The Environment Now is an exciting new opportunity from O2’s Think Big that will fund 17-24 years old with up to £10,000 to create their unique digital ideas to help the environment, such as improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, or recycling.

Successful applicants will be supported by The Environment Now team, their own professional mentor and other sustainability partners. We also offer support, work experience and insight sessions with industry professionals to help bring young people's ideas to life.

The Environment Now programme is funded by O2 and the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund, and is part of the Our Bright Future programme. It is managed by the National Youth Agency.

We have funded a variety of digital technology projects with VR, 3D printing, mobile applications and more. If you want to read more about projects we’ve funded check out NYA’s press release.

Applications are open until July 14th for The Environment Now funding! 

Go to The Environment Now website to read our criteria and apply for our funding!

Our project will address the issue of youth employment and career opportunities in the UK. There are less accelerator/grant funding programmes that focus on helping young people.

Young people will be the ones who will have to deal with the severe consequences of man made global warming which has accelerated climate change. We want to give them the opportunity to address these issues and utilise their skills in digital technology. As digital natives who have grown up with the internet and smartphones, young people have the innovative ideas of how this can be used to tackle important issues to help both society and environment.

Our projects tackle both social and environmental issues, as these tend to intertwine with each other when assessing problems. As well as enhancing a young person's skills set for future career development, the projects also effect communities who interact with projects whether that's for project testing or project engagement.

Environmental issues that are being addressed in projects currently funded include: deforestation, energy usage, recycling and waste, energy efficiency (heat loss), water management, pro-environmental behaviour and attitudes, food waste.

Social issues that are being addressed indirectly include; fuel poverty, community isolation, youth employment, youth engagement, intergenerational issues, food poverty, sustainability as a value