Industry Leaders Back NAPB Borlaug Scholars — Now New Sponsors Are Invited for 2026
Supported by organizations like Bayer, the program connects top students with industry mentors — and is expanding opportunities for new partners. The National Association for Plant Breeding (NAPB) Borlaug Scholarship […] The post Industry Leaders Back NAPB Borlaug Scholars — Now New Sponsors Are Invited for 2026 appeared first on Seed World .
The National Association for Plant Breeding (NAPB) Borlaug Scholarship program, which connects top students with industry mentors, is gaining momentum and expanding its opportunities for new partners. Launched in 2018 by corn breeding legend Donn Cummings, the program aims to build a pipeline of talent by directly linking students with leaders across academia and industry. Since its inception, the initiative has connected 156 mentors with students from 37 universities worldwide, supported by organizations such as Bayer, Inari, Corteva, and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA).
In 2023, 24 scholars were recognized at the NAPB meeting in Hawaii, marking another milestone in the program's growth. Cummings emphasized that the mentorship is not just symbolic but provides significant value. He calculated that one hour of mentoring per month over the course of the program equates to approximately $225,000 worth of time invested.
The Borlaug Scholarship program is now actively seeking new sponsors to support the 2026 cohort. For potential partners, the program offers more than just visibility; it provides direct engagement with emerging talent, early insight into the next generation of scientific leaders, and a meaningful role in strengthening the global plant breeding community.
One success story that highlights the impact of the program is that of Samuel Ipinyomi. His journey underscores the transformative potential of the Borlaug Scholarship and the importance of sponsor support. Growing up, Ipinyomi was deeply connected to the cultural significance of tomatoes in his community. Through the scholarship, he gained access to mentorship that has shaped his career trajectory, demonstrating the program's ability to foster talent and drive innovation in plant breeding.
As the program continues to expand, particularly with growing international engagement, NAPB is eager to welcome new sponsors who wish to contribute to the development of the next generation of plant breeders. By supporting the Borlaug Scholarship, organizations can play a crucial role in shaping the future of agriculture and ensuring a continuous pipeline of skilled professionals in the field.
