2025-2026 Competition Open

International Youth
Environmental Challenge

Inspire. Innovate. Impact.

Shaping Tomorrow's Environmental Leaders

The International Youth Environmental Challenge (IYEC) is an annual global event dedicated to empowering youth to address environmental and climate challenges through innovative solutions to local problems.

We believe that young people have the creativity, passion, and determination to make a real difference in their communities and beyond. IYEC provides a platform for students worldwide to showcase their ideas, learn from peers, and gain recognition for their environmental initiatives.

🎯

No Experience Required

Open to all youth passionate about the environment

🌐

Global Participation

Connect with like-minded youth worldwide

💡

Multiple Formats

Express your ideas through essays, videos, or creative media

🌱 Youth for the Planet

Young Leaders Making Real Impact

Young changemakers from 38 countries working on innovative environmental solutions

38
Countries
Global representation
6
Continents
Truly global reach

Where Our Participants Come From

World Map

What Participants Say

"I want to participate in IYEC to showcase my initiative and inspire others to take meaningful action against climate change. Through this platform, I hope to share our journey and raise awareness."
AS
Amanullah Solangi Pakistan - 1st Place Winner
"We believe young people have the power to make a difference. IYEC gave us the platform to share our ideas with the world and connect with like-minded youth globally."
NT
Ngo Anh Tuan Vietnam - 2nd Place Winner
"We want to spread awareness about how harmful microplastics are to the environment. IYEC helped our initiative reach more people and amplify our message."
GS
Girl Scout Troop 436 Alaska, USA - Junior 1st Place

Eligibility Requirements

👦

Junior Category

Ages 13 and below

  • Individual or team participation
  • No prior experience needed
  • Projects on any environmental theme
  • Parental/guardian consent required

Environmental Themes

Select a local issue related to at least one of these theme areas

🌳

Nature & Protection

Biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, and ecosystem preservation initiatives

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Air Quality

Solutions to improve air quality, reduce emissions, and combat air pollution

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Water & Bodies of Water

Addressing water pollution, conservation, and protecting aquatic ecosystems

♻️

Waste Management

Innovative approaches to waste reduction, recycling, and circular economy

🌡️

Climate Change

Mitigation strategies, adaptation solutions, and climate resilience projects

2025-2026 Competition Timeline

September 1, 2025

Portal Opens

Registration and submission portal officially opens for all participants

September - January

Project Development

Work on your project, gather research, and prepare your submission

January 15, 2026

Submission Deadline

All projects must be submitted by 11:59 PM (your local time)

February 2026

Judging Period

Expert panel reviews and evaluates all submissions

March 2026

Winners Announced

Results published and winners notified via email

Submission Guidelines

01

Written Essays

500-1000 words exploring your environmental solution in depth

PDF or DOC
02

Video Projects

1-5 minutes showcasing your initiative with visual storytelling

MP4 or Link
03

Recorded Speeches

Present your ideas through compelling oral presentation

Audio/Video
04

Creative Media

Art, infographics, apps, or other innovative formats

Digital Link

Important Requirements:

  • Language: All submissions must be in English or include English subtitles
  • Originality: Work must be original with proper attribution for any referenced sources
  • Accessibility: Projects must be accessible via a digital link (Google Drive, YouTube, etc.)

How Projects Are Judged

Our expert panel evaluates each submission based on four key criteria, ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment of all projects.

SW

Featured Judge: Sigil Wen

Industry innovator, investor, and Wharton alumni

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Innovation

Originality and creativity of the proposed solution

25%
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Impact

Potential environmental and community benefits

25%
⚙️

Feasibility

Practicality and scalability of implementation

25%
📊

Presentation

Clarity and effectiveness of communication

25%

Awards Structure

🥇

1st Place

$200

Scholarship Award

  • Certificate of Excellence
  • Website feature
  • Social media recognition
🥈

2nd Place

$150

Scholarship Award

  • Certificate of Achievement
  • Website feature
  • Social media recognition
🥉

Junior Award

$100

Scholarship Award

  • Certificate of Achievement
  • Website feature
  • Encouragement for future participation

Ingenuity Award

Special

Recognition Award

  • Certificate of Ingenuity
  • Prominent website feature
  • Innovation spotlight

Award Winners

Watch the 2024 International Youth Environmental Challenge Award Ceremony

Senior Category
Amanullah Solangi
1st Place

Amanullah Solangi

Pakistan
View their work

"Cool Hyderabad"

The Cool Hyderabad project by Amanullah focuses on combating urban heat islands by planting thousands of trees along main roads, in parks, and in neighborhoods. This ambitious initiative has already seen the planting of over 30,000 trees, creating cooler microclimates, reducing air pollution, and fostering a greener urban environment.

Ngo Anh Tuan & Duong Hai Mien
2nd Place

Ngo Anh Tuan & Duong Hai Mien

Vietnam
View their work

"Turning the Tides"

The Turning the Tides project by Ngo Anh Tuan and Duong Hai Mien addresses the pressing issue of marine pollution in coastal Vietnam. By organizing community clean-ups, educational workshops, and sustainable fishing practices, they aim to protect and restore the local marine ecosystem while raising awareness about the importance of ocean conservation.

Chun-Shan CHANG
Honorable

Chun-Shan CHANG

Taiwan
View their work

"Travel & Environmental Perception"

This research project by Chun-Shan explores how travel experiences influence individuals' perceptions of the environment. By examining the relationship between tourism and environmental awareness, the study provides valuable insights into how travel can be leveraged to foster a deeper connection with nature and promote sustainable practices.

William Zeng
Honorable

William Zeng

USA
View their work

"Rome's Waste Management"

William's research examines the historical and modern waste management practices in Rome, Italy. The project analyzes the city's challenges in dealing with urban waste and proposes innovative solutions inspired by both ancient Roman engineering and contemporary sustainable practices.

Junior Category
Girl Scout Troop 436
1st Place

Girl Scout Troop 436

Alaska, USA
View their work

"The BioGlitter Initiative"

The BioGlitter Initiative by Girl Scout Troop 436 from Alaska addresses the environmental impact of traditional plastic glitter, which contributes to microplastic pollution in oceans and waterways. The troop promotes biodegradable glitter alternatives and educates communities about the importance of reducing microplastics through workshops and awareness campaigns.

Rui-Tong Yuan
2nd Place

Rui-Tong Yuan

Taiwan
View their work

"Building a Better Future"

Rui-Tong's project explores innovative sustainable construction materials and methods that can reduce the environmental footprint of buildings. The research investigates eco-friendly alternatives to traditional building materials and proposes practical solutions for creating more environmentally responsible construction practices.

Syuan-Hao HUANG
Honorable

Syuan-Hao HUANG

Taiwan
View their work

"Environment vs Development"

Syuan-Hao's project delves into the complex relationship between environmental conservation and economic development. The research examines case studies where development has impacted natural ecosystems and proposes balanced approaches that prioritize both ecological sustainability and human progress.

Special Awards
Earth Z Team
Ingenuity

Atharva Soni, Arav Kamat & Team

California, USA
View their work

"Earth Z-Wildfire Solutions"

Earth Z is an innovative AI-powered fire detection system developed by a team of young technologists from California. The project uses artificial intelligence and drone technology to detect wildfires in their early stages, enabling faster response times and potentially saving both natural habitats and human lives in fire-prone regions.

Senior Category
JJ
1st Place

Julie Jin

Ottawa, Canada

"Become a Biodiversity Hero"

An innovative project empowering individuals to protect biodiversity from the comfort of home and while traveling.

JJ
2nd Place

Jenny Jin

Ottawa, Canada

"From Waste to Well-being"

Addressing the global waste crisis through innovative waste management solutions and community engagement.

Junior Category
AK
1st Place

Alisa Jiang & Katherine Jiang

Florida, USA

"SW Florida Environment"

A comprehensive study of environmental challenges facing Southwest Florida and proposed solutions.

EC
2nd Place

Even Chen

Shanghai, China

"Spotlight on Local Actions"

Highlighting local environmental initiatives that are making a positive impact on the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

No prior experience is required! IYEC welcomes all young people who are passionate about the environment. Whether you're just starting to learn about environmental issues or have been involved in projects before, your unique perspective is valuable.

Yes! You can participate either individually or as a team. Team participation is encouraged as it allows for collaboration and combining different skills and perspectives to create more comprehensive solutions.

Project complexity can vary based on your age group and experience. Junior participants might focus on simpler, local initiatives, while senior participants may tackle more complex challenges. What matters most is the thoughtfulness of your approach and the potential impact of your solution.

Beyond the scholarship prizes, participants gain valuable experience in research, project development, and presentation skills. You'll also connect with a global community of like-minded youth, receive recognition for your work, and contribute to real environmental solutions.

All submissions must be in English or include English subtitles/translations. This ensures our international panel of judges can fairly evaluate all projects from participants around the world.

You will receive a confirmation email after submitting your project through our Google Forms portal. If you don't receive confirmation within 48 hours, please contact us at iyecteam@gmail.com.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join young environmental leaders from around the world. Submit your project and be part of the solution!

Submission Deadline January 15, 2026
Submit Your Project

Registration is free and open to all youth 18 and under

Get in Touch

Have questions about the competition? We're here to help!

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General Inquiries

iyecteam@gmail.com
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