The Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) 2025 invites young changemakers aged 15–30 from around the world to share creative solutions for marine conservation issues. This global contest is hosted by the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP), in collaboration with the Taiwan Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA) and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE).
This year’s theme, “Advancing Marine Conservation”, focuses on protecting marine biodiversity, reducing marine debris, and fostering public-private partnerships to protect our oceans. Proposals must include an environmental education (EE) component and show how your idea can help communities take meaningful action.
If your idea is innovative, feasible, and backed by research, you could win $1,000, receive global recognition, and get an all-expenses-paid trip to Taiwan for the award ceremony in October 2025. The competition is free to enter, and submissions are due by June 30, 2025.
Quick Overview of Youth Innovation Challenge 2025
- Host Organizations: GEEP, OCA, and NAAEE
- Challenge Theme: Advancing Marine Conservation
- Deadline: June 30, 2025 (11:59 PM U.S. Eastern Time)
- Eligible Ages: 15–30 years old
- Focus Areas:
- Marine biodiversity and conservation
- Marine debris
- Public-private collaboration
- Prize: $1,000 + 2-day trip to Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Language: Proposal and video pitch must be in English
- Submission Platform: Submittable
Perks of the GEEP YIC 2025
- $1,000 USD cash prize for the top 3 winners
- Global recognition across GEEP, NAAEE, and partner platforms
- All-expenses-paid trip to Taiwan to attend the award ceremony (29–30 September 2025)
- Certificates for 15 finalists
- Opportunity to pitch your idea to global conservation leaders
- Access to a network of youth innovators and environmental educators
Benefits of the Taiwan Marine Conservation Challenge
- Showcase how environmental education can solve real-world marine issues
- Build your resume, gain global exposure, and connect with marine experts
- Learn how to pitch your ideas and work with global communities
- Launch a solution that meets your local or national environmental needs
- Engage diverse partners and audiences in your innovation journey
Exclusions of the NAAEE Youth Program
- Only one proposal per person or team will be accepted
- Proposals must be in English
- AI-generated content (text, photos, videos) is not allowed
- Video pitch must be under 3 minutes and under 800MB
- Submissions received after June 30, 2025, will not be considered
Eligibility Criteria of the Environmental Education Competition
- Must be between 15 and 30 years old
- Open to individuals or teams from any country
- Solution must align with at least one key area:
- Marine biodiversity
- Marine debris
- Public-private collaboration
- The proposal must integrate environmental education (EE) as a key strategy
- Only one entry per applicant/team
- The application must include a video pitch and a written proposal
Important Dates of the Marine Conservation Contest for Youth
- Application Deadline: June 30, 2025 (11:59 PM U.S. Eastern Time)
- Review Period: July–August 2025
- Finalists Notified: September 2025
- Award Ceremony in Taiwan: September 29–30, 2025
How to Apply for the Youth Innovation Challenge 2025
- Go to https://naaee.submittable.com/submit
- Read the Applicant Handbook carefully
- Prepare your materials:
- Title of your solution (max 30 words)
- Video pitch (max 3 minutes, in English)
- Written proposal answering:
- What is your solution, and how is it innovative? (max 500 words)
- Why is it feasible? (max 300 words)
- What research supports your idea? (max 300 words)
- What additional support would you need? (max 150 words)
- Submit your full application by June 30, 2025
Required Documents for the Youth Innovation Challenge
- Title of Solution
- Selected Key Focus Area(s)
- Video Pitch (3 minutes or less)
- Written Proposal answering detailed questions (as outlined above)
- Research citations to support your solution
- Any permissions for images/footage used in your video
Country-Specific Criteria
The challenge is open globally to participants from all countries, with no regional or nationality-based restrictions. However, submissions must be made in English and comply with the rules on video length and originality.
