The International Water Association (IWA) and Grundfos run this fellowship for Young Water Professionals. The third cohort (2027–2028) centres on innovation: fellows bring a water solution they have already started developing, then refine it and move it toward wider uptake.
Over about two years, fellows join monthly online meetings, capacity-development sessions and peer reviews, plus in-person gatherings in London and Bjerringbro (Denmark) and the 2028 IWA World Water Congress in Malaysia.
Benefits & funding
- About two years of capacity building and peer learning, with access to IWA and Grundfos experts and networks.
- For required in-person activities, economy flights, single accommodation, meals, ground transport, travel insurance and visa fees are expected to be covered.
- No direct funding, investment or grants for your innovation; its intellectual property stays with you.
- You apply for your own visas; approval is not guaranteed.
Eligibility
- An active IWA Young Water Professional member, or a Grundfos employee (no IWA membership needed).
- Aged 18 to 35, and no older than 35 by the end of the fellowship in December 2028.
- Engaged in the water sector through study, research, work or entrepreneurship.
- Bringing an innovation, solution or approach with tangible steps already taken; an idea alone is not enough.
- Working knowledge of English; available throughout February 2027–December 2028.
- Not a former fellow of this programme, nor a current or former participant of IWA LeaP or the IWA Mentorship Programme.
- Open to all nationalities.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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“Be between 18 and 35 years old. The minimum age to apply is 18 years old, and the maximum age is 35 by the end of the Fellowship (December 2028);” Eligibility
Age requirement
18–35 yrs
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Application process
- 1IWA members log in to IWA Connect Plus and complete the online form in English; Grundfos staff use an internal link.
- 2Upload a CV, motivation letter and innovation proposal (2 pages each) and one reference letter (1 page, ideally from an IWA member); the form also asks for two referees’ contact details.
- 3Submit by 5 November 2026.
- 4Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by an IWA–Grundfos panel, which also assesses English communication.
Program timeline
Applications open
5 October 2026
Application deadline
5 November 2026
Interviews (tentative)
Late November 2026
Fellows announced (tentative)
Mid-December 2026
Fellowship runs
February 2027 – December 2028