About the scholarship
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.
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.
Join us
Applications are now live for the 2026 cohort of dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation scholars.
The dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation Scholarship is looking to 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.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must:
- 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.
Selected 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.