IWA & Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship 2027–2028: Apply Now
Applications are open for the 2027–2028 IWA & Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship, an international professional development opportunity for young water professionals seeking to develop innovative solutions to water-related challenges.
Organised by the International Water Association (IWA) and Grundfos, the fellowship supports young professionals in strengthening their leadership, technical knowledge and ability to advance solutions that contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which focuses on clean water and sanitation for all.
The third cohort will place particular emphasis on innovation and the adoption of technologies and practical solutions in the water sector. Applicants should already be exploring or developing an idea, product, service, research-based solution or innovative approach to a clearly identified water challenge.
The application deadline is 5 November 2026.
About the IWA & Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship
Established in 2022, the fellowship brings together young water professionals to strengthen their capabilities, exchange knowledge and develop solutions with the potential for wider adoption.
The 2027–2028 programme will run for approximately two years, combining online activities with in-person meetings, specialist training, peer learning and international water-sector events.
Selected fellows will engage with experts from IWA, Grundfos and the wider water community. They will also have opportunities to showcase their work, receive feedback and build professional relationships that could support the future development of their innovations.
The fellowship is open to eligible applicants from different geographical and professional backgrounds, with an emphasis on diversity across the selected cohort.
Fellowship Benefits
The programme offers several professional development and networking opportunities.
1. Innovation and capacity development
Fellows will participate in tailored learning activities focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, adoption and implementation. These activities are intended to help participants strengthen their solutions and understand the practical challenges of bringing innovations into wider use.
2. International networking
Participants will connect with water-sector practitioners, researchers, utilities, entrepreneurs, innovators and other experts. The fellowship also provides opportunities to learn from previous fellows and engage with the wider IWA and Grundfos networks.
3. In-person international activities
The programme is expected to include an initial in-person gathering during the first half of 2027, involving activities with IWA in London, United Kingdom, and Grundfos in Bjerringbro, Denmark.
Fellows are also expected to participate in selected international water-sector events during the second half of 2027 and attend the 2028 IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Malaysia.
4. Project feedback and visibility
Participants will take part in peer-learning groups and project reviews. They will also have opportunities to communicate their work, receive professional input and increase the visibility of their innovations.
5. Travel and participation support
For required fellowship travel and in-person activities, the programme is expected to cover economy-class air travel, subsistence, single-occupancy accommodation, specified ground transportation, travel insurance and visa application fees, subject to the programme’s arrangements.
Applicants should note that the fellowship does not provide direct grants, investment or project implementation funding. Instead, it supports professional development and helps fellows strengthen their readiness to pursue partnerships, accelerators or external financing.
Areas of Innovation
Applicants should identify the area that best describes their proposed work. The fellowship highlights three broad areas:
- Applied research and product or solution innovation: Translating research, technical knowledge or emerging technologies into practical solutions for water-sector needs.
- Innovative financial mechanisms and business models: Exploring financing approaches and business models that can support the development, adoption or expansion of water solutions.
- Capacity building and enabling approaches: Developing new ways to help people, organisations, utilities or communities adopt and benefit from water solutions.
Proposed innovations may include technologies, products, services, processes, financing models or capacity-development approaches.
Applicants should have more than an idea alone. They must demonstrate tangible steps taken to explore, develop, test or validate their proposed solution. Concepts, prototypes and early-stage pilot projects may be suitable.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, candidates must meet one of the following membership or employment requirements:
- Hold an active IWA Young Water Professional membership; or
- Be employed by Grundfos and meet the fellowship’s age requirements.
Eligible Grundfos employees do not need IWA membership.
All applicants must also:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old, with the maximum age applying by December 2028.
- Be engaged in the water sector through study, research, employment, entrepreneurship or another relevant professional activity.
- Demonstrate leadership capacity and a commitment to positive change in the water sector.
- Have a proposed innovation addressing a relevant water-related challenge.
- Show tangible progress towards developing or validating the proposed solution.
- Have a working knowledge of English.
- Be available to participate throughout the programme.
- Not be a former fellow of the IWA & Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship.
- Not be a current or former participant in the IWA Leadership Programme (IWA LeaP).
- Not be a participant in the IWA Mentorship Programme.
Required Application Documents
Applications must be submitted in English. Candidates should prepare the following documents:
- Curriculum vitae (maximum two pages).
- Motivation letter (maximum two pages).
- One reference letter, preferably from an IWA member (maximum one page).
- Innovation proposal (maximum two pages).
The motivation letter should explain the applicant’s relevant experience, reasons for applying, professional goals, leadership experience and intended contribution to the fellowship.
The innovation proposal should describe the water-related challenge, proposed solution, intended users or beneficiaries, current development stage, progress to date, remaining barriers and what the applicant hopes to achieve through the programme.
Application Deadline and How to Apply
The application period runs from 5 October to 5 November 2026. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for late November, with selected candidates expected to be announced in mid-December 2026.
IWA Young Water Professional members must log in to IWA Connect Plus using their active membership credentials to access the application form.
Grundfos employees who meet the eligibility requirements but do not hold IWA membership must use the dedicated application route provided through Grundfos’ internal communication channels.
Final Thoughts
The IWA & Grundfos Youth Action for SDG 6 Fellowship 2027–2028 is an opportunity for young water professionals to strengthen existing innovations, gain international exposure and build connections across the water sector.
Candidates with a clearly identified water challenge and evidence of progress towards a practical solution should review the eligibility requirements and prepare their applications before the 5 November 2026 deadline.
