beVisioneers The Mercedes Benz Fellowship 2027 to 2028

Applications are open for the beVisioneers: The Mercedes Benz Fellowship 2027 to 2028, a global fellowship designed to support young innovators who are developing solutions to environmental challenges. The fellowship is implemented by The DO School Fellowships and supported by Mercedes Benz.

Launched in 2023, beVisioneers equips young people with the skills, networks, mentoring and resources needed to turn planet positive ideas into practical projects. The programme is designed for emerging innovators who want to address pressing environmental problems and develop solutions that can create lasting impact in their communities.

The fellowship runs for two years and begins with a 12 month Foundation Year. During this period, Fellows participate in online innovation training, receive venture coaching and mentoring, connect with peers and experts, and work toward developing a market tested prototype. Fellows are expected to commit at least 24 hours per month to their projects.

About the Fellowship

beVisioneers is intended for young people with an existing environmental project or a strong idea that can become a planet positive solution. Applicants do not need previous entrepreneurial experience or formal technical training.

The fellowship places particular emphasis on early stage innovation. Applicants may be at the idea, prototype or pre revenue stage, although the programme is primarily seeking founders who have already started developing, testing or validating their solutions.

The fellowship supports projects that directly contribute to environmental improvement through one or more of its impact areas, including clean energy, water conservation, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, sustainable mobility, and sustainable construction.

Fellowship Benefits

• Free participation in the fellowship

• Innovation training through online learning modules

• Venture coaching and one to one mentoring

• Community based Local Hub gatherings

• Access to expert and peer support

• Opportunities to attend Regional Summits

• Potential invitation to international Global Summit activities

• Project development support and entrepreneurial training

• Financial support based on individual needs

• Cost of living support for eligible Fellows

• Online access support for economically disadvantaged Fellows

• Project scholarships of up to €15,000 to advance eligible projects

• Access to scaling mentors and skills gap workshops during the acceleration phase

• Membership of a global alumni and innovation community

• Travel, accommodation and relevant expenses covered for key programme events

Programme Areas

beVisioneers welcomes planet positive projects addressing environmental challenges in areas such as:

• Clean energy and energy access

• Water access, resilience and conservation

• Biodiversity and ecosystem restoration

• Sustainable agriculture and food systems

• Alternative materials, waste and circular economy

• Sustainable transport and mobility

• Sustainable construction and infrastructure

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old on January 31, 2027.

• Applicants must currently reside in one of the eligible countries for the duration of the fellowship.

• Fellows must live in an eligible country for the majority of each fellowship year.

• Applicants must plan to implement their project in an eligible country.

• Applicants must have a good command of English, both written and spoken.

• Applicants must demonstrate dedication to positive environmental change.

• Applicants should demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit, persistence, resilience and determination.

• Applicants must have an existing project or a strong idea for a planet positive project.

• Projects should directly address an environmental challenge.

• Applicants do not need previous entrepreneurial or technical experience.

• Applicants should preferably have a prototype or project that has already been tested or developed, although exceptional idea stage applications may also be considered.

• Applicants must not work for Mercedes Benz.

• Applicants must not have a parent or guardian who works for Mercedes Benz.

• Project teams may apply, but each individual seeking to participate must submit a separate application.

Eligible Countries

For the 2027 fellowship, applications are accepted from residents of eligible countries and territories across Europe, as well as India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, the United States and Zimbabwe.

Applicants must currently live in an eligible location and remain in an eligible country during the fellowship when implementing their project.

Required Application Information

• Written application responses

• Short application video

• Information about the applicant and their environmental project or idea

• Evidence of progress, where applicable

• Explanation of the environmental problem being addressed

• Description of the proposed solution and its potential impact

• Information demonstrating commitment to the project

Applicants who require financial support for participation can indicate this during the application process.

How to Apply

1. Review the eligibility requirements and confirm that you live in an eligible country.
2. Identify an environmental project or idea that directly contributes to positive environmental impact.
3. Register on the beVisioneers application platform.
4. Complete the written application and provide information about your project, motivation and environmental goals.
5. Submit the required short video application.
6. Indicate whether you require financial support for participation, if applicable.
7. Submit the completed application before January 31, 2027 at 23:59:59 Central European Time.
8. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to complete an online selection activity before the final selection stage.