The IKEA Social Entrepreneurship Scholarship 2025 is a specialized scholarship for young social entrepreneurs to attend the One Young World Summit in Munich, Germany. Sponsored by IKEA Social Entrepreneurship, it targets innovative founders working on social and environmental issues. Winners join IKEA’s global team at the Summit (Nov 3–6, 2025) to connect with sustainability leaders. This opportunity is important because it connects entrepreneurs to mentors and global networks, amplifying their impact. Participants receive the same full benefits as the Leading Scholarship: travel, lodging, meals, and summit access are provided. For example, “Full access to the One Young World Summit…return air travel…hotel accommodation…catering” are all included.
Eligible applicants are social entrepreneurs based in one of the eight partner countries (Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, Romania, or Sweden). However, nationals from any country can apply. The key is that your social enterprise works on inclusive employment, circular economy, or food security. Applicants must be founders/co-founders aged 18–30. This scholarship covers 100% of Summit costs: return flights to Munich (economy), 5 nights in a Munich hotel, and all required meals. IKEA and One Young World also provide invitation letters for visas. All scholar participants gain lifetime membership in OYW’s global Ambassador community (20,000+ members), connecting them to business leaders and innovators.
This program is special for social entrepreneurs because it directly links their projects to a worldwide audience. Winning a scholarship means publicity for your social business and opportunities to pitch to partners. It is unique to have IKEA’s backing and to collaborate with other social entrepreneurs at such a high-profile event. The scholarship emphasizes innovation in “challenging root causes of poverty and inequality”, making it a chance to scale positive change internationally.
Quick Overview of IKEA Social Entrepreneurship Scholarship 2025
- Host Country: Germany (Munich)
- Host Organization: One Young World & IKEA Social Entrepreneurship
- Deadline: July 28, 2025
- Eligible Programs: Young social entrepreneurs (18–30) who are founders or co-founders of social enterprises in specified regions
- Value: Full summit package: return airfare to Munich, hotel (Nov 2–7), meals, and summit delegate pass. (Visa support provided.)
- Age Limit: 18–30 (some flexibility for older candidates with strong impact)
- Who Can Apply: Founders of social businesses focused on sustainability and inclusion. (Applications open globally, but enterprises must operate in Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, Romania, or Sweden.)
Perks of the OYW Summit Munich Scholarship for Young Entrepreneurs 2025
- Economy flight tickets from the home country to Munich.
- Private hotel room in Munich (Nov 2-7).
- Full meal plan during summit days.
- Invitation letters for visa support.
- VIP access to IKEA-related events at the Summit.
- Membership in OYW’s global Ambassador network (20k+ activists).
Benefits of the One Young World Summit Scholarship for International Students 2025
- Gain business insights from leaders at One Young World events; learn best practices in social entrepreneurship.
- Exposure to global business and NGO networks, potential investors or partners from IKEA, and other organizations.
- Improve leadership and communication by representing your enterprise; increase global perspective on social issues.
Exclusions of IKEA Social Entrepreneurship Scholarship 2025
- Does not cover personal expenses (tourism, insurance, etc.).
- Scholarship is only for the Summit attendance (no additional funding for projects).
- Local transportation and personal spending money are not included.
Eligibility Criteria of IKEA Social Entrepreneurship Scholarship 2025
- Ages 18–30 (older candidates may be considered case-by-case basis).
- Founder or co-founder of a social enterprise in one of the target countries: Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, Romania, or Sweden.
- Actively engaged in fields of inclusive employment, circular economy, or food/agriculture.
- Demonstrated impact and innovation in social entrepreneurship.
- Fluent in English.
Important Dates for the Global Social Entrepreneurship Grant 2025
- Deadline: July 28, 2025.
- Interview/Selection: August 2025.
- Summit Dates: November 3–6, 2025 (Munich, Germany).
How to Apply to the IKEA One Young World Scholarship 2025
- Go to the OYW scholarship page and click “Apply Now”.
- Fill out the online application, detailing your social enterprise and goals.
- Provide information on your project’s impact and innovation.
- Submit proof of founding (registration papers) and a description of achievements.
- Submit by July 28, 2025.
Required Documents for the Leadership Development Scholarships in Germany 2025
- Online application form with personal and business details.
- Resume/CV of the applicant.
- Social enterprise profile: mission, impact, and activities.
- Proof of role: documents showing you founded or co-founded the enterprise.
- Essay or statements: why your enterprise is innovative and sustainable.
- Letters of recommendation: (optional) from mentors or partners.
Country-Specific Criteria for the OYW Social Entrepreneurship Summit in Germany
- Applicants’ social businesses must operate in one of the listed 8 countries.
- Nationals of any country may apply as long as their enterprise is in an eligible country.
