Are you ready to hear stories about drones being used to spread seeds in the Brazilian forests, the creation of biofertilizers in Dominican Republic or how the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence are being used to advise farmers on sustainable land management practices in Kenya?
The Restoration Pavilion is proud to present the YECO 2024 Youth Ecopreneurs – a talented group of ten young innovators with an entrepreneurial spirit is transforming land restoration through cutting-edge sustainable business models.
The ecopreneurs are participants of the flagship Youth Ecopreneur Programme 2024 (YECO), led in partnership by the G20 Global Land Initiative and the International Trade Center.
YECO Programme empowers emerging young leaders to create impactful solutions for the planet. COP16 is a unique opportunity to engage, learn and be inspired by their vision and drive.
Come and meet these talented young ecopreneurs through the variety of events planned, such as the Pitch Competition and Innovation Stage Pitches, to hear their stories and learn more about their businesses and ambitions to achieve land restoration at large scale.
Mmakwena Moesi, participant at the Ye! Youth Ecopreneur Award 2023, celebrates her triumph at the GreenTech Festival in Berlin. Her innovative project, Viva Organica, claimed victory at the Start-Up Jam, earning a prize of USD 200,000 worth of consulting services from Boston Consulting Group X, with vital support from G20GLI.
Land of Opportunities Pitch Competition
4 Dec 2024, 16:00 – 17:15 AST
Action Dome (Blue Zone)
Do not miss this opportunity to witness a live pitch competition! Taking place in the Action Dome, four of the young ecopreneurs, will pitch their innovative land restoration businesses to an esteemed panel of judges to compete for a prestigious prize.
This gathering will connect visionary ecopreneurs with global investors, corporate leaders and experts, fostering opportunities for funding, collaboration and impactful change.
Innovation Stage Pitches: Daily Showcases of YECO Initiatives
3-11 December 2024
Every day during the lunch break, one of the YECO projects will present their technology at the Innovation Stage, offering a dynamic look at how young entrepreneurs are addressing pressing environmental challenges.
Can’t attend in person? The sessions will be live-streamed for virtual participants to witness the energy, innovation and drive of young leaders from anywhere in the world.
- 3 Dec (13:00-13:15 AST): Maryanne Gichanga Kenya – Agritech Analytics
- 5 Dec (14:00 – 14:15 AST): Andres Bisono Leon – SOS Carbon
- 5 Dec (14:45– 15:00 AST): Fernando De Lucca Moreno – CERES Seeding
- 6 Dec (13:00 – 13:15 AST): Martina Sikawa – Chemolex
- 7 Dec (14:00 – 14:15 AST): Christian Adoh – BIO PLANET TMC
- 9 Dec (14:00 – 14:15 AST): Manuel Olmos – The Ecosystem Carbon Conservation
- 10 Dec (14:00 – 14:15 AST): Julia Mensa – Nunatak Biotech
- 10 Dec (14:30 – 14:45 AST): Tonthoza Uganja – Sustainable Farming Solutions
- 11 Dec (14:00 – 14:15 AST): Lilan Dayananda – Elzian Agro
- 11 Dec (14:30 – 14:45 AST): Chimegsaikhan Munkhbayar – Nomads Agritech Innovations
YECO Interaction Corner: Meet the Ecopreneurs Building the Future of Land Restoration
Restoration Pavilion – Blue Zone
Visit the YECO Corner in the Restoration Pavilion for one-on-one discussions for a deep dive into their groundbreaking solutions in sustainable land management, conservation and environmental restoration.
This is also a unique opportunity to connect and network directly with changemakers and the rising stars of green entrepreneurship. Exchange ideas, form partnerships and learn from young people who are turning sustainable visions into reality.
Spotlight Side Events: In-Depth Dialogues on Restoration and Access to Finance
5 Dec 2024, 09:00–10:00 AST
Restoring the Future: Youth Ecopreneurs and Their Land Restoration Business Journeys
Dive into the journeys youth ecopreneurs from different regions and entrepreneurial approaches they have taken to restore degraded lands. Get first-hand accounts about their challenges and triumphs, and the transformative impact of their work.
Panelists:
- Maryanne Gichanga (Kenya): AgriTech Analytic Limited
- Fernando De Lucca Moreno (Brazil): Ceres Seeding
- Christian Adoh (Benin): BIO PLANET TMC Ltd
- Martina Sikawa (Kenya): CHEMOLEX COMPANY LIMITED
- Andres Bisono Leon (Dominican Republic): SOS Carbon
11 Dec 2024, 11:00 –12:30 AST
Financing the Future of Restoration: Business Perspectives on Access to Finance for Startups
Join a panel of investors, business leaders and ecopreneurs to discuss financing opportunities and roadblocks for startups focused on sustainability. Gain valuable insights about funding strategies, investment sources and pathways to scale impact-driven ventures in land restoration.
Panelists:
- Julia Mensa (Argentina): Nunatak Biotech
- Tonthoza Uganja (Malawi): Sustainable Farming Solutions
- Manuel Olmos Munevar (Colombia): The Ecosystem Carbon Conservation
- Lilan Dayananda (Sri Lanka): Elzian Agro (Private) Limited
- Chimegsaikhan Munkhbayar (Mongolia): Nomads Agritech Innovations
- Paul Babila Mbua (Cameroon): BSO Zixtech Organization
YECO Voices: Inspiring Podcast Series
Restoration Pavilion – Blue Zone
Set to launch in 2025, our podcast series will feature in-depth interviews with YECO participants, capturing the highs, the lows and the pivotal moments of their entrepreneurial journeys.
Join Us at COP16 to Support the Future of Sustainable Entrepreneurship!
Be part of the movement that’s redefining land restoration. Connect with the next generation of eco-entrepreneurs, attend insightful panels and get inspired by the solutions driving real environmental impact. Visit the YECO Corner, join the Innovation Stage and engage with young and ambitious changemakers at COP16, and catch and experience the youth vibe!
You are an ecopreneur yourself?
