Applications are open for beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship, a two-year programme supporting young people to develop and scale projects addressing environmental challenges. Designed and implemented by The DO School Fellowships and funded by Mercedes-Benz, the programme combines innovation training, mentoring, venture development, peer learning and financial support.
For the 2027 admissions round, applicants from six African countries are eligible: Kenya | Rwanda | South Africa | Tanzania | Uganda | Zimbabwe.
What the Fellowship Offers
The fellowship begins with a 12-month intensive programme requiring a minimum commitment of 24 hours per month. Fellows work towards developing and testing an environmental project while participating in online learning and in-person activities.
Support includes:
- Online innovation and environmental leadership training
- Local Hub gatherings and peer learning
- Venture coaching and one-to-one mentoring
- International travel opportunities for Regional Summits
- Expert support and networking opportunities
- Project scholarships of up to €15,000
During the second-year Acceleration phase, fellows receive further support to scale their projects, including venture coaching, specialist workshops, project scholarships and cost-of-living support.
Who Can Apply
- Applicants must be 18–28 years old on January 31, 2027, have a strong working command of English and reside in one of the eligible countries.
- Candidates should have identified an environmental problem they want to address through concrete action. They do not need to have already launched a venture to apply.