Applications are now open for the IdeaCOP Idea Marathon 2026, an online innovation programme bringing together young people in Turkey who are passionate about climate action, sustainability and developing practical solutions to environmental challenges.

The programme is being organized in cooperation with the Habitat Association and QNB and is designed to support young innovators as they transform their ideas into applicable, impact-oriented projects. Participants will have the opportunity to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills, receive guidance from experienced mentors and develop solutions that can contribute to a more sustainable future.

The IdeaCOP Idea Marathon will take place online from 23–25 October 2026 and is open to young people between the ages of 15 and 30 who are living in Turkey.

Applicants should have an innovative idea, product or project related to climate and sustainability and should be willing to collaborate, learn and work towards creating measurable impact. Applications must be submitted in teams of 2–5 people.

Throughout the three-day programme, participants will receive training designed to help them turn their ideas into viable projects. The sessions will cover essential entrepreneurship skills, Lean Canvas, design-oriented thinking, artificial intelligence and the preparation of effective business idea presentations. Participants will also benefit from expert mentorship as they refine their solutions and prepare them for presentation.

Applications will be assessed based on factors including the level of innovation, feasibility of the proposed idea, potential environmental impact and alignment with the programme’s theme.

Following the programme, 10 selected teams will have the opportunity to advance to the COP31 Demo Day, where they will present their projects before a jury made up of investors, experts and key stakeholders from the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The selected teams will also have the opportunity to present and showcase the projects they develop as part of the COP31 process.

In addition, teams participating in the programme will compete for a total of 300,000 TL worth of gift voucher support, which will be awarded to the successful team according to the programme’s final ranking.

Young people in Turkey with innovative climate and sustainability ideas are encouraged to apply and use the IdeaCOP Idea Marathon as an opportunity to develop their projects, build entrepreneurial capabilities and connect with experts and other young innovators.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity