Application Deadline: 23 March 2026
Summit Dates: 3 – 6 November 2026
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Funding: Fully Funded
The dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious global opportunity designed to support exceptional young leaders who are driving positive, measurable change in their communities. Through this scholarship, five outstanding changemakers will be selected to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, one of the world’s most influential gatherings for young leaders, innovators, and social entrepreneurs.
This fully funded scholarship provides far more than access to an international summit. It offers scholars a platform to amplify their impact, connect with global leaders, and collaborate with like-minded peers who are committed to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient world.
About the dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation
The dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation is an independent foundation dedicated to accelerating sustainable development and empowering communities across the globe. Rooted in the belief that long-term progress depends on innovation, inclusion, and leadership, the foundation actively supports initiatives that improve lives while protecting the planet.
At the core of the foundation’s mission is a commitment to nurturing the next generation of changemakers—young people who are not only passionate about solving global challenges but are already taking tangible steps to do so. By investing in leadership development and global exposure, the foundation seeks to equip young leaders with the tools, networks, and confidence needed to scale their impact.
The Progress Foundation Scholarship reflects this vision by enabling young entrepreneurs and community leaders to engage at the highest level of global dialogue through One Young World.
About the One Young World Summit
The One Young World Summit is widely regarded as the premier international forum for young leaders aged 18–30. Each year, the summit brings together thousands of delegates from over 190 countries, alongside world leaders, Nobel Laureates, CEOs, activists, and policymakers.
The Summit serves as a launchpad for ideas, partnerships, and initiatives that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges—ranging from climate change and food security to education, health, and economic inclusion. Delegates participate in keynote sessions, workshops, and collaborative projects, while also building lifelong connections with peers who share a commitment to positive global change.
The 2026 edition in Cape Town promises to be especially impactful, spotlighting leadership from the Global South and highlighting solutions emerging from Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
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Scholarship Focus Areas
Applicants for the dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation Scholarship must be actively contributing to positive change in at least one of the following priority areas:
1. Fighting Malnutrition
Candidates working to improve access to nutritious food, enhance food systems, promote dietary diversity, or address hidden hunger and micronutrient deficiencies are strongly encouraged to apply. This includes innovations in food production, distribution, education, and policy that aim to improve health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.
2. Strengthening Community Resilience
This focus area supports leaders who are helping communities better withstand and adapt to social, economic, or environmental shocks. Eligible initiatives may involve livelihoods development, disaster preparedness, social inclusion, youth empowerment, or systems that enhance long-term stability and self-reliance.
3. Protecting and Restoring Ecosystems
Applicants engaged in environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, climate action, or ecosystem restoration align strongly with the foundation’s mission. This may include work in sustainable agriculture, reforestation, marine conservation, circular economy solutions, or climate resilience strategies.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the One Young World Summit
- Note: While most delegates fall within this age range, candidates over 30 may be considered if they can clearly demonstrate exceptional impact, leadership, and commitment. Applicants under 18 at the time of the Summit are not eligible.
- Reside in Africa, Asia-Pacific, or Latin America
- Have 3–5 years of professional experience in business, entrepreneurship, or leadership roles
- Preference is given to candidates who are running or have founded their own enterprise or initiative
- Demonstrate a strong track record of positive impact in one of the three scholarship focus areas
- Show leadership potential, initiative, and a clear vision for scaling impact through global collaboration
Selection is highly competitive, and applicants are assessed based on impact, leadership, innovation, and alignment with the foundation’s values.
Scholarship Benefits
The dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation Scholarship is fully funded, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent deserving candidates from participating. Selected scholars will receive:
- Full access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town
- Hotel accommodation in Cape Town, with check-in on 31 October and check-out on 8 November 2026
- Round-trip economy flights to and from Cape Town
- Daily catering, including breakfast at the hotel and lunch and dinner during the core Summit days
- Ground transportation between Summit accommodation and the Summit venue
- Access to pre- and post-Summit programmes in Cape Town
- The opportunity to join the dsm-firmenich delegation, gaining exclusive exposure to corporate leaders and fellow changemakers during the Summit
Together, these benefits create a comprehensive leadership experience that extends beyond the Summit itself.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official One Young World application portal. Interested candidates should carefully prepare their application, clearly demonstrating their impact, leadership journey, and alignment with the scholarship’s focus areas.
👉 Official application page:
https://www.oneyoungworld.com/scholarship/dsm-firmenich-progress-foundation-scholarship-2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early and ensure that all required information is provided before the 23 March 2026 deadline.
Why You Should Apply
The dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation Scholarship is more than a fully funded trip—it is an investment in your leadership journey. By attending the One Young World Summit, scholars gain global visibility, access to influential networks, and the inspiration needed to take their work to the next level.
For young leaders committed to sustainable development, community impact, and environmental stewardship, this scholarship represents a rare and powerful opportunity to shape the future—locally and globally.