Young innovators with ideas for tackling environmental challenges are invited to apply for the beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship, a fully funded, two-year programme designed to help young people turn planet-positive ideas into practical projects and sustainable ventures. Funded by Mercedes-Benz and implemented by The DO School Fellowships, the programme provides training, mentorship, venture coaching, networking opportunities and financial support to help participants develop and scale solutions for environmental challenges.

The fellowship begins with a 12-month Foundation Year delivered through a hybrid learning model. Fellows dedicate a minimum of 24 hours per month to the programme while developing their projects through online innovation training, venture coaching, mentoring, expert sessions and community-based Local Hub gatherings. Participants can also take part in Regional Summits and other international opportunities, with travel, accommodation and related expenses for key programme events covered by the fellowship. The programme is designed to work alongside university, employment or other commitments.

During the first year, participants develop their ideas towards a market-tested prototype while gaining practical skills in entrepreneurship, sustainability, leadership, problem-solving and project development. Fellows may also receive financial support to help overcome barriers to participation, including support related to technology or access needs. As they progress, eligible participants can apply for Project Scholarships to help finance the further development and implementation of their environmental projects. The programme states that scholarships can reach up to €20,000, depending on the project and selection process.

Fellows who progress to the second year enter the Acceleration Year, where the focus shifts towards scaling their projects into sustainable impact ventures. Participants receive deeper venture coaching, scaling mentorship, skills-gap workshops and access to a wider network of experts and partners. Financial support, including project scholarships and cost-of-living support, is available to eligible Fellows during this stage. After completing the fellowship, participants also become part of the beVisioneers alumni network, connecting them with innovators, experts, investors, accelerators and other organisations working on environmental solutions.

Applicants do not need previous entrepreneurial experience or formal technical training. The fellowship is particularly interested in early-stage environmental projects, including projects that are already being tested or have a prototype, although applicants at the idea stage can also apply if they can demonstrate a strong understanding of the environmental problem, evidence of commitment and meaningful steps towards developing their solution. Projects should address a clearly defined environmental challenge and have the potential to create positive environmental impact.

For the 2027 fellowship round, applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old on the application closing date of 31 January 2027. Applicants must currently live in one of the eligible territories and plan to remain in an eligible country for the duration of the fellowship and while implementing their project. Eligible locations include Albania, Andorra, Åland Islands, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jersey, Kenya, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Türkiye, Uganda, the United Kingdom, the United States and Zimbabwe.

The fellowship is conducted in English, so applicants should have a good command of both written and spoken English. Applicants are selected individually, meaning members of an existing project team must submit separate applications if they each want to participate. Acceptance of one team member does not guarantee acceptance of the others.

There is no participation fee for selected Fellows. The fellowship is funded by Mercedes-Benz, and participants receive access to the learning programme and community free of charge. Financial assistance is also available for eligible Fellows who require support to participate. The programme requires a minimum commitment of 24 hours per month.

Applications are open until 31 January 2027. The application involves written questions and a short video application, and applicants can save their progress and return to the application before submitting it. The application process takes approximately 30–45 minutes according to the programme organisers.

Eligibility: Applicants must be aged 18–28 on 31 January 2027, live in an eligible country or territory, have a good command of English, demonstrate a commitment to positive environmental change, and have an existing early-stage environmental project or a strong idea for one. Applicants must also not work for Mercedes-Benz or have a parent or guardian who works for the company.

Duration: Two years, beginning with a 12-month Foundation Year followed by an Acceleration Year.

Study format: Hybrid, including online learning, mentoring, coaching, Local Hubs, expert sessions and international programme events.

Language: English.

Financial support: Fully funded participation, with financial assistance available to eligible participants, funded travel for key programme events, and opportunities to apply for project scholarships of up to €20,000.

Application deadline: 31 January 2027.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity