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Youth Climate Innovation Challenge

Empowering Young Kenyans to Develop Innovative Climate Solutions

For informal settlements — creating sustainable and resilient communities through innovative approaches.

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Deadline
9th June, 2025
Participants
300 Young Innovators
Location
Kenya (Nationwide)
Prize Pool
KES 500,000

Application Period Has Closed

Applications closed — Next cycle opens in 2026
Challenge Overview

Empowering Youth to Create Climate Solutions

The 2025 Youth Climate Innovation Challenge aims to empower young Kenyans to develop climate solutions for informal settlements, focusing on creating sustainable and resilient communities through innovative approaches.

Seed Funding
Win up to KES 500,000 to kickstart your climate innovation and bring your solution to life.
Mentorship
Get 6 months of expert guidance from climate professionals and successful entrepreneurs.
Incubation
Access resources, networks, and support to scale your solution across Kenya.
National Platform
Showcase your innovation at the Climate Innovation Summit in Nairobi.
Focus Areas

Innovation Themes for Informal Settlements

Focus Area 1

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)

Develop sustainable solutions for clean water access, improved sanitation facilities, and hygiene promotion that are climate-resilient and affordable.

Example Solutions
  • Low-cost water filtration systems
  • Community sanitation facilities
  • Hygiene education programs
Focus Area 2

Flood Resilience & Urban Drainage

Create innovative approaches to manage stormwater, prevent flooding, and improve drainage systems in densely populated informal settlements.

Example Solutions
  • Permeable pavement solutions
  • Rainwater harvesting systems
  • Early warning flood systems
Focus Area 3

Renewable Energy & Sustainable Infrastructure

Design affordable, clean energy solutions and sustainable building practices that reduce carbon footprints while improving living conditions.

Example Solutions
  • Solar home systems
  • Biogas digesters
  • Green building materials
Eligibility

Who Can Participate?

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must have an active yoma.world profile
  • Kenyan youth aged 18–35 years
  • Individuals or teams of up to 4 members
  • Solutions must address at least one focus area
  • Innovations must include climate education components
  • Proposed solutions should be implementable within 12 months
  • Previous climate action experience is a plus but not required

Key Dates

Application Deadline
June 9, 2025
Shortlist Announced
June 23, 2025
Pitch Day (KICC Nairobi)
July 23, 2025
Total Prize Pool
KES 500,000
+ 6 Months Mentorship
How to Participate

Application Process

Application Period Closed
1

Register Online

Complete the online registration form with your personal details and a brief description of your innovation idea.

2

Develop Your Concept

Work on your innovation, focusing on feasibility, sustainability, and impact. Utilize available resources and mentorship.

3

Submit Your Proposal

Submit a detailed proposal including implementation plan, budget, and expected outcomes.

4

Pitch & Showcase

Selected finalists will present their innovations to a panel of judges during the Climate Innovation Summit.

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