Digital GreenTalents
How can we create good and healthy living conditions for all people when global climate change is challenging our economy and current way of life? How can digitalization contribute to a more sustainable future? The German Federal Ministry of Research, technology and Space (BMFTR) has launched the “Digital GreenTalents - High Potentials in Sustainable Development" program to support talented young scientists working on solutions to these pressing issues and harnessing the power of the digital age for sustainable development.
Sustainable development is the cornerstone to preserving our planet for the future, and digitalization is key to achieving this goal: Smart homes are becoming energy storage systems, sharing apps are enabling new business models, and intelligent transportation systems are moving traffic through cities with lower emissions. Robots are supporting sustainable agriculture, and new sensor technology is helping to monitor tree health.
With the Digital GreenTalents program, the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) supports the international exchange of innovative digital ideas and aims to establish long-term cooperation with the German Digital GreenTech community. In annual competitions, 20 Digital GreenTalents Awards are given to ambitious young researchers from all over the world. They will receive a fully funded research stay of up to three months in Germany at an institution of their choice. Additionally, they will take part in a mentoring program, participate in a SummerSchool with workshops and excursions, and establish invaluable contacts amongst each other and with leading German institutions in the field of digitalization and sustainability.
The Digital GreenTalents Award is open to PhD students focusing on the application of digitalization for sustainable development. Master's students and recent PhD graduates are also eligible to apply. The Digital GreenTalents are selected by a high-ranking jury of experts based on the academic excellence and innovation potential of the applicants.
Applications for the Digital GreenTalents Award 2025 were open until June 15, 2026. The winners will be presented during an online ceremony in November.
The three-month research stay and the SummerSchool take place in the year following the award ceremony. During this time, the winners gain an in-depth insight into sustainability research in Germany allowing them to build or strengthen their networks. By being recognized as "Digital GreenTalents", the award winners also become ambassadors for sustainable development in their home country and form a unique global network.
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