July 2025 – December 2025
UNESCO Water Challenge for Young Innovators 2025
The UNESCO Water Challenge for Young Innovators 2025 is a national innovation program launched by UNESCO Vietnam and Research Institute for Innovation and Development to empower youth in developing practical solutions for Vietnam’s water challenges.
Over 3 months, the program attracted 85 applications from young innovators across Vietnam, supporting selected teams through mentorship, pitching, seed funding, and pilot implementation. The Top 3 initiatives showcased innovative solutions in water treatment, desalination, and community-based sustainability, contributing to climate action and sustainable development.
Problem Statement
Climate change and pollution threaten Vietnam’s water resources and access to clean water.
The UNESCO Water Challenge for Young Innovators 2025 includes the following key activities:
Open Call for Innovative Solutions: Young people under 30 across Vietnam submit scientific, technological, and social solutions addressing water challenges. Nearly 100 proposals were received.
Top 10 Pitching Day: Ten selected teams present their solutions to an expert panel, with three initiatives chosen for pilot support.
Training and Technical Mentorship: Selected teams receive expert guidance and training in project management, communications, and social impact measurement.
Funding and Pilot Implementation: Three outstanding teams receive financial support to test and refine their water solutions over three months.
Immersion Day and Knowledge Exchange: Teams showcase their pilot results and share lessons with experts and development partners, exploring opportunities for collaboration and further development.
Impact Metrics
- 85
applications nationwide
- 47,000+
social media reach
- 100+
participants at Immersion Day
- 50+
youth joined the Info Session
Gallery
Stories
“Eco-Park Wetlands proves that meaningful environmental solutions can begin with small community-driven ideas. By using nature-based approaches to create cleaner water systems, the project not only addressed local water challenges but also inspired environmental awareness among young people. With the vision of expanding to more schools and communities, the initiative hopes to nurture a generation that values and protects every drop of water.”
Partners
UNESCO Viet Nam
UNESCO promotes international cooperation in education, science, and culture. Through the Water Challenge, UNESCO Viet Nam supports youth-led innovation addressing water challenges and advancing Sustainable Development Goal 6: clean water and sanitation for all.
YNET
YNET is a youth network connecting young people with environmental learning, community initiatives, and opportunities to take action for sustainable development.
Vietnam Network of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Universities and Colleges (VNEI)
VNEI connects universities and colleges across Vietnam to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation through knowledge sharing, collaboration, and support for student startups.
ClimateLaunchpad
ClimateLaunchpad is a global green business ideas competition that supports aspiring entrepreneurs through training, coaching, and pitching opportunities to turn climate solutions into viable businesses.