. The three winners will be invited to attend an in-person YIC award ceremony in Taipei, Taiwan, with all travel expenses covered.

To be eligible for the YIC, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be between 15 and 30 years old. Propose innovative solutions related to Marine biodiversity and conservation, Marine debris, or Public-private collaboration. Integrate environmental education (EE) as a significant element of the solution. Submit only one proposal, either individually or as a team. Submit proposals in English. Include a video pitch (up to 3 minutes) explaining their creative solution and answering required questions. Refrain from using AI tools or platforms for written content, photos, or videos.

Application Process

Applicants must submit their proposals online through the ‘Submittable’ platform. The application process involves:

Creating a new account (if necessary) or signing in. Completing the required information fields. Providing a title for the solution (maximum 30 words). Selecting the areas addressed by the solution. Uploading a video pitch (3 minutes or less, file size limit: 800 MB). Music and photo content must be copyright-free. Describing the solution in 500 words, addressing the "WHAT, HOW, WHO" questions. Explaining the feasibility of the idea. Providing a summary of relevant research and citing sources. Listing the skills, partnerships, or resources required for successful implementation. Entering personal and contact details. Downloading, completing, and uploading the release form. Reviewing all information and submitting the application.

Required documents include a passport, video pitch file, and release form.

Historical Context: The Growing Importance of Marine Conservation

The Youth Innovation Challenge arrives at a time of increasing global awareness of the critical importance of marine conservation. Over the past several decades, scientific research has highlighted the devastating impacts of pollution, overfishing, and climate change on ocean ecosystems. International agreements and initiatives, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), reflect a growing commitment to protecting marine resources. Competitions like the YIC play a vital role in engaging the next generation in these efforts, fostering innovative solutions and promoting sustainable practices.

Deadline and Contact Information

The deadline to apply for the Youth Innovation Challenge 2025 is June 30, 2025. For questions about the application process, contact GEEP at GEEP@naaee.org.

For more information and to apply, visit the official website.