a venture builder for youth tech innovators tackling social and/or environmental challenges
Description
The Youth Innovation Factory (YIF) was a multi-month venture-building programme implemented with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support young people aged 18–35 in Cyprus in developing tech-based solutions to real community challenges.
Focusing on the themes of Environment and Social Cohesion, YIF empowered participants through hands-on training, expert mentorship, and collaboration with Civil Society Organizations, private sector partners, and Technical Committees. The programme helped young innovators transform early-stage ideas into impactful prototypes aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Structure of the Programme
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3-month venture-building journey, guiding participants from problem definition to MVP development
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20 participating teams generating solutions to environmental and social cohesion challenges
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Challenge sourcing from communities, CSOs, and technical experts
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Capacity-building workshops on tech tools, innovation methodologies, storytelling, and business fundamentals
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Expert mentorship from practitioners, industry experts, and UNDP advisors
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Hands-on prototyping using web/mobile development, gamification, AR/VR, and AI
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Milestone-based deliverables to drive structured progress
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Stakeholder engagement sessions connecting teams with key actors in the ecosystem
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Final Demo Day, where all teams pitched their solutions to a high-level jury
Programme Impact
Supported 20 youth-led teams
in developing early-stage solutions for social and environmental challenges
Provided a launchpad
for young entrepreneurs to validate their ideas, strengthen their skills, and build real prototypes
Fostered cross-sector collaboration
between youth, CSOs, technical committees, and private sector stakeholders
Enhanced participants’ capacity
in innovation, technology, problem-solving, leadership, and communication
Awarded €25,000 seed funding
and 6 months of incubation to 2 winning teams to bring their tech solutions to life
Contributed to the long-term growth
of the innovation ecosystem in Cyprus by activating a new generation of tech innovators
Ready to create impact together?
We’re always looking to partner with organisations and changemakers who share our vision for a more inclusive and innovative future. Book a call with us to explore how we can collaborate and grow impact side by side.