The UfM Med Youth Lab 2026 is an introductory entrepreneurship skills programme for university students and recent graduates aged 18–29. Organised by the Union for the Mediterranean, the third edition combines online training from October to December 2026 with in-person workshops in Palermo, Italy, from 14–16 December 2026. Participation is free, while full sponsorship for the Palermo component is available to nationals of specified UfM Member States. Applications must be submitted by 30 August 2026 at 23:59 CEST.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: UfM Med Youth Lab 2026
Category: Entrepreneurship Skills-Building Programme
Host: Union for the Mediterranean
Partner: University of Palermo
Location: Palermo, Italy
Format: Online training and in-person workshops
Programme Dates: Online training from October–December 2026; Palermo workshops from 14–16 December 2026
Application Deadline: 30 August 2026 at 23:59 CEST
About the UfM Med Youth Lab 2026
The programme is designed specifically for young people with no or limited previous entrepreneurship knowledge or experience. Up to 30 participants will develop foundational skills through expert-led sessions, non-formal education and teamwork.
The 2026 edition focuses on entrepreneurial mindset, innovation, basic financial literacy, communication and problem-solving. It also introduces participants to employability-related skills and peer learning across the Euro-Mediterranean region.
The programme is organised by the Union for the Mediterranean with support from German Development Cooperation and in partnership with the University of Palermo.
You may like: IATSS Forum 2027 Leadership Development Training in Japan
Programme Structure
The UfM Med Youth Lab 2026 has three main components:
✓ Online training from October to December 2026
✓ In-person workshops in Palermo from 14–16 December 2026
✓ Follow-up activities during 2027
The programme follows a Training of Trainers approach. Participants will develop a simple introductory entrepreneurship awareness session that they can later share with peers at national or local level.
The official page clarifies that this is not a professional trainer certification. Participants are expected to act as peer facilitators rather than professional entrepreneurship trainers.
Participation Costs and Sponsorship
Application and participation in the UfM Med Youth Lab are free of charge. Training sessions and programme materials are also provided free of charge.
Full sponsorship for travel, accommodation and visa-related costs connected with the in-person programme is available, subject to UfM procedures and available budget, to nationals of:
• Albania
• Algeria
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Egypt
• Jordan
• Lebanon
• Libya
• Mauritania
• Montenegro
• Morocco
• North Macedonia
• Palestine
• Syria
• Tunisia
• Türkiye
Nationals of other UfM Member States may also apply, but they must independently secure funding for their travel and participation in Palermo.
The UfM Secretariat can provide supporting documentation for visa applications where required. However, participants remain responsible for checking visa requirements and completing the relevant application procedures.
Recommended: NPGH LEADERs LAUNCH Fellowship Program 2027–2028
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the eligibility conditions stated on the official programme page.
• Be aged 18–29 at the time of application.
• Be a national and resident of a UfM Member State.
• Be currently enrolled in a university programme or have graduated no more than one year before the application deadline.
• Hold a valid travel document, such as a passport.
• Have at least B2-level English or equivalent ability to participate actively in discussions and group work.
• Have no significant previous knowledge, training or professional experience in entrepreneurship.
• Be fully available for both the online training and the in-person workshops in Palermo.
The programme is specifically intended for beginners. Applicants with significant previous entrepreneurship training, experience running or funding a start-up, or experience working with business-support organisations are not eligible for selection.
Participants from the 2024 or 2025 UfM Med Youth Lab editions may apply if they meet all eligibility criteria for the 2026 edition.
Required Application Materials
Applications must be completed in English.
Applicants need to prepare:
• A video of no more than two minutes, recorded in English, explaining their background, motivation and what they hope to learn.
• Proof of current university enrolment or a graduation certificate showing graduation within the previous year.
• A copy of a valid travel document.
Submitted information and materials should be complete, accurate and original.
Discover: Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health Program 2027–2028
Programme Objectives
The 2026 edition aims to introduce young participants to fundamental entrepreneurship and employability concepts.
The programme seeks to:
✓ Develop basic skills in innovation, financial literacy, communication and problem-solving
✓ Build confidence to engage with entrepreneurship without previous experience
✓ Help participants design introductory awareness sessions for peers
✓ Encourage entrepreneurship knowledge-sharing at local and national levels
✓ Promote peer learning and cooperation among young people across the Euro-Mediterranean region
Application Review
Applications may be automatically rejected if they:
• Are incomplete or submitted after the deadline.
• Do not satisfy the eligibility requirements.
• Demonstrate significant previous entrepreneurship training or professional experience incompatible with the programme’s introductory level.
• Contain material that is not original, including applications produced entirely using artificial intelligence.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by:
30 August 2026 at 23:59 CEST
The online application form and application guidelines are provided through the official UfM programme page.
Apply Here
Review the official programme details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.
