Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Deadline: July 20, 2025
The UN Environment Programme – UNEP Hack for the Environment 2025 is a global digital innovation challenge aimed at addressing some of the world’s most urgent environmental issues: climate change, nature loss, and pollution. The hackathon is a call to action for developers, creatives, students, scientists, and startups to co-create technology-driven solutions that promote a healthier planet.
Whether you’re building AI-powered apps for biodiversity conservation, data tools for pollution monitoring, or blockchain for climate action, this UNEP Hack for the Environment 2025 hackathon is your chance to turn bold ideas into real-world impact—alongside UNEP experts and international partners.
Benefits
- Expert Mentorship & Masterclasses: Learn directly from specialists at the United Nations, the Government of Kenya, global tech firms, and top academic institutions — a unique chance to engage with the leaders shaping the future of digital and environmental innovation.
- High-Level Networking: Connect with global experts, policymakers, and potential collaborators across sectors.
- Recognition & Certification: Receive official certificates, LinkedIn achievement badges, and opportunities for international recognition.
- UN Showcase Opportunity: The top 5 teams will present their solutions at the United Nations in Nairobi and participate in structured networking sessions with high-level stakeholders.
- Path to Implementation: Outstanding ideas may be selected for further development within UNEP’s Digital Accelerator Lab.
- Real-World Impact: Use data and technology to tackle the triple planetary crisis and contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient future for Kenya and beyond.
SEE ALSO: MEST AI Startup Program 2026 for African AI Entrepreneurs – Fully Funded 12-Month Innovation Sprint
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must:
- Be an individual or team (ages 18+) with a digital or tech-based solution
- Focus your innovation on climate, nature, or pollution themes
- Be able to participate in virtual or hybrid hackathon events
- Have a minimum viable product (MVP) or prototype preferred, but not mandatory
Open to applicants globally, with a strong encouragement for youth and innovators from the Global South.
What You Commit To
Each week includes approx. 2 hours of structured sessions plus self-organized team work.
Participation requires consistent engagement over four weeks (or five weeks for finalists).
