About the Project

Background and Rationale

Business and Technology University for Green Rising programme addresses the identified problem through a structured, five-phase intervention model grounded in the UNICEF UPSHIFT methodology – a proven approach to youth social innovation. The programme combines experiential learning, design thinking, digital tools and community engagement to build the capacity of young people to develop and implement climate and DRR solutions.

Direct beneficiaries: 180 youth participants (aged 15–22) across 5 municipalities recruited through universities, Child Rights Centers and community networks. Indirect beneficiaries: at least 5,000 community members reached through youth-led outreach activities including workshops, awareness campaigns, environmental clean-up days and community pilots in schools and neighbourhoods.

Innovative approaches include: a 5-day Green Camp and Hackathon in Bakuriani where youth prototype climate solutions using VR, data visualization and digital monitoring tools; UPSHIFT Training spread across 5 municipalities with online and onsite components; seed funding (mini-grants) for the most promising teams; and post-programme incubation through BTU’s Entrepreneurship Center and MIT Orbit platform. A Youth Innovation Network will be established to sustain peer learning and scale successful initiatives.

Community Impact and Outreach: Following the camp and the 5-month training programme, a total of approximately 180 trained youth participants will implement youth-led climate and DRR initiatives in their respective cities and municipalities (Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, Telavi and Ozurgeti).

These activities will include:

• Organizing local workshops and peer-to-peer learning sessions in schools and communities
• Leading awareness campaigns on climate change, disaster preparedness, and environmental protection
• Implementing community-based environmental actions, including student-led waste clean-up initiatives organized by BTU, plastic-free campaigns, and energy-saving activities
• Piloting innovative solutions (digital tools, applications, or community-based interventions) developed during the programme
• Collaborating with local municipalities and stakeholders to support DRR planning and community resilience

Project Coordinator and Partners

Business and Technology University, BTU, Georgia — HEI Institution

Business and Technology University (BTU) is one of Georgia’s leading innovation-driven higher education institutions, dedicated to advancing technology, entrepreneurship and sustainable development through education, research and community engagement. BTU actively promotes innovative learning approaches and youth empowerment initiatives, with a strong focus on equipping young people with the skills and competencies needed to address contemporary social, economic and environmental challenges.

As a recognized leader in technology and entrepreneurship education in the South Caucasus region, BTU has extensive experience in designing and implementing youth-focused programmes that foster innovation, digital literacy, leadership and civic engagement. The university works closely with international organizations, government agencies, private sector partners and local communities to create impactful learning opportunities and strengthen youth participation in sustainable development processes.

Within the UPSHIFT for Green Rising programme, BTU applies its expertise in innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-enabled education to empower young people as agents of change in climate action and disaster risk reduction (DRR). The programme is based on the globally recognized UNICEF UPSHIFT methodology, combining experiential learning, human-centered design, social innovation and community-based action.

By combining youth innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and community engagement, BTU aims to contribute to a more climate-resilient and environmentally conscious generation, while fostering meaningful youth participation in sustainable development and disaster risk reduction efforts across Georgia.

Other Partners involved

The programme will be implemented in collaboration with local municipalities in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Ozurgeti, Batumi and Telavi, who will serve as key partners in DRR planning, community mobilization, and pilot implementation. Child Rights Centers will support participant outreach and selection. BTU’s Entrepreneurship Center, including access to the MIT Orbit platform, will provide incubation support. Expert trainers and mentors from relevant fields (climate science, digital technology, social innovation) will be engaged as technical advisors.