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

Young innovators with groundbreaking ideas 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. The YIC seeks novel approaches to address pressing issues related to marine biodiversity, marine debris, and public-private collaboration in marine conservation.

Global Platform for Young Environmental Leaders

The Youth Innovation Challenge provides a platform for young individuals and teams to showcase their solutions on a global stage. Fifteen finalists, including the three winners, will receive recognition through the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP), the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), and other online platforms. The award ceremony, scheduled to take place in Taipei, Taiwan, in October 2025, will cover all travel-related expenses for the winning participants.

Focus on Innovation and Environmental Education

The YIC encourages participants to either adapt existing approaches to new environmental challenges or propose entirely new solutions. The Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) emphasizes the importance of collaboration, education, science, and innovation in tackling marine ecosystem issues. Proposals must align with key areas such as marine biodiversity and conservation, marine debris, or public-private collaboration, and incorporate environmental education (EE) as a significant component.

Competition Details

Host Country: Taiwan Host Organisation: Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) Program Location: Taipei, Taiwan Program Date: October 2025

Benefits for Finalists and Winners

15 YIC finalists will be selected. All finalists will receive an official YIC certificate. Finalists will gain recognition through GEEP, NAAEE, and other global partner social media channels. Three winners will be selected from the 15 finalists. Each winner will receive a cash prize of $1,000 USD. All three winners will be invited to attend the in-person YIC award ceremony in Taiwan, with all travel expenses covered.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Applicants should be between 15 and 30 years old. Innovative solutions must relate to Marine biodiversity and conservation, Marine debris, or Public-private collaboration. Solutions should utilize environmental education (EE) as a significant element. Applicants can submit only one proposal, either individually or as a team. Proposals must be submitted in English. Applicants must submit a video pitch (up to 3 minutes) presenting their solution and answering required questions. The use of AI tools or platforms for written content, photos, or videos is prohibited.

Submission Process

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

Creating a new account or signing in with an existing account. Filling in the required information, including the title of the solution (maximum 30 words). Selecting the areas addressed by the solution. Uploading a video pitch of 3 minutes or less (maximum file size: 800 MB). The video 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 sources. Mentioning 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.

Expert Perspective: The Importance of Youth Engagement in Marine Conservation

Dr. Emily Carter, a marine biologist and professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, emphasizes the critical role of youth in addressing marine conservation challenges. "Engaging young people in finding innovative solutions is essential for the long-term health of our oceans," says Dr. Carter. "Their fresh perspectives and technological fluency can lead to breakthroughs that traditional approaches may overlook. Competitions like the Youth Innovation Challenge not only incentivize participation but also provide a valuable platform for these young innovators to connect with experts and potential partners."

Historical Context: The Evolution of Marine Conservation Efforts

The urgency of marine conservation has grown significantly over the past few decades. Historically, conservation efforts primarily focused on regulating fishing practices and protecting specific marine species. However, the increasing threats of plastic pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction have broadened the scope of conservation initiatives. The Youth Innovation Challenge reflects this evolution by encouraging solutions that address a wide range of interconnected issues and leverage innovative technologies and approaches.

Required Documents

Passport Video pitch file Release form

Deadline

The deadline for applications is June 30, 2025.

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