Here are two new opportunities open now. The first is the beVisioneers Mercedes-Benz Fellowship 2027/28, which offers up to €15,000 in project scholarships for young eco-innovators. The second is the timbuktoo UniPods Mentor Network, UNDP’s call for AI, tech and business experts to mentor innovators across Africa. Each has a full guide on OpportunityLab, linked below.
Quick List by Deadline
- 15 Nov 2026: timbuktoo UniPods Mentor Network (UNDP), a pro bono mentor role, open to experts in any country
- 31 Jan 2027: beVisioneers Mercedes-Benz Fellowship 2027/28, for ages 18–28 with up to €15,000 in project scholarships
1. timbuktoo UniPods Mentor Network (UNDP)
Deadline: 15 November 2026
timbuktoo, UNDP’s pan-African innovation initiative, is building a network of mentors for innovators at UniPods, its university innovation hubs in more than 20 African countries. It wants AI and tech experts, domain specialists in AgriTech, HealthTech, FinTech and MineTech, and business and strategy leaders.
- Type: a voluntary, unpaid (pro bono) role
- What mentors get: membership of a pan-African expert community, recognition for their contribution, and connections to future opportunities across timbuktoo and UNDP
- Who can apply: professionals based in any country. Previous mentoring experience is helpful but not required.
Read the full guide: timbuktoo UniPods Mentor Network 2026 · Official application form →
2. beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship 2027/28
Deadline: 31 January 2027, 23:59 CET
A two-year, part-time global fellowship for young eco-innovators aged 18–28 who are building solutions to environmental problems. It is run by The DO School Fellowships and funded by Mercedes-Benz.
- Benefits: project scholarships of up to €15,000 after Year 1, further project scholarships and a cost-of-living stipend in Year 2, travel and accommodation paid for key events, venture coaching and one-to-one mentoring
- Eligible African countries: residents of Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Residents of Europe, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Turkey, the UK and the USA can also apply.
- Other requirements: good English (no IELTS or TOEFL needed), and an environmental project, ideally at prototype stage or beyond
Read the full guide, including the complete list of eligible countries: beVisioneers Mercedes-Benz Fellowship 2027/28 · Official application portal →
How to Apply
- Choose the opportunity that fits you and read its full guide on OpportunityLab.
- Check the eligibility rules on the official page, especially beVisioneers’ list of eligible countries.
- Apply through the official link before the deadline: 15 November 2026 for timbuktoo, and 31 January 2027 for beVisioneers.
More Opportunities Open Now
- 12 Tech and AI Funding Opportunities Open Now (October 2026)
- UNDP MineTech Pre-Incubation Programme 2027
- 100x Impact Accelerator 2027/28: £150,000 for Social Impact Ventures
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerians apply to these opportunities?
Yes for the timbuktoo mentor network, which accepts mentors from any country. For beVisioneers, Nigeria is not on the list of eligible countries for this round.
Is the timbuktoo mentor role paid?
No. It is a voluntary, pro bono role.
How much funding does beVisioneers offer?
Project scholarships of up to €15,000 after Year 1, plus further project scholarships and a cost-of-living stipend in Year 2.
