IWA–Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship 2027–2028: Applications Open for Young Water Professionals

IWA–Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship 2027–2028: Applications Open for Young Water Professionals

The International Water Association (IWA) and Grundfos are inviting applications for the 2027–2028 Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship, a global professional development programme supporting young water professionals working on innovative solutions to water-related challenges.

The two-year fellowship will support selected participants in strengthening existing innovations, developing their professional capabilities and building connections with experts and organisations across the global water sector.

The third cohort will place particular emphasis on innovation and the adoption of technologies and practical solutions that address water and sanitation challenges.

Applications are open to eligible young water professionals worldwide, including Nigerians who meet the programme's membership or employment requirements.

The application deadline is 5 November 2026.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will have access to:

- Professional development: Structured capacity-building sessions focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, adoption and implementation.

- Mentorship and expert engagement: Opportunities to interact with professionals and experts from IWA, Grundfos and the wider water sector.

- Innovation development: Support to refine, test, strengthen and position their proposed solutions for wider adoption.

- Peer learning: Participation in thematic learning groups, project-sharing activities and progress reviews.

- International networking: Opportunities to connect with researchers, entrepreneurs, water utilities, policymakers and other water-sector professionals.

- International exposure: Opportunities to showcase their work through selected IWA activities and international water-sector events.

- Global water-sector engagement: Participation in the 2028 IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition in Malaysia.

- Alumni network: Continued engagement with fellows from previous programme cohorts.

Travel and Participation Support

For required fellowship travel and in-person activities, the programme expects to provide support covering:

- Economy-class international air travel.

- Single-occupancy accommodation.

- Meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner.

- Ground transportation between airports, accommodation and fellowship venues.

- Travel insurance.

- Visa application fees.

These arrangements are subject to the programme's stated conditions. Selected fellows will be responsible for applying for their own visas, and the organisers cannot guarantee visa approval.

Important: The fellowship does not provide direct grants, investment or project implementation funding. Its support focuses on professional development, capacity building, networking and strengthening participants' innovations for potential future partnerships, implementation opportunities or external financing.

Fellowship Focus Areas

The 2027–2028 cohort will focus on innovation and increasing the adoption of solutions in the water sector.

Applicants will be asked to identify the area that best reflects their proposed innovation.

1. Applied Research and Product/Solution Innovation

This area covers the development of practical products, services and technologies that translate research, technical knowledge or emerging technologies into solutions addressing real water-sector needs.

2. Innovative Financial Mechanisms and Business Models

Applicants may propose financial approaches or business models that can support the development, adoption and expansion of water-related solutions.

3. Capacity Building and Enabling Approaches

This area focuses on approaches that strengthen the ability of individuals, communities, organisations and water utilities to adopt and implement effective water solutions.

Note: These areas are intended to guide the application and selection process. They are not rigid programme tracks.

What Type of Innovation Can Applicants Propose?

Applicants may submit innovations at the concept, prototype, testing or early-pilot stage.

However, having an idea alone is not sufficient. Applicants must demonstrate tangible steps already taken to explore, develop or validate their proposed solutions.

The proposed work should address a clearly identified water-related problem, have a defined approach and identify its intended users, beneficiaries or customers.

Applicants do not need to have registered a company or established a startup to participate.

Eligibility Requirements

The fellowship is open to young water professionals aged 18 to 35, including students, researchers, entrepreneurs and professionals working in water-related organisations.

Applicants must first satisfy one of the following membership or employment conditions:

- Hold an active IWA Young Water Professional membership. Membership status will be verified by the IWA Secretariat.

- Be an eligible Grundfos employee who meets the Young Water Professional age requirement. Such employees can apply through the dedicated internal application route without holding IWA membership.

In addition, all applicants must:

1. Be at least 18 years old and no older than 35 by the end of the fellowship in December 2028.

2. Be engaged in the water sector through education, research, employment, entrepreneurship or another relevant professional activity.

3. Demonstrate commitment to creating positive change in the water sector.

4. Show leadership capacity and willingness to collaborate with others.

5. Be addressing a relevant local or global water challenge through an existing innovation or proposed solution.

6. Demonstrate tangible action towards developing or validating the proposed innovation.

7. Have a working knowledge of English.

8. Be available and committed to participating in the fellowship activities throughout the programme.

Applicants are not eligible if they:

- Are former IWA–Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellows.

- Are current or former participants in the IWA Leadership Programme (IWA LeaP).

- Are participants in the IWA Mentorship Programme.

Important membership requirement: The standard application route is restricted to applicants with active IWA Young Water Professional membership. Being a member of a local Young Water Professionals network alone does not automatically establish eligibility. Grundfos employees who qualify must use the separate internal application route.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents in English:

Document| Maximum length

Curriculum Vitae (CV)| 2 pages

Motivation Letter| 2 pages

Letter of Reference| 1 page

Innovation Proposal| 2 pages

1. Curriculum Vitae

The CV should summarise the applicant's academic, professional, research, entrepreneurial and relevant water-sector experience.

2. Motivation Letter

The motivation letter should explain:

- The applicant's relevant academic, professional or entrepreneurial experience, particularly in relation to water and Sustainable Development Goal 6.

- Why they want to participate in the fellowship.

- How the programme aligns with their professional goals.

- The skills, knowledge and networks they hope to develop.

- Their leadership, teamwork, innovation or initiative experience.

- How they intend to contribute to the fellowship and its wider community.

3. Letter of Reference

Applicants must submit one reference letter, preferably written by an IWA member.

The letter must not exceed one page.

4. Innovation Proposal

The innovation proposal should explain:

- The water-related problem or opportunity being addressed.

- The proposed innovation or solution and what makes the approach innovative.

- The intended users, beneficiaries or customers.

- The current stage of development, such as concept, prototype or early pilot.

- Activities already undertaken to develop, test or validate the solution.

- Evidence of initial progress or traction, where applicable.

- The main challenges preventing further development.

- What the applicant hopes to achieve through the fellowship.

- How the fellowship could help advance the solution towards implementation, partnerships or wider adoption.

Applicants are not required to submit a complete business plan.

Fellowship Duration and Programme Activities

The fellowship will run from February 2027 to December 2028.

The programme will combine online and in-person activities, including:

- Online onboarding and regular monthly meetings.

- An initial in-person gathering involving activities with IWA and Grundfos in London, United Kingdom, and Bjerringbro, Denmark, during the first half of 2027.

- Capacity-development sessions.

- Thematic peer-learning groups.

- Innovation and project progress reviews.

- Engagement with water-sector experts and relevant organisations.

- Participation in selected international water-sector events.

- Opportunities to present and showcase participants' innovations.

- Participation in the 2028 IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition in Malaysia.

The exact programme activities may be adjusted to reflect the needs and backgrounds of selected fellows.

Participants are expected to maintain an active and sustained commitment throughout the fellowship.

Selection Process

Applications will first undergo a preliminary eligibility and quality assessment by the IWA Secretariat.Shortlisted applicants will subsequently be invited to an interview with a selection panel involving representatives of IWA and Grundfos and, where appropriate, fellowship alumni.

The selection process will consider:

- Relevance and clarity of the water-related problem.

- Quality and innovative character of the proposed solution.

- Current development stage and evidence of tangible progress.

- Potential impact and wider adoption of the innovation.

- Applicant's suitability for the fellowship.

- Leadership potential, motivation and commitment.

- Potential contribution to collaboration and learning within the cohort.

The final selection will also consider geographical representation, gender diversity, professional backgrounds and the range of water challenges represented.

Application Timeline

Activity| Date

Applications open| 5 October 2026

Application deadline| 5 November 2026

Tentative interview period| Late November 2026

Expected announcement of selected fellows| Mid-December 2026

Fellowship period| February 2027 – December 2028

How to Apply

There are two application routes, depending on the applicant's eligibility.

Route 1: IWA Young Water Professional Members

1. Visit the official IWA–Grundfos Youth Fellowship application page.

2. Confirm that you hold an active IWA Young Water Professional membership.

3. Log in to IWA Connect Plus using your active membership credentials.

4. Access the fellowship application form.

5. Complete the application in English.

6. Upload your CV, motivation letter, reference letter and innovation proposal.

7. Review your information and submit the application before the deadline.

The IWA Secretariat will verify applicants' membership status.

Route 2: Eligible Grundfos Employees

Eligible Grundfos employees who meet the age and other fellowship requirements can apply without IWA membership.

They must obtain the dedicated application link through Grundfos' internal communication channels rather than using the standard IWA member application route.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is 5 November 2026.

Applications must be submitted through the appropriate online application route before the closing date.

About the Organisers

International Water Association (IWA)

The International Water Association is a global network of water professionals and organisations working to advance sustainable water management, sanitation and solutions to global water challenges.

Grundfos

Grundfos is an international water technology company that develops solutions for water and related applications. Its work includes technologies supporting water supply, wastewater management and efficient water use.

Through the Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship, both organisations support young professionals working to develop and advance innovative solutions to water-related challenges.

Official Application and Further Information

Interested applicants should read the official fellowship announcement carefully to confirm the eligibility conditions, application requirements and participation arrangements.

Official Fellowship Announcement:

https://www.iwa-network.org/news/applications-open-for-the-2027-2028-iwa-and-grundfos-youth-action-for-sdg-6-fellowship

Fellowship Application Page:

https://www.iwa-network.org/iwa-grundfos-youth-fellowship