1

Why the project matters

Young people in the Mediterranean region struggle to become entrepreneurs due to a high youth unemployment rate – above 25% according to the Union for the Mediterranean – as well as limited access to business support and a lack of funding opportunities. These problems are even more severe in emerging sectors that aim to address environmental issues, such as ocean and coastal preservation, green energy, waste reduction, and climate innovation.
YIELD helps by creating a support system that includes international partnerships, local mentoring, and practical training. It enables young people to develop technological solutions that solve real environmental challenges while also creating jobs and economic opportunities across borders.

2

What it aims to achieve

• To strengthen youth entrepreneurship in the deep-tech blue, green andcircular economy and eco-innovation sectors through entrepreneurial acceleration and business development services.
• To empower aspiring entrepreneurs to establish sustainable micro-enterprises addressing regional environmental and socio-economic challenges.

3

Expected change

• Strengthened entrepreneurial, technological, and innovation skills among young people in the Mediterranean, enabling them to create sustainable businesses that address environmental and social challenges.
• Establishment of new youth-led businesses offering real solutions in areas such as renewable energy, waste reduction, water efficiency, and sustainable agriculture.
• Improved cooperation between young innovators, industry, academia, and business support organisations, creating a supportive environment for long-term entrepreneurship and job creation.

4

What the project delivers

• 50 youth teams selected through an Open Call for tailored entrepreneurial training.
• 15 teams receive advanced mentoring and business development services.
• 1 YIELD Methodology Handbook and training materials for youth innovation acceleration.
• Transnational peer networks and thematic webinars/workshops for skill-building.
• Envoy missions for hands-on business experience in host Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) across borders.
• YIELD sustainability plan to mainstream results in the wider innovation ecosystem.

5

Who benefits

• 100 young people (18–30) supported through training and mentoring to launch deep-tech businesses.
• 15 participants gaining hands-on experience through international business missions.
• 100 university researchers and trainers engaged in analysis and capacity-building.
• 50 small and medium-sized enterprises, including 15 hosting youth missions.
• 5 business incubators and accelerators providing mentoring and follow-up support.
• 35 policy makers and entrepreneurship experts contributing to ecosystem development.