Coop Pitch

Coop Pitch is one of the flagship highlights of APCYS, a dynamic platform where young people transform bold cooperative ideas into impactful solutions for their communities. The competition invites youth to develop and present innovative, sustainable, and people-centered cooperative business models that respond to local needs and aspirations while advancing inclusive development.

More than just a pitching competition, Coop Pitch is a space for learning, collaboration, and inspiration. Participants gain access to mentorship from cooperative leaders and experts, peer learning opportunities, and valuable exposure to successful youth-led cooperative initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region. Selected teams also receive support to further strengthen and scale their ideas, encouraging the next generation of cooperative entrepreneurs and changemakers.

From Pitch Ideas to

Cooperative Impact

Sustainable Biomass Fuel Production: Muda Mudi Coop from Indonesia won the first prize in APCYS 4.0 and pitched an innovative enterprise producing eco-friendly wood pallets using sugarcane and coconut shell waste. The initiative aimed to create sustainable alternative fuel solutions while building a network of small-scale manufacturers across Southeast Asia.

Eco-Paving Blocks from Recycled Waste: Likas Vocational College from Malaysia won the second prize in APCYS 4.0 and proposed a cooperative producing environmentally friendly paving blocks made from palm oil and tire waste. The initiative aimed to promote sustainable construction practices while reducing waste and encouraging resource efficiency in the building sector.

Hemp-based Sustainable Products: Himalayan Hemp Cooperative from India won the second prize in APCYS 3.0 and pitched innovative hemp-based sanitary products and reusable protective equipment. The youth-led initiative works with local farmers and artisans to preserve indigenous hemp practices while developing sustainable products with social and environmental impact.

Youth Engagement in Organic Farm Tourism: Justine Limocon and Kevin Palson from Lamac Multipurpose Co-operative won the first prize at the Coop Pitch in APCYS 1.0. Taking it forward, they created thriving organic farming facilities, including cacao production, coir products, rice plantations, etc. The Lamac’s Hidden Valley Mountain Resort was the venue for the APCYS 2.0!

Solar Energy Production and Direct Distribution to Individual Households: Ng Jun Long from Singapore, representing Skyla Energy Cooperative, won the first prize with this idea at the Coop Pitch in APCYS 2.0.

Experiential Tourism at the Herbal Cooperative: Trinh Thi Ly of the Sinh Duoc Herbal Cooperative, Vietnam, pitched to develop the cooperative ecosystem around their herbal cooperative by adding experiential tourism (herb, place, living).

Green Drone-enabled Agriculture Network: Mifly Airline Cooperative from China pitched to build an agriculture network using drones for multiple purposes, including crop-dusting and spraying seeds.

Competition Format

What is a pitch?

To Pitch (verb) is to make a bid to obtain a contract or other business! A Pitch typically takes the form of an entrepreneur or group of entrepreneurs presenting or describing their ideas to prospective investors. An elevator pitch is a very short pitch that distils the idea into a summary that takes only as long as a short elevator ride.

Thumb rule: One organization – One pitch
Communicate with participants from your organization/country and build a team (suggestive: two to five members)
All ideas must be driven by cooperative identity. In 1995, the ICA adopted the revised Statement on the Cooperative Identity containing the definition of a cooperative, the values of cooperatives, and the seven cooperative principles. For more information, read here.
Self Help & Mutual Benefit should be the driving force of the ideas being pitched and should include youth.
Impact analysis: The Pitch must be able to ascertain at least one innovative element of socio-economic and cultural impact in the enterprise model.

Evaluation Criteria: The pitch will be evaluated based on the following:

Alignment of the business model and timeline with the summit theme
Simplicity of the cooperative enterprise model
Method of structuring and management of members and staff in a principle-based enterprise.
Growth goals (after a year)
Cooperative principle embodiment
Team and mentor evolution

Coop Pitch Schedule

08 June 2026

Registrations close

15 June 2026

Communication to selected Applicants

29 June 2026

Orientation session for shortlisted teams with mentors

07 July 2026

Knowledge-enhancing workshops

29 – 15 July 2026

Mentoring sessions (scheduled online)

24 July 2026

Coop Pitch submission

31 July 2026

Communication to finalists and issuance of invitation letters

01 – 04 September 2026

Finalists participate in APCYS 5.0

03 September 2026

Coop Pitch Finale

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I participate in Coop Pitch?

Interested participants can express their interest in the Coop Pitch Competition while registering for APCYS 5.0. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the competition guidelines, prepare their responses in advance, and submit the online application before the deadline on 08 June 2026. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

What are the eligibility criteria for Coop Pitch?

Teams comprising 2 – 5 members are encouraged to apply for the competition. Teams may include young cooperators, students, representatives of ICA member organizations, civil society actors, social entrepreneurs, and individuals from diverse professional or academic backgrounds. Above all, participants should demonstrate a strong commitment to collaboration, innovation, and creating positive community impact.

I don’t have a team. Can I still participate?

Yes. Individual applications are welcome, and participants without a team are still encouraged to apply.

What do the winning teams receive?

The top three winning teams will receive:

Prize money
Mentorship support from cooperative experts
Opportunities to connect with key partners and stakeholders
Support to further develop and implement their cooperative ideas

Have more questions?

Feel free to contact us at contact@apyouthsummit.coop for any questions or additional information.