Ahead of the RMC 2026, the GEO Mountains Youth Ideathon brings together early-career researchers and young professionals from mountain regions worldwide to co-develop data-informed solutions for disaster risk reduction (DRR). Over several days, participants engage in field visits, technical training, expert mentoring, and collaborative project work, culminating in prototype concepts designed to address real DRR challenges in mountain environments.

This workshop will showcase the results of the Ideathon. Several groups will present their solutions to the proposed challenges in the region, highlighting the problem addressed, the data and EO approaches used, and the potential policy or societal relevance of their concept, but also the replicability and upscaling of their solutions, which should be an integrative part of their work.

The second part of the session will focus on interaction and feedback. Participants and RMC attendees will join small-group discussions where Ideathon teams can receive input from experts, practitioners, and researchers. The aim is to provide constructive critique, identify opportunities for refinement or implementation, and strengthen links between the next generation of mountain professionals and established DRR and EO communities.

This workshop provides an open, applied space for youth-driven innovation, promotes the visibility of emerging professionnals, and fosters dialogue across generations, disciplines and regions, supporting goals of enhancing collaboration and developing actionable, data-informed solutions for mountain regions.