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

Young innovators with groundbreaking solutions for preserving marine resources are invited to participate in the Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) 2025. The competition offers a $1,000 USD cash prize, a certificate of recognition, and a fully-funded trip to Taiwan for the top three winners. Fifteen finalists will also receive recognition on global platforms like GEEP (Global Environmental Education Partnership) and NAAEE (North American Association for Environmental Education).

Opportunity for Young Changemakers

The YIC seeks to empower young people to address critical issues facing our oceans. Participants can propose novel solutions or adapt existing approaches to new environmental challenges. The competition encourages out-of-the-box thinking and seeks feasible, innovative, and research-backed proposals.

Focus on Marine Ecosystems

GEEP, the host organization, emphasizes that collaborative efforts, education, science, and innovation are crucial for tackling marine ecosystem issues. Proposed solutions should align with key areas such as marine biodiversity and conservation, marine debris, or public-private collaboration, and should integrate environmental education (EE) as a significant component.

Competition Details

Host Country: Taiwan Host Organization: Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) Location: Taipei, Taiwan Award Ceremony Date: October 2025

Benefits for Participants

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

Recognition: All 15 finalists will receive an official YIC certificate and recognition through GEEP, NAAEE, and other global partner social media channels. Cash Prize: The top three winners will each receive a $1,000 USD cash prize. Fully Funded Trip: All three winners will be invited to attend an in-person YIC award ceremony in Taipei, Taiwan, with all travel expenses covered.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Youth Innovation Challenge 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Age: Applicants should be between 15 and 30 years old. Focus: Innovative solutions must be related to Marine biodiversity and conservation, Marine debris, or Public-private collaboration. Environmental Education: Solutions should use environmental education (EE) as a significant element. Submission: Applicants can submit only one proposal, either individually or as a team. Language: Proposals should only be submitted in English. Video Pitch: Applicants must submit a video pitch (up to 3 minutes) explaining their solution and answering required questions. Originality: Applicants should not use any AI tool or platform for written content, photos, or videos.

Application Process

Interested applicants can submit their proposals online through the ‘Submittable’ platform:

Create a new account (if you don't have one). Sign in with your email address and password. Fill in the required information. Provide a title for your solution (maximum 30 words). Select the areas that your solution addresses. Upload a video pitch of 3 minutes or less (file size limit: 800 MB). Ensure copyright-free music and photos. Describe your solution in 500 words, addressing the 'WHAT, HOW, WHO' questions. Explain the feasibility of your idea. Provide a summary of relevant research and cite sources. Mention the skills, partnerships, or resources required for successful implementation. Enter your personal and contact details. Download, fill, and upload the release form. Review all information entered. Click ‘Submit’ to submit your application form.

Required Documents

Passport Video pitch file Release form

Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Youth Innovation Challenge 2025 is June 30, 2025.

Apply Now: Official Link

Expert Perspective

Dr. Emily Carter, a marine biologist and environmental policy expert, highlights the importance of such initiatives. "The Youth Innovation Challenge provides a crucial platform for young people to contribute to solving the pressing environmental issues facing our oceans. By fostering creativity and innovation, the challenge not only generates new ideas but also empowers the next generation of environmental leaders."

Historical Context and Current Relevance

Scholarships and challenges focused on environmental issues have gained prominence in recent years, reflecting a growing global awareness of climate change and the need for sustainable solutions. Competitions like the YIC play a vital role in engaging young minds and channeling their energy towards addressing these challenges. They also contribute to the broader effort of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Initiatives like the Youth Innovation Challenge are essential for cultivating a new generation of environmental stewards equipped with the knowledge, skills, and passion to protect our planet's vital marine resources. By providing financial support, recognition, and networking opportunities, the YIC empowers young people to transform their innovative ideas into tangible solutions for a healthier and more sustainable future.