Apply Now: Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholarship 2026

The Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholarship 2026 supports young African leaders using artificial intelligence to create positive social impact in areas such as climate action, education, healthcare, misinformation prevention, and social equity. Five selected scholars will receive full support to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, including travel, accommodation, mentorship, AI tools access, and global networking opportunities.

The scholarship is designed for innovative AI changemakers aged 18–30 from African countries who have developed responsible AI solutions addressing local and global challenges.

What Is the Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholarship 2026?

The Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholarship 2026 is a leadership scholarship that supports young African innovators using artificial intelligence (AI) to create measurable social impact.

The scholarship enables selected leaders to participate in the One Young World Summit 2026, which will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from:

3–6 November 2026

The programme recognises emerging leaders who are developing responsible AI solutions that improve communities, strengthen systems, and address major global challenges.

Why the Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholarship Matters

Artificial intelligence is transforming industries and societies, but responsible innovation is essential to ensure technology benefits everyone.

The scholarship supports leaders who use AI to:

• Solve social challenges
• Improve access to essential services
• Promote sustainability
• Strengthen equality and inclusion
• Create responsible technology solutions

By connecting AI innovators with global networks, the programme helps scale solutions that can positively impact communities across Africa and beyond.

Scholarship Objectives

The Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholarship aims to:

• Support young African AI innovators
• Promote ethical and responsible AI development
• Encourage technology-based solutions for social impact
• Connect emerging leaders with global changemakers
• Provide resources to expand impactful AI initiatives
• Strengthen collaboration between AI innovators and international organisations

AI for Good Focus Areas

Applicants should demonstrate AI solutions connected to one or more priority areas.

Climate Change and Sustainability

The scholarship supports AI solutions that:

• Promote environmental sustainability
• Address climate challenges
• Improve resource management
• Support climate adaptation and resilience

Examples may include:

• AI-powered environmental monitoring
• Climate prediction tools
• Sustainable agriculture technologies

Education and Learning Systems

Solutions may focus on:

• Improving access to education
• Strengthening learning systems
• Enhancing educational productivity
• Supporting personalised learning

Examples include:

• AI learning platforms
• Educational technology solutions
• Digital learning tools

Misinformation, Online Harm and Social Equity

The scholarship supports AI approaches that:

• Combat misinformation
• Reduce online hate
• Promote safer digital spaces
• Support social inclusion

Examples include:

• AI fact-checking systems
• Online safety technologies
• Responsible content moderation solutions

Healthcare Access and Wellbeing

AI solutions may address:

• Healthcare accessibility
• Health inequalities
• Disease prevention
• Mental health support

Examples include:

• AI healthcare platforms
• Digital health tools
• Mental wellbeing applications

Citizen Engagement and Social Participation

The scholarship also supports AI initiatives that encourage:

• Active citizenship
• Community participation
• Public engagement
• Inclusive decision-making

Who Is Eligible for the Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholarship?

The scholarship is open to young African leaders who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and commitment to responsible AI.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be aged 18–30 years old at the time of the One Young World Summit 2026
• Be a national and resident of an African country
• Have demonstrated AI solutions implemented in Africa
• Show leadership in responsible AI development
• Have a proven record of creating innovative AI solutions
• Address one or more scholarship focus areas
• Demonstrate understanding of local and global challenges
• Be willing to actively engage with other scholars and Brandtech Group representatives

Applicants younger than 18 years old at the time of the Summit are not eligible.

Age Flexibility

Applicants above 30 years old may also be considered if they demonstrate:

• Significant personal impact
• Strong leadership achievements
• Innovative contributions
• Commitment to supporting the AI for Good community

Ideal Candidate Profile

The scholarship is suitable for:

• AI entrepreneurs
• Technology innovators
• Social impact founders
• Researchers
• Digital transformation leaders
• Community-focused technology developers

Strong candidates should demonstrate:

• Real-world AI implementation
• Measurable social impact
• Ethical technology practices
• Leadership potential
• Commitment to collaboration

Number of Selected Scholars

The programme will select:

Five young African leaders

Selected scholars will represent AI-driven innovation and social impact at the One Young World Summit 2026.

One Young World Summit 2026 Opportunity

Selected scholars will attend the:

One Young World Summit 2026

Location:

Cape Town, South Africa

Dates:

3–6 November 2026

The Summit brings together young leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and innovators from around the world to collaborate on solutions to global challenges.

Scholarship Benefits and Support

Selected scholars receive comprehensive support, including:

Summit Participation

Funding covers:

• Access to the One Young World Summit 2026
• Participation in Summit activities and sessions

Travel and Accommodation Support

The scholarship includes:

• Return air travel
• Hotel accommodation in Cape Town from 2–6 November 2026
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the programme period
• Ground transportation between Summit venues

Artificial Intelligence Resources

Scholars receive access to:

Pencil AI

Pencil AI is a generative AI SaaS platform designed for brands and creative teams.

Access provides scholars with opportunities to explore advanced AI tools and applications.

Global Leadership Networks

Selected participants receive:

• Lifelong membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community
• Membership in the Brandtech AI for Good Alumni Network
• Access to global leadership connections

Mentorship and Accelerator Support

Scholars gain access to:

• One Young World Action Accelerator
• Expert-led mentoring sessions
• Leadership development opportunities
• The One Young World Global Kickstart programme

How to Apply for the Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholarship 2026

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before applying, applicants should ensure they:

• Meet the age requirements
• Are based in an African country
• Have an AI-based solution creating social impact
• Align with at least one scholarship theme

Step 2: Prepare Your AI Impact Story

Applicants should clearly explain:

• The AI solution they developed
• The problem being addressed
• The communities benefiting from the solution
• The measurable impact achieved
• How the solution demonstrates responsible AI use

Step 3: Highlight Leadership Experience

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Previous achievements
• Innovation experience
• Community impact
• Ability to collaborate and lead change

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applicants should complete the scholarship application according to the official requirements and provide accurate information about their AI initiative.

Step 5: Participate in the Selection Process

Selected candidates may be evaluated based on:

• Innovation quality
• Social impact
• Leadership potential
• Responsible AI approach
• Alignment with scholarship objectives

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their application by:

• Providing clear evidence of AI impact
• Explaining real community benefits
• Demonstrating ethical AI practices
• Including measurable results
• Showing scalability potential
• Connecting their solution to global challenges
• Explaining their long-term vision

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Describing AI ideas without implementation evidence
• Focusing only on technology rather than social impact
• Providing unclear impact measurements
• Ignoring responsible AI principles
• Submitting incomplete information
• Failing to explain community relevance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholarship?

The Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholarship supports young African leaders who use artificial intelligence to develop solutions creating positive social impact.

How many scholars will be selected?

Five young African leaders will be selected for the scholarship.

Where and when will the One Young World Summit 2026 take place?

The Summit will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 3 to 6 November 2026.

What costs does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers Summit access, return flights, accommodation, meals, local transportation, AI platform access, mentorship, and leadership programmes.

Who can apply for the scholarship?

Young leaders aged 18–30 from African countries who have developed AI solutions creating social impact can apply.

Can applicants over 30 years old apply?

Yes, applicants over 30 may be considered if they demonstrate exceptional impact, leadership, and commitment.

What types of AI projects are eligible?

Eligible projects include AI solutions related to climate action, education, healthcare, misinformation prevention, social equity, and citizen engagement.

Conclusion

The Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholarship 2026 provides a unique opportunity for young African AI leaders to showcase innovative solutions and connect with a global community of changemakers.

By supporting responsible artificial intelligence applications in areas such as climate, education, healthcare, and social development, the scholarship helps accelerate technology-driven solutions that create meaningful impact.

Through full Summit support, mentorship, AI resources, and lifelong networks, selected scholars can expand their leadership journey and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future powered by AI.