Artificial Intelligence is transforming every aspect of modern society—from healthcare and education to governance, climate action, and economic development. As AI continues to shape the future, the need for responsible, ethical, and sustainable innovation has never been greater.

To recognize and support the next generation of AI changemakers, The Brandtech Group, in partnership with One Young World, has launched applications for the Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholarship 2026.

The scholarship is designed to identify five exceptional young African leaders who are using Artificial Intelligence to solve pressing social, environmental, economic, educational, and health challenges across the continent. Successful applicants will receive the opportunity to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, alongside influential global leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and activists.

If you are creating innovative AI-powered solutions that positively impact your community or country, this scholarship could provide the global platform you need to scale your work and expand your influence.

About the Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholarship

The Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholarship celebrates young African innovators who are demonstrating that Artificial Intelligence can be a force for positive change.

While AI offers tremendous opportunities to improve productivity, strengthen healthcare, modernize education, and address climate change, it also presents challenges such as misinformation, online abuse, greenhouse gas emissions from computing infrastructure, and electronic waste.

This scholarship seeks young leaders who are actively ensuring AI is used responsibly to solve real-world problems rather than create new ones.

The initiative reflects The Brandtech Group’s commitment to promoting ethical AI while empowering Africa’s growing population of technology innovators.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Africa has the world’s fastest-growing youth population, yet the continent remains underrepresented in AI research, development, and deployment.

The scholarship recognizes young Africans who are helping bridge this gap by designing AI solutions that promote sustainable development while ensuring technology benefits society responsibly and inclusively.

Selected scholars will also contribute to discussions at the One Young World Summit 2026, where Artificial Intelligence is one of the major global themes.

Scholarship Benefits

Five outstanding scholars will receive the opportunity to participate in the prestigious One Young World Summit 2026.

In addition to joining one of the world’s largest gatherings of young leaders, recipients will benefit from:

• Global recognition as emerging AI leaders.
• Participation in the One Young World Summit in Cape Town.
• Networking with world leaders, business executives, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and fellow innovators.
• Direct engagement with The Brandtech Group leadership and staff.
• Opportunities for international collaboration.
• Exposure to global AI and innovation ecosystems.
• Enhanced visibility for their AI initiatives.
• Membership within the global One Young World community.

Priority Focus Areas

Applicants should be leading AI initiatives that contribute to one or more of the following areas:

1. AI for Sustainability and Climate Action

Projects that use Artificial Intelligence to:

• Protect natural resources.
• Improve environmental monitoring.
• Reduce emissions.
• Advance climate resilience.
• Promote sustainable development.

2. AI for Education

Solutions that:

• Expand access to quality education.
• Improve learning outcomes.
• Increase educational productivity.
• Support teachers and students through AI technologies.

3. AI to Combat Misinformation and Promote Social Equity

Initiatives that use AI to:

• Detect misinformation.
• Reduce online hate speech.
• Prevent digital abuse.
• Promote equality and inclusion.
• Strengthen safer digital communities.

4. AI for Healthcare

Projects designed to:

• Improve healthcare access.
• Address health inequalities.
• Enhance diagnostics.
• Strengthen public health systems.
• Support mental health and wellbeing.

5. AI for Active Citizen Engagement

Solutions that:

• Increase civic participation.
• Improve transparency.
• Strengthen democratic engagement.
• Enhance communication between governments and citizens.

Applicants whose projects fall outside these five themes may still be considered if they demonstrate the responsible and positive application of Artificial Intelligence for social impact.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be between 18 and 30 years old during the One Young World Summit 2026.
• Be a national and resident of an African country.
• Demonstrate strong leadership potential.
• Show commitment to responsible AI development.
• Have a proven record of using AI to solve important community or societal challenges.
• Understand local and global issues affecting society.
• Be willing to actively participate in scholarship activities and engage with Brandtech Group representatives during the Summit.

Exceptional candidates older than 30 may also be considered if they demonstrate outstanding impact and leadership.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official One Young World application portal.

Applicants who are shortlisted may be requested to submit additional materials, including:

• References.
• A video pitch.
• Supporting documentation demonstrating the impact of their work.

Applicants are encouraged to clearly explain:

• The problem their AI solution addresses.
• The measurable impact achieved.
• Future plans for scaling their innovation.
• How their work promotes ethical and responsible AI.

Apply Here 

About The Brandtech Group

The Brandtech Group is the world’s leading digital-only marketing technology company and a global leader in generative AI marketing solutions.

The company helps brands improve marketing performance through innovative technology, automation, and responsible AI while supporting initiatives that encourage ethical technological advancement around the world.

Application Deadline

Deadline: 2 August 2026

Interested applicants should submit their applications before the closing date.

Why You Should Apply

The Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholarship provides much more than access to an international summit. It offers young African innovators the opportunity to showcase their work on a global stage, build strategic partnerships, learn from internationally recognized leaders, and join a lifelong network of changemakers committed to creating positive social impact.

If your AI solution is transforming communities, improving lives, or advancing sustainable development, this scholarship offers an exceptional platform to accelerate your impact.

Conclusion

Artificial Intelligence has the potential to redefine Africa’s future. Through the Brandtech Group AI for Good Scholarship 2026, five outstanding young African innovators will gain global recognition for using AI responsibly to solve some of the continent’s most pressing challenges.

Whether your work focuses on climate action, healthcare, education, civic engagement, or combating misinformation, this scholarship is an opportunity to amplify your impact, connect with world leaders, and help shape the future of ethical AI.

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