Application Deadline: 2 August, 2026
LOCATION: South Africa
Applications are open for The Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholarship 2026. The Brandtech Group is teaming up with One Young World to launch the 2026 Brandtech Group AI for Good scholarship. The scholarship seeks to identify and elevate five incredible young African leaders for the sustainable and responsible use of AI.
ELIGIBILITY:
They are looking for five young African leaders with track records of impactful and innovative solutions for sustainable and responsible use of AI.
Selected scholars will be leading initiatives with proven impact aligned with one or more the below pillars:
AI as a tool to promote sustainability and tackle climate change.
AI to address education access, improve learning systems, and increase productivity
AI as a tool to combat misinformation, online hate, social harm and promote social equity
AI as a tool to address health access, health inequality, and mental well-being.
AI for active citizen engagement.
Candidates must apply through the application portal below. Please note that if longlisted for the scholarship, you may be invited to submit additional documentation, including references and video pitch as part of the application process.
Candidates must be:
Young leaders aged 18 to 30 at the time of the One Young World Summit 2026.
Nationals and residents of any African countries with demonstrated AI solutions in Africa.
Demonstrated capacity for leadership and promoting the responsible use of AI.
Track record of generating impactful and innovative solutions using AI to address one or more of the above five pillars (applications from candidates whose causes may not exactly fit one of the 5 pillars will be considered if using AI positively and responsibly to drive your work).
Understanding of key local and/or global issues.
Willingness to engage with fellow scholarship recipients and Brandtech Group staff/management who are also attending the Summit.
They are not able to accept applications from those who will be aged under 18 at the time of the Summit. The One Young World team will consider candidates who are older than 30, pending demonstration of appropriate personal impact, initiative, and willingness to engage.
BENEFIT:
Selected Brandtech Group AI for Good scholars will receive:
Access to the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town from 3 to 6 November.
Hotel accommodation in Cape Town between 2 and 6 (inclusive) November.
Return air travel.
Catering, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Ground transportation between Summit venues in Cape Town.
Access to Pencil AI. Pencil is the world’s No. 1 generative AI SaaS platform for brands. Its Pencil Pro generative AI product is tailored specifically for global brands and revolutionizes creative production, distribution, and performance prediction.
Lifelong membership of the One Young World Ambassador Community.
Join the exceptional Brandtech AI for Good Alumni network
Access to the One Young World Action Accelerator and expert-led mentor sessions to help turn their inspiration into action.
Access to the One Young World Global Kickstart programme designed to provide delegates with enhanced leadership skills and principles alongside expertise around the Summit’s main themes.
