Deadline:
March 23, 2026
Program Starts: October 31, 2026
Program Ends: November 08, 2026
Location(s)
South Africa
Cape Town
Overview
At dsm-firmenich, we believe that with capability comes responsibility. By focusing on societal impact and tackling challenges at their core, we bring progress to life, creating sustainable solutions for a better future.
This commitment to lasting impact is at the heart of our purpose. We're helping to realize progress for people everywhere - from our colleagues to our wider value chain and to the societies and people we reach through our solutions. And we don't want to stop there.
Details
About the Scholarship
That's why we have established the dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation, to make a positive difference in the world. The independent dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation is focused on driving sustainable change, empowering communities and supporting the next generation of changemakers.
The foundation is proud to offer five impactful young leaders the opportunity to participate in the One Young World Summit 2026, which takes place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 - 6 November.
Through the dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation Scholarship2025 the Foundation will support young entrepreneurs making a local or global impact in communities around the globe in one of three focus areas:
- Fighting malnutrition.
- Strengthening community resilience.
- Protecting and restoring ecosystems.
Examples of relevant work include, but are not limited to:
- Initiatives which address micronutrient deficiencies and ensure food with the highest quality and nutritional value reach the most vulnerable.
- Initiatives which strengthen community resilience and address social inequality.
- Initiatives that restore and protect ecosystems, building nature’s resilience by addressing climate action, biodiversity protection, and safeguarding water systems.
What is One Young World?
One Young World was founded in 2009 by David Jones and Kate Robertson. We are a UK-based charity that gathers together the brightest young leaders from around the world, empowering them to make lasting connections to create positive change.
We stage an annual Summit where the most valuable young talent from global and national companies, NGOs, universities and other forward-thinking organisations are joined by world leaders, acting as the One Young World Counsellors.
Delegates participate in four transformative days of speeches, panels, networking and workshops. All delegates have the opportunity to apply to give keynote speeches, sharing a platform with world leaders with the world’s media in attendance. As well as listening to keynote speakers, delegates have the opportunity to challenge world leaders, interact and be mentored by influencers. Delegates make lasting connections throughout the Summit, celebrating their participation at social events and the unforgettable Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
After each Summit, the delegates, who are then known as One Young World Ambassadors, work on their own initiatives or lend the power of the One Young World network to those initiatives already in existence. Of those in employment, many returns to their companies and set about creating change from within, energising their corporate environment.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Be aged 18 - 30*.
- Reside in Africa, Asia-Pacific or Latin America.
- Have 3 - 5 years' experience in business, preferably running their own enterprise.
- Be making a positive impact in one of the three scholarship focus areas (Fighting Malnutrition; Strengthening community resilience; Protecting and restoring ecosystems).
* Most delegates who participate in the One Young World Summit are between 18 and 30. The One Young World team will consider candidates who are older than 30, pending demonstration of appropriate personal impact, initiative, and willingness to engage. We are not able to accept applications from those who will be aged under 18 at the time of the Summit.
Dates
Deadline: March 23, 2026
Program starts:
October 31, 2026
Program ends:
November 08, 2026
Program Starts: October 31, 2026
Program Ends: November 08, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
Scholars will receive:
- Access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.
- Hotel Accommodation in Cape Town, checking in on 31 October and checking out on 8 November.
- Travel to and from Cape Town (flights in economy).
- Catering which includes breakfast at the hotel accommodation and lunch and dinner during the core Summit days.
- Ground transport between the Summit accommodation and the Summit venue.
- Pre and post-programme in Cape Town and the opportunity to join the dsm-firmenich delegation during the Summit.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
