Fully funded Mercedes-Benz 2026 beVisioneers Fellowship for young innovators committed to sustainability and social impact.
Ambitious minds with a passion for sustainability and social innovation now have a unique opportunity to bring their ideas to life. The Mercedes-Benz 2026 beVisioneers Fellowship offers a fully funded program for young individuals who are dedicated to solving the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges. This fellowship is designed for future changemakers ready to build impactful projects that drive global progress.
With its focus on mentorship, project funding, and a strong international network, the program supports youth aged 16 to 28 who want to create a better future through innovative solutions. Whether it's a breakthrough in clean energy, sustainable farming practices, or waste management systems, the fellowship nurtures each fellow’s journey from concept to execution.
Backed by the renowned luxury automobile brand Mercedes-Benz, the fellowship serves as an engine for grassroots innovation and leadership. By investing in people rather than just products, the initiative signals a powerful shift in how global brands contribute to a healthier and more equitable world.
What Is the beVisioneers Fellowship?
The beVisioneers Fellowship is a global initiative launched by the DO School Fellowships gGmbH, in partnership with Mercedes-Benz. It aims to equip young innovators with the tools, training, and mentorship they need to create real-world solutions that address sustainability and social justice issues.
Participants, also called "fellows," receive:
- Full funding for their chosen sustainability project
- Personal and professional coaching
- Hands-on training through project-based learning
- Access to a global network of experts and peers
- Long-term mentorship from industry leaders
Fellows work both independently and collaboratively to develop and scale their ideas while building practical skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, and social innovation.
More information about the initiative and its current programs can be found on the official beVisioneers website.
Eligibility and Who Can Apply
The 2026 fellowship is open to applicants from across the globe. Candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Aged 16 to 28 years
- Fluent in English
- Have a concrete project idea or a passion for developing one
- Committed to sustainability and positive social change
- Willing to dedicate time and effort to their fellowship journey
No academic degree or professional experience is required. Applicants from all social backgrounds are welcome, and there is a strong emphasis on inclusion and diversity. Young leaders from underrepresented communities, remote areas, or marginalized groups are especially encouraged to apply.
The application process does not require payment or sponsorship, making it fully accessible to anyone who qualifies.
Program Structure and Learning Journey
The fellowship spans a 12-month hybrid learning model, combining online training, mentorship, and localized impact. Each fellow is matched with a coach who provides support throughout their project development journey.
Key program elements include:
- Kick-off Bootcamp: A structured orientation period to help fellows connect and define their goals
- Sustainability Labs: Intensive workshops that build technical and soft skills
- Mentorship Tracks: Personalized coaching tailored to project needs
- Project Funding: Up to €1,000 per fellow to initiate or expand a sustainability-focused project
- Capstone Showcase: Fellows present their impact projects to partners and industry experts
Fellows are expected to commit five to ten hours per week, ensuring that the program is manageable for students, part-time workers, or early-stage professionals.
Global Reach with Local Impact
Although the program operates globally, fellows are encouraged to work on projects that directly benefit their local communities. From solar-powered water pumps in rural Africa to plastic recycling initiatives in Southeast Asia, beVisioneers is about implementing practical, scalable, and sustainable solutions where they are most needed.
Selected fellows also gain access to:
- Regional hubs for in-person collaboration
- Travel stipends for major events and fieldwork
- A lifelong alumni network for future collaborations
By focusing on localized innovation, the program ensures that projects are context-sensitive and culturally relevant, increasing the chances of long-term success.
Why Mercedes-Benz Is Supporting the Fellowship
As part of its Ambition 2039 initiative, Mercedes-Benz has made a commitment to reach carbon neutrality across its value chain. Supporting young innovators through beVisioneers aligns with this mission by promoting sustainability beyond the automotive sector.
This fellowship reflects a growing trend of corporate responsibility where companies recognize their role in empowering grassroots solutions. Instead of top-down models, Mercedes-Benz has opted to listen, support, and fund ideas that arise from communities themselves.
The partnership with the DO School ensures that the program is run with integrity, expertise, and a focus on real impact rather than publicity.
How to Apply for the 2026 Fellowship
Applications for the Mercedes-Benz 2026 beVisioneers Fellowship open in late 2025. Candidates can begin preparing their submissions by reviewing eligibility criteria and project proposal guidelines.
Steps to apply include:
- Visit the official application portal
- Create a personal account and begin the application form
- Submit a motivation letter or short video
- Describe your sustainability project or area of interest
- Complete any follow-up tasks if selected for interviews
There is no application fee and no need for a formal academic transcript. Selections are based on vision, commitment, and readiness to take initiative.
All selected fellows will be notified via email and supported throughout their onboarding process.
Success Stories from Previous Fellows
The beVisioneers Fellowship has already seen impressive success from previous cohorts. Past fellows have created:
- Urban gardens in low-income communities
- App-based recycling programs for cities
- Sustainable fashion brands that reduce textile waste
- Affordable water filtration systems for schools
- Tree planting campaigns in deforested areas
Each project receives ongoing support even after the fellowship ends, helping fellows to grow their impact and scale their solutions nationally or internationally.
Alumni have also gone on to receive global recognition, additional grants, and even government partnerships to advance their work.
A Pathway to Purpose and Leadership
The Mercedes-Benz 2026 beVisioneers Fellowship offers much more than funding. It’s a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and global citizenship. Fellows leave the program with stronger communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, along with a professional network that spans continents.
The experience challenges participants to think critically, act ethically, and embrace the responsibility of shaping a more sustainable planet. Through intensive training and real-life impact, fellows grow into confident leaders capable of sparking change wherever they go.
This is not about prestige or branding — it’s about purpose-driven innovation led by the people who live the realities they aim to improve.
Building a Future That Starts Now
Real change begins with the courage to take the first step. Programs like the beVisioneers Fellowship remove barriers that prevent brilliant minds from rising. By offering practical tools, mentorship, and funding, Mercedes-Benz is investing in a future defined by innovation, inclusion, and sustainability.
Young people carry fresh ideas and boundless creativity. When given the right platform, they create breakthroughs that institutions often miss. The fellowship provides that platform with the care, respect, and seriousness young leaders deserve.
Applications are open to those who are ready to commit, learn, and lead. This fellowship could be the launchpad that transforms a simple idea into global impact.
Seeds of Change in Capable Hands
Supporting youth-led sustainability efforts is no longer optional — it’s essential. The beVisioneers Fellowship equips the next generation of changemakers with everything needed to succeed in a complex world. From energy innovation to social justice, the areas of impact are vast and growing.
The world needs solutions that work on the ground, shaped by those who live the issues daily. With full funding, expert guidance, and a collaborative community, this program helps bring those solutions to life.
Young visionaries have a rare chance to access resources often reserved for experienced professionals. With the right mindset and determination, the next cohort of fellows will not just learn—they will lead, build, and inspire.
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