Submit by May 31, 2026

The Taiwan Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA) and Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) invite young people ages 15–30 from around the world to submit their innovative solutions to protect our ocean! The 2026 Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC) explores how we can address marine issues, such as loss of biodiversity and marine debris, provide healthy habitats for marine life, protect human health, and support people of all ages to be engaged stewards to support marine environments. Learn more: bit.ly/YouthInnovationChallenge.

We’re looking for solutions that can be implemented individually or in partnership with other individuals or organizations. Solutions should align with one or more of the following key priority areas, and should also include an environmental education (EE) component:

• Taking personal action to reduce waste and marine debris, such as reducing and/or mitigating the effects of marine debris and
  other waste, including the monitoring, clean-up, and recycling of marine debris.
• Developing marine debris strategies that address community and societal impact, including educating communities about how they can address these issues.
• Advancing global marine protection through collaboration, partnerships, and policy.

Read through the YIC Applicant Handbook for more details about the program and selection criteria. 

Benefits: A total of 15 YIC finalists will receive a Youth Innovation Challenge certificate and global recognition on GEEP and NAAEE platforms. In addition, 3 of the 15 finalists will be selected as winners, will receive a $1,000 USD prize, and will be invited to attend the YIC award ceremony in Taipei, Taiwan in September 2026 (all travel expenses covered). 

Applicant Webinar: Join the YIC Applicant Webinar on May 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time (find your time zone), where NAAEE staff will share tips for submitting a strong Youth Innovation Challenge proposal! Register for Applicant Webinar >

Access the application >

Contact GEEP@naaee.org with any questions.

Share this opportunity with others using our YIC Promotional Toolkit.

----------------

The Youth Innovation Challenge is a program of the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) in partnership with the Taiwan Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA). GEEP is a partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Taiwan Ministry of Environment, and the North American Association for Environmental Education.