beVisioneers Mercedes-Benz Fellowship 2026/2027

Overview beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship is a global fellowship for young environmental innovators who want to turn sustainability ideas into practical projects. It is funded through donations from Mercedes-Benz and implemented by The DO School Fellowships gGmbH. The programme combines training, mentoring, peer learning, networking, venture coaching, communication support and project development support. It is not just a course; the goal is to help young people move from an environmental idea toward a real project with community impact. Who this is for This is best suited to young people aged 16 to 28 who have an environmental or sustainability-related idea or project and live in an eligible country. It is relevant for climate innovators, student changemakers, green entrepreneurs, community builders and sustainability advocates. Organizer beVisioneers, supported by Mercedes-Benz and implemented by The DO School Fellowships gGmbH. Format and location Type: fully funded environmental innovation fellowship. Location/format: hybrid, with online learning and possible local hub gatherings, regional summits or global events depending on the fellow and programme structure. Application status The main 2026/27 application period appears to have ended, but current source information says late applications may still be submitted until the fellowship commencement date. Applicants should open the Details link immediately and confirm whether late applications are still accepted before preparing a full submission. Duration The fellowship includes a 12-month Foundation Year, followed by access to a longer-term fellowship community. Benefits and support highlighted The fellowship is fully funded for participants. Fellows may access environmental innovation training, mentoring, peer support, venture coaching, expert workshops, communities of practice, international networking, local or regional events, possible global summit opportunities, and project scholarships of up to EUR 20,000 after the foundational year. Important funding note The EUR 20,000 is project funding/project scholarship support, not a personal salary or general cash grant. It is intended to help advance approved environmental projects after the foundational phase. Project focus areas - clean energy and energy access - waste and circularity - alternative or sustainable materials - sustainable transport and mobility - biodiversity and environmental protection - clean water, sanitation and community sustainability - other environmental innovation areas Eligible locations noted Sources list eligible countries/regions including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the United States, Vietnam, Australia, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong and European Union countries. Applicants must confirm the current eligible-country list on the official page. Documents and details to prepare - personal profile and contact details - proof of age and country/residence eligibility if requested - environmental idea or project description - problem statement and target community - early evidence, prototype, activities or community engagement if available - explanation of expected environmental and social impact - availability for the 12-month Foundation Year - English-language responses and possible interview/video materials

Eligibility Applicants should be young environmental innovators aged 16 to 28. For the 2026/27 cycle, one source lists the date-of-birth window as 26 January 1997 to 17 September 2009. Applicants should have an environmental or sustainability idea/project they want to develop and should live in an eligible country during the fellowship. The fellowship is conducted in English, and applicants are expected to have good spoken and written English. It is open to young people from diverse educational and professional backgrounds; applicants do not necessarily need to be university students. Eligibility checklist - age 16 to 28 or within the official date-of-birth window - currently living, studying or residing in an eligible country - environmental or sustainability idea/project - ability to participate in a 12-month hybrid fellowship - good written and spoken English - willingness to attend online learning, workshops and mentoring - readiness to develop and implement a practical project - ability to confirm whether late applications are still accepted Before you apply - check the official application status immediately - confirm your country is currently eligible - confirm whether the late-application route is still open - prepare a clear environmental problem and solution statement - remember that project funding is for approved projects, not personal income