Mercedes-Benz funds a new generation of young environmental innovators via the beVisioneers, a fellowships programme that supports aspiring sustainability pioneers.

Mercedes-Benz funds a global, supportive programme which offers training, expert mentoring and direct financial support to young visionaries, who develop ideas which tackle some of the world’s greatest environmental challenges including clean energy and alternative materials, waste reduction, sustainable transport and mobility.

From a Record Auction to a Global Fellowship

The genesis of beVisioneers lay in an historic and record breaking automobile auction. In 2022, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé was sold for the staggering sum of €135 million, becoming the most expensive automobile ever sold at auction.

A part of the profits from the sale of the Uhlenhaut Coupé provided initial funding for the beVisioneers programme – an investment in the future sustainability pioneers and young innovators.

DO School Fellowships gGmbH, a nonprofit organization, is the driving force behind beVisioneers. The programme gathers young people aged 16 to 28 years from across the world.

Twelve Months of Support

The twelve months of hybrid learning, coaching and project development support enable the selected young innovators to invest directly into their ideas with financial support from Mercedes-Benz. The beVisioneers programme offers an opportunity to improve leadership and entrepreneurial skills, with the added support of mentoring from international experts.

In addition to the financial opportunity, young innovators are supported through a global mentoring network; with Mercedes-Benz employees volunteering as mentors playing a special role.

“We are proud to support young people who are so committed to their communities and the environment,” said Olaf Schick, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “beVisioneers is a unique offer which we believe has the potential to empower a new generation of young sustainability pioneers with diverse backgrounds and visions.”

Mercedes-Benz Employees Become Mentors

Not only does the beVisioneers programme offer an exciting opportunity for young people to invest in their ideas and make a real change, Mercedes-Benz employees also have the chance to contribute to the projects of the beVisioneers and to develop their own skills as a mentor.

Thanks to the Impact Mentor Training, the employees gain new qualifications, reflecting and enhancing their own understanding of sustainable development, and bringing fresh perspectives to their work as mentors.

With the next round of young sustainability pioneers set to be chosen, Business Fortune believes that beVisioneers is growing into a long term, far reaching opportunity to invest in a new generation of environmental innovators.

 

FAQs

What is beVisioneers?

beVisioneers is a global fellowships program supporting young environmental innovators through training, mentoring and funding.

Who can apply for the fellowship?

beVisioneers supports young people aged 16 to 28 years who have innovative ideas addressing relevant environmental and sustainability challenges.

What does Mercedes-Benz fund through beVisioneers?

Thanks to the funding, the fellows have an opportunity to develop and implement their ideas for sustainability projects.

How long does the fellowship last?

The young innovators undergo twelve months of hybrid learning and project development.

Can Mercedes-Benz employees participate?

Mercedes-Benz employees can participate in the Impact Mentor Training and support beVisioneers in their sustainability projects as volunteer mentors.