Within the European Union, many young people would like to become entrepreneurs, but often struggle due to limited support for businesses. In several EU countries, youth unemployment rates still exceed 25%. Challenges become even more significant when it comes to green businesses, which aim to address key goals such as:
- protecting oceans and coastal areas;
- using renewable energy sources;
- tackling climate change;
- reducing waste.
This is why YIELD was created.
Table of contents
What is YIELD?
YIELD (Youth Innovators Entrepreneurship Launchpad for Deep Tech) is a European project funded by the Interreg NEXT MED programme. It aims to support aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 in developing deep tech solutions for the Euro-Mediterranean (EUROMED) area.
Through a structured programme of training, mentoring, and international networking, YIELD seeks to turn innovative ideas into micro-enterprises with a strong impact on the blue, green, and circular economy (BGCE).
A project designed to strengthen youth entrepreneurship and address BGCE challenges
YIELD was created through collaboration among partners from several countries (with VITECO representing Italy), all sharing a common goal: to strengthen youth entrepreneurship in the deep tech and blue, green, and circular economy and eco-innovation sectors by providing young aspiring entrepreneurs with training and entrepreneurial acceleration knowledge, supporting the creation of new businesses.
The 10 challenges identified by the project partners are directly linked to sustainable development. Each reflects key environmental priorities, namely:
- water security and smart water management;
- integration of water-energy-food nexus;
- building smarter, cleaner energy grids;
- energy efficiency and industrial decarbonisation;
- resource recovery and circular waste management;
- material circularity and sustainable production;
- climate resilience and environmental risk management;
- restoring and protecting ecosystems;
- digitalisation of BGCE systems (eco-innovation);
- scaling BGCE deep tech from pilot to market.
YIELD’s mission is to foster innovation by creating concrete opportunities.
Who is the YIELD open call for?
The YIELD project open call is addressed to young people aged between 18 and 30 who are resident in Greece, Italy, Jordan, Egypt, or Palestine. The call is open to:
- university students or recent graduates;
- young researchers;
- job seekers;
- aspiring entrepreneurs interested in starting a micro-enterprise.
You may apply either as an individual or as part of a group, as long as you present entrepreneurial ideas based on innovative technologies and focused on sustainability.
50 teams will be selected for an international acceleration programme
A total of 50 teams (10 per country) with deep tech ideas aimed at addressing the identified challenges will be selected. These teams will have the opportunity to take part in an English-language acceleration programme designed to move from the initial concept phase to the actual development of market-ready solutions.
The programme includes:
- personalised mentoring;
- thematic workshops with international experts;
- peer exchange among teams from different countries;
- pitch development support.
In addition, the top 15 teams will gain access to an advanced acceleration phase, with more intensive and targeted support, as well as a two-week placement at a company in another partner country, fostering skills exchange and transnational growth.
How to apply
To apply for the YIELD open call, you will need to:
- visit the project website;
- review the open call announcement;
- complete the online application form.
To ensure that all applicants have sufficient time to prepare their technical dossier and team information, the open call will remain open until February 28, 2026.
Why apply
The YIELD open call represents a unique opportunity for young people who want to turn a deep tech idea into a sustainable micro-enterprise while connecting with an international ecosystem of innovators, companies, and stakeholders across the EUROMED area.
For more information, follow the YIELD project on social media or contact us.