Alpbach in Motion

a group of participants on a hike.

25 Feb, 2025

EFA26

The EFA Leadership Lab: As part of the European Forum Alpbach, Alpbach in Motion (AIM) is a Lab for up to 40 outstanding professionals between the ages 30 to 40, who are willing to shape and transform Europe.

About

Each year, committed young business leaders, changemakers, policymakers, scientists, artists, and activists commit to a one-of-a-kind leadership experience. AIM offers hands-on experience exploring contemporary leadership rather than relying on traditional leadership frameworks. By stimulating peer-to-peer exchange at eye level, out-of-the-box solutions and focus on self-development, Alpbach in Motion creates a space for the emergence of reflection and action. 

In line with the European Forum Alpbach mission to shape a stronger Europe for the good of all, young professionals are encouraged to facilitate change in their industries, ecosystems and the broader social context. 

This year Alpbach in Motion takes place from 28 to 31 August.

What to expect?

Alpbach in Motion is a Lab led by an experienced leadership coach who guides through varied and unexpected hours. The name reflects the programme, meaning that the group is in motion most of the time, on slow-paced hikes or at sessions that activate the mind and body. 

One AIM alumnus describes it as  “The settings were shifting between joint discussions, smaller group works, and solitary contemplation. Hiking was used as a very suitable format for transmuting internal reflection to external dialogue and vice versa. All these process steps gave us the opportunity not only to connect the dots, but also to get to know ourselves and each other better – and how to use this for shaping our personal impact.” 

Impressions:

20250823 145204 efa25 work aim check in lores c EFA Philipp Huber
a group of participants on a hike, wooden houses in the background.
a female participant smiling in a conversation with another participants. people in the background.
a woman talking to other participants on a hike, mountains in the background.
a group standing in a circle in front of a wooden house.
participants during a hike at night, lighting their torches.
a group photo of the alpbach in motion participants, around 40 people looking into the camera, a mountain in the background.

Applications are open from 2 to 31 March 2026

Who Can Apply

  • Outstanding professionals between the ages 30 to 40
  • Talents who have great potential to develop and to play an active role in shaping Europe’s future
  • Fluency in English is a must

At EFA, we are committed to building a diverse, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary community to drive ideas for a strong and democratic Europe. When scouting for our programmes, we look to achieve diversity in the candidate pool and actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups. If you identify as belonging to one of these groups, you may indicate this in your motivational statement. We will take it into consideration in our jury assessment. 

How To Apply

Applications are open from 2 to 31 March 2026.

In the application form you will be asked to upload the following documents:

  • Your CV
  • A recommendation letter from a senior member of your organisation or a mentor (if you are self-employed) or an AIM alumnus or alumna,
  • your personal motivational letter and
  • supporting documents – if you apply for a scholarship 

Programme Benefits

  • Deep dive into new ways of leadership and inner transformation to facilitate change in Europe and beyond.
  • Benefit from an experienced coach empowering leaders to think in new categories.
  • Meet and connect with internationally renowned guest speakers at eye level.
  • Benefit from exclusive access to the the Conference Days to participate in high-level plenary discussions, interactive chats, inspirational hikes, networking events and transformational encounters with unlikely actors. 

Participation Fee & Scholarships

Ticket costs: € 2,750

An AIM ticket includes

  • AIM participation (taking place during the Euregio Days)
  • Option to prolong stay to the Conference Days for free (worth € 1,300)
  • Catering during AIM (joint lunches and selected dinners)
  • Room booking assistance. Please note that you may have to change accommodation if you decide to extend your stay to the Conference Days.
  • Invitation to join the AIM Alumni Club, including all-year engagement opportunities and a special discount for future EFA participation

An AIM ticket does not include: Cost coverage for travel and accommodation

Scholarships 

Scholarships cover the participation fee only. The following scholarships are available:

  • Fully sponsored ticket
  • 25% discounted ticket
  • 50% discounted ticket

There is only a limited amount of scholarship funding available for exceptional AIM applicants each year. These are based on financial need and geographical location.

If you or your employer is able to cover the costs, we appreciate you applying for the full cost programme in order to ensure that we are able to offer financial support to those who could not normally contribute.

If you are applying for a scholarship, you have to provide documents that tell us why a scholarship is needed to facilitate your participation. We encourage you to submit supporting documents that demonstrate your financial need (salary statement), as this will significantly strengthen your application. Alternatively, you may provide a motivational statement explaining why financial support is necessary to enable your participation. 

Please note that candidates with a corporate employer may not apply for scholarships.

Your EFA Contact

231117 DSC3432 web c Elisabeth Mandl

Melissa Német

Unit Communities | Stakeholder Manager | Scholarship Programme

Email

Similar articles