The young are the inheritors of our planet, and it is only fair that they are part of the solution as the global community seeks to curb climate change and encourage adaptation.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP), in 2017, founded the Young Champions of Earth to recognize individuals for groundbreaking contributions that advance a global circular economy and improve environmental outcomes by treating wastewater, expanding access to clean water, tackling plastic pollution, and creating sustainable alternatives to conventional materials.
n 2025, UNEP, in collaboration with American cleantech CEO Chris Kemper, announced the selection of three environmental entrepreneurs from India, Kenya, and the United States as the 2025 Young Champions of the Earth, tackling environmental challenges through creativity and technology.
Jinali Mody (28, India), a biochemistry graduate from St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai and the Yale School of Environment, founded Banofi Leather, a women-led company producing sustainable leather alternatives from banana crop waste, cutting down water use, toxic waste, and CO₂ emissions compared to conventional leather.
Joseph Nguthiru (27, Kenya), a climate-tech engineer, leads HyaPak, which transforms invasive water hyacinth from Lake Naivasha into biodegradable packaging bags and seedling wrappers, reducing single-use plastics and improving soil health.
Noemi Florea (24, US), founder of Cycleau, developed a compact greywater reuse system that converts wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry units into clean, drinkable water. Her innovation, designed in collaboration with marginalized communities, saves energy while drastically reducing water waste.
This year’s Young Champions of the Earth winners each received US$20,000. Moreover, the three will have an opportunity to compete in the first-ever Planet A pitch competition for a business growth grant of US$100,000 and a possible seed investment of US$1 million committed to a future fundraising round.
“I’m honored to support the Young Champions program in my philanthropic role with the United Nations; over 5,000 amazing entrepreneurs around the world were interested in the program – all of whom are seeking to make a positive impact on the planet. It was difficult to select only three winners for the 2025 Young Champions program, but these three leaders stood out for their passion, drive, execution, and innovation,” said Mr. Kemper, who participated in the selection of this year’s winners.
“A huge congratulations to Jinali, Joseph, and Noemi for their achievements and in winning this highly competitive award.”
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), noted that “the lives of our children and our children’s children are already being dramatically impacted by the triple planetary crisis, climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.”
She further commended the award winners for their innovations, which would benefit this and future generations.
