YOUTH
CHANGEMAKER
AWARD
——Inspired by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus
Our Story
The Youth Changemaker Award was founded as a tribute to the vision of Professor Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Laureate and father of Social Business. The “Y” in YCA not only stands for “Youth” — it also pays tribute to Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Believing that youth hold the key to solving the world's greatest challenges, YCA empowers young leaders aged 14–18 to turn passion into action — carrying forward Yunus's mission to build a world of zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emissions.
Through this platform, students from around the world identify pressing social or environmental issues, conduct in-depth research, and design impactful, community-based solutions that contribute to a better world.

“
I’m encouraging young people to become social business entrepreneurs and contribute to the world...
Making money is no fun.
Contributing to and changing the world is a lot more fun.
”

Some of Our Global Selectors
YCA is honored to be supported by a diverse group of experts in sustainability, youth development, and social innovation from around the world. Here are a few members who help us recognize the next generation of changemakers.
Benefits for
All Participants
Empowering change for a brighter tomorrow
Changemaker Fund
Top award-winning teams will receive financial support to scale their impact and implement their next-stage project goals.
Project Incubation & Mentorship
Finalists and selected teams will receive personalized mentorship from development professionals, guiding them to refine, expand, and sustain their project ideas.
Certificate of Recognition
Every participant who completes a project meeting YCA standards will be awarded an official "Young Social Entrepreneur" Certificate, demonstrating your commitment to global citizenship and social impact.
Network Matching & Leadership Community
Gain access to a growing network of youth fellows, alumni, and global experts, along with professional development workshops and opportunities for long-term collaboration.
*Top winners will get an exclusive invitation to meet and share their vision with Professor Yunus.
Learn How to
Do Social Impact Right
Many student-led projects, while well-intentioned, can cause unintended harm due to lack of training.
YCA is built on best practices in global development and youth education, helping you avoid common pitfalls and make meaningful, ethical, and sustainable impact.
Real Projects.
Real Changemakers.

R.M.
United Arab Emirates
At 16, R.M. founded Going Green Dubai, a youth-led initiative promoting recycling and sustainability. His team runs regular e-waste and plastic collection drives and hosts environmental workshops in schools. R.M. also launched a “Plastic-Free Schools” program to encourage eco-friendly habits among students. His work has boosted recycling rates across Dubai and inspired many young people to join the green movement, positioning Rishabh as a catalyst for change in his community.

M.S.
Pakistan
At just 13, M.S. launched GoClean, a project turning organic waste into renewable energy for underserved communities. She trains local youth to install and maintain biogas units, offering a sustainable energy source while empowering young people with valuable skills. Her initiative tackles both environmental and economic challenges, fostering self-reliance and sustainability in vulnerable communities.

G.R.
USA/Brazil
G.R. partnered with Acqualive to develop affordable, gravity-based water filters and raised funds to distribute them to 50 families in a São Miguel favela. His project addresses critical water access challenges, significantly improving health outcomes. By bringing clean water to underserved communities, G.R.’s initiative restores dignity and offers hope to hundreds of residents.

L.B.
Mexico
L.B. created a community network to help patients access life-saving prescriptions during nationwide shortages. Through a centralized online platform, he streamlined appointment scheduling and medication distribution. L.B.’s initiative ensures timely access to essential healthcare for vulnerable populations, strengthening resilience in his local community.

S.B.
United Kingdom
S.B. designed a period pain relief device, winning the London Leaders Award. Motivated by her own experience, she aimed to create an affordable, effective solution for menstrual discomfort. Her prototype is compact, accessible, and addresses a widespread need. S.B.’s innovation demonstrates how personal challenges can inspire meaningful social impact, encouraging more youth to explore health tech solutions.

A.F.
USA/Brazil
A.F. created an online platform supporting Ukrainian artists to showcase and sell their work during challenging times. Beyond economic support, the platform provides a space for cultural expression and resilience. Through this initiative, A.F. highlights the power of art as a tool for hope and community solidarity, sustaining the creative sector in times of hardship.

M.U.D.
Nigeria
M.U.D. mobilized teenagers in his hometown to fundraise for and install waste bins across the community. Alongside infrastructure improvements, his team ran public education campaigns on proper waste disposal. M.U.D.’s project significantly improved local sanitation, reduced health risks, and inspired more youth to engage in community-driven sustainable development initiatives.

Team F.G.
USA
Team F.G. developed a real-time flood prediction and early warning system, helping vulnerable communities prepare for natural disasters. Their technology utilizes live data and predictive models to issue timely alerts, guiding safe evacuations and minimizing damage. Team F.G.’s innovation offers a practical tech-based solution for disaster resilience in an era of climate change.

Team C.M.
Vietnam
Team C.M. designed eco-friendly diapers made from coconut coir and banana fibers, offering a biodegradable alternative to conventional diapers. Their product minimizes environmental impact while promoting renewable resource use. Team C.M.’s initiative represents a green innovation in infant care and raises public awareness about the connection between everyday products and sustainability.

Team C.S.
Türkiye
Team C.S. developed a system using plasma technology to enhance seed germination and plant health, promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Their innovation improves crop yields and resilience, supporting food security initiatives. Team C.S.’s work offers a scalable, low-cost solution for both large-scale farms and smallholder farmers, advancing agricultural sustainability.
