Deadline: 12 January 2025

The beVisioneers has launched its Mercedes-Benz Fellowship to equip thousands of young people around the world with the tools and resources to implement environmental projects for a sustainable planet.

As a participant, you’ll embark on a multi-year Fellowship journey, starting with a 12-month intensive, fully-funded program that equips you with the skills, resources and connections to bring an eco-innovation idea to reality. You receive award-winning innovation training through online modules, community-based Local Hub gatherings, a Regional Summit, regular access to venture coaches, 1:1 mentoring, and expert and peer support to help you achieve your environmental leadership and project goals. At the end of the first year, you will be able to access project scholarships to advance your project’s development.

Years 2 and 3 of the fellowship programming expand on the first 12 months through tailored support based on your project stage. If your project stage is advanced enough in year 2, you can access the Pioneer Launchpad, a program that equips you for greater venture independence; if you are still refining your project, you can access online and in-person venture learning, leadership development, and network building opportunities. At the end of the second year, fellows at the appropriate stage have another opportunity to access project scholarships and join the Pioneer Launchpad. Those who have already completed the Launchpad are exposed to new opportunities to continue building their projects and planet-positive work.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Be between the ages of 16 and 28 at the time of applying (Only applicants who were born between October 14, 2008 and January 13, 1996 will be considered.)
  • Strong command of English, as all program materials and interactions require working English.
  • Have identified an environmental problem you want to tackle with concrete action.
  • Reside in one of the following countries: Albania, Andorra, Åland Islands, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus , Czechia , Denmark , Estonia , Faroe Islands , Finland , France , Germany , Gibraltar , Greece , Guernsey , Hong Kong , Hungary , Iceland , India , Indonesia , Ireland , Italy , Japan , Jersey , Kenya , Kosovo , Latvia , Liechtenstein , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Malta , Malaysia , Mexico , Monaco , Montenegro , North Macedonia , Netherlands , Norway , Panama , Poland , Portugal , Romania , Rwanda , San Marino , Serbia , Singapore , Slovakia , Slovenia , South Africa , South Korea , Spain , Svalbard and Jan Mayen , Sweden , Switzerland , Tanzania , Thailand , Turkey , Uganda , United Kingdom , United States , and Zimbabwe
  • Not work for, or have a parent or guardian who works for Mercedes-Benz

Application Requirements

  • The first section is the written application and requires:
    • Basic information about yourself and contact information
    • Your passion and idea for the environmental challenge you want to tackle
    • Your learning and financial needs
    • Self-Assessment Test
    • A scanned copy of your passport or national ID card
  • The second section is where you record yourself on video:
    • Via the application platform, you will record a three-minute-long interview about the environmental challenge you are passionate about and your idea to address it. They will not consider applications without a recorded interview video.
  • The final section is an application for Financial Support, which is optional and only for those who request financial assistance to participate in the fellowship. If you choose to apply for financial support, they need to confirm that you are eligible. Therefore, they ask you to provide the following:
    • Testimonial Form – Find someone who can confirm your personal living situation. This person must be employed and cannot be a family member.
    • Bank Transactions/Statement or Income Declaration Form – You’ll need to provide proof of your income. You can either upload recent bank transaction records showing your last three months of monthly income or, if that is not possible, you can fill out the Income Declaration Form provided in the application.

For more information, visit beVisioneers.