By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The dsm‑firmenich Progress Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2025 scholarship, which supports young leaders that are driving exceptional change in their communities.
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 2025, happening in Munich, Germany, between November 3 and 6.
Through the DSM-Firmenich Progress Foundation Scholarship 2025, the Foundation will support young entrepreneurs making a local or global impact in communities around the globe in one of the following areas:
- Fighting malnutrition.
- Strengthening community resilience.
- Protecting and restoring ecosystems. Examples of relevant work include, but are not limited to:
- Initiatives that address micronutrient deficiencies and ensure food with the highest quality and nutritional value reaches the most vulnerable.
- Initiatives that 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.
Eligibility
- Applicants should be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the One Young World Summit in 2025—though exceptional candidates over 30 may be considered if they can demonstrate significant impact, initiative, and commitment. Those under 18 at the time of the Summit are not eligible.
- Candidates must reside in Africa, the Asia‑Pacific region, or Latin America.
- Candidates must have accumulated three to five years of entrepreneurial experience, ideally through running their own venture.
- Their work should focus on one of the foundation’s key areas: safeguarding and rehabilitating ecosystems, combating malnutrition, or bolstering community resilience. Preference will be given to individuals who have had limited opportunities for exposure on national or international stages.
Eligible Countries:
- Africa (all 54 countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Senegal, Morocco, and others)
- Asia-Pacific (covering nations such as India, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand, and more)
- Latin America (including Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and other countries across Central and South America).
Benefits
- Access to the One Young World Summit 2025 in Munich, Germany.
- Hotel accommodation in Munich, checking in on 31 October and checking out on 8 November.
- Travel to and from Munich (in economy).
- All meals covered (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner on conference days).
- Ground transport between the Summit accommodation and the Summit venue.
- Pre-programme in Munich and the opportunity to join the dsm-firmenich delegation during the summit.
Deadline: May 7, 2025
Click here to start the application.
The dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation is inviting applications for its 2025 scholarship, aimed at empowering young leaders making significant changes in their communities. The Foundation will sponsor five leaders to attend the One Young World Summit in Munich, Germany from November 3 to 6, 2025. The scholarship supports young entrepreneurs working in areas such as combating malnutrition, enhancing community resilience, and protecting ecosystems.
Eligibility criteria require applicants to be 18-30 years old at the time of the Summit, though exceptions may be made for those over 30. Candidates must reside in Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, or Latin America, have 3-5 years of entrepreneurial experience, and be focused on one of the Foundation's priority areas. Priority is given to those with limited previous exposure on international platforms.
Eligible applicants are from all African countries, select Asia-Pacific nations, and various Latin American countries. Scholarship benefits include summit participation, accommodation, meals, travel, and transportation within Munich, alongside opportunities to join pre-programs and the dsm-firmenich delegation. The application deadline is May 7, 2025.
