The Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholarship 2026 is a partnership between the Brandtech Group and One Young World. It sets out to spotlight five young African leaders who are already putting artificial intelligence to work on real social, environmental, and health problems, and doing it responsibly.
Winners earn full sponsorship to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, where they join a global gathering of changemakers, innovators, and policymakers. For an African founder or project lead working in AI, it is a rare chance to put your work in front of an international audience and plug into a lasting network.
This is not a degree scholarship. It funds participation in a global summit and ongoing recognition as part of the One Young World Ambassador community. The deadline is 2 August 2026.
Scholarship benefits
- Full sponsorship to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town.
- Access to global networks of leaders, innovators, and policymakers.
- Recognition as a Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholar.
- A platform to showcase your AI solution on an international stage.
- Ongoing membership in the One Young World Ambassador community.
Eligibility checklist
✔ Be aged 18–30 at the time of the Summit (exceptions may be considered for high-impact leaders over 30).
✔ Be a national and resident of an African country. All African countries are eligible.
✔ Demonstrate leadership capacity and a commitment to responsible AI use.
✔ Have a track record of impactful, innovative AI solutions addressing at least one of the programme pillars.
✔ Show understanding of both local and global issues.
✔ Be working within one or more pillars: AI for Sustainability & Climate, AI for Education Access, AI against Misinformation & Hate, AI for Health Equity, or AI for Citizen Engagement.
✔ Be willing to engage with fellow scholars and Brandtech Group staff at the Summit.
Application tips for African students
- Lead with evidence. Selection rests on impact, innovation, and responsible use of AI — so gather metrics, screenshots, user numbers, or testimonials that prove your project works.
- Map your work clearly to one of the five pillars. Vague “AI for good” claims lose; a sharp fit with, say, AI for Health Equity or AI against Misinformation stands out.
- Prepare for a video pitch early. Longlisted candidates may be asked to submit one, so draft a tight two-minute script that explains the problem, your solution, and its results.
- Line up references before you need them. The application may request references at the longlist stage. Brief your referees beforehand so they can respond fast.
- Be honest about the “responsible” angle. Explain how you handle bias, data privacy, and safety; this is a scholarship about responsible AI, not just clever AI.
- Apply well ahead of 2 August 2026. Portals get congested near deadlines, and a rushed application shows.
How to apply
Review the eligibility criteria, then complete the online application form through the One Young World portal, attaching evidence of your AI project or initiative. Submit before 2 August 2026, and be ready to provide references and a video pitch if you are longlisted. Apply and read the full details on the official page: Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholarship 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for this scholarship?
Young leaders aged 18–30 at the time of the Summit who are nationals and residents of an African country, with a track record of impactful, responsible AI solutions. Exceptions may be possible for especially impactful leaders over 30.
What does the award cover?
Full sponsorship to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, along with access to global networks and recognition as a Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholar. It covers the duration of the Summit.
How many scholarships are available?
Five scholarships will be awarded to young African leaders.
What is the deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 2 August 2026.
What documents do I need?
A completed application form and evidence of your AI project or initiative. References and a video pitch may be requested if you are longlisted.
Where does the programme take place?
At the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.