Alumni UK Grant Programme 2026–27: Selected projects in Germany

Queer Muslim Futures Lab is an arts-based leadership and storytelling programme that supports queer Muslim individuals in Germany to explore, develop and share their personal experiences through creative expression. Through workshops, mentoring and collaborative learning, participants will build skills in storytelling, artistic practice and community leadership while connecting with peers in a supportive and inclusive environment. The project creates safer spaces for self-representation and dialogue, helping participants strengthen their confidence, visibility and sense of belonging. By sharing diverse stories with wider audiences, the project also promotes greater understanding of queer Muslim lives, challenges stereotypes and contributes to a more inclusive and equitable society.

This project will introduce a small cargo bike trial scheme for families in Cologne, helping them experience cargo bikes as a practical and climate-friendly alternative to everyday car use. Building on existing community networks in cycling, school mobility and sustainable transport, participating families will be able to borrow a cargo bike for one month and test it in real-life routines such as school runs, shopping and leisure activities. The project will provide safe handovers, guidance and opportunities for peer learning to build confidence and reduce barriers to use. The intended outcome is increased adoption of cycling for short everyday journeys, leading to lower car dependency, reduced emissions and safer, more sustainable local mobility. 

noRoam is a pioneering free mobile data service that gives people internet access in exchange for viewing advertising. Building on successful research and testing supported by GIZ, the project will scale the platform from a small pilot to 2,000 users across three continents over five months. The service is designed to support people who face barriers to affordable connectivity, while ensuring safe activation, security and responsible use. Through collaboration with community organisations, the project will gather user feedback, improve the product and test delivery models at scale. The intended outcome is a sustainable, ad-funded approach to digital inclusion that can be adapted by NGOs, telecom providers, governments and startups worldwide.