Eisenhower Fellowships Innovative Entrepreneurs Program 2026

🌍 About Eisenhower Fellowships Innovative Entrepreneurs Program

A defining feature of the Fall 2026 program is the integration of international Fellows with their American counterparts from the 2026 USA Program. The combined cohort will convene in Austin, Texas, one of the country’s leading entrepreneurial hubs, for several days of residence, workshops, and meetings.

During this shared time:

• Fellows will pair for one-on-one exchange.
• Work together in small groups.
• Attend joint meetings with innovators in related professional fields who bring diverse perspectives to similar challenges.

Afterward, international Fellows will embark on individualized travel across the U.S. to meet top leaders in their fields and advance their fellowship projects.

🎁 Benefits of the Program

• Eisenhower Fellowships will cover the expenses of fellows.

✅ Program Requirements

Eligible candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Citizenship/Residence:

   • Must have citizenship and/or current residence for at least five years in the country they are applying to represent.
   • If residing outside EF-active countries, applicants must demonstrate regional impact and provide a letter of recommendation from a member of the EF global network.

2. Visa Eligibility:

   • Selected International Fellows must be eligible for a J-1 visa.

3. Age Range:

   • Priority is given to applicants aged 32-45 years at the time of the program. Candidates slightly outside this range may still be considered if they excel in other criteria.

4. Language Proficiency:

   • Strong proficiency in the English language is required.

5. Workplace Approval:

   • Fellows must obtain approval from their workplace to take leave and commit full-time for the program duration.

6. Program Duration:

   • The program is tentatively scheduled for nearly six weeks, from early October 2026 through mid-November 2026.
   • Fellows must convene in person in Austin for several days in early October.

7. Family Policy:

   • Children are not permitted on the fellowship.
   • EF does not fund spousal travel.

8. Fellowship History:

   • Candidates who have had any fellowship within the previous two years of applying to EF will not be considered.

9. Prohibited Activities:

   • Fellows cannot use the fellowship to make business deals, solicit funds for their projects, or seek financial support. EF already covers their expenses.

10. Generative AI Usage:

    • Use of generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) in the application process is prohibited. All outside sources must be properly cited. Applicants suspected of using AI will not advance to the next stage.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Application Deadline: 14 February 2026
• To apply, visit the Eisenhower Fellowships Application Portal.

🔗 Additional Information

For more details, visit the Eisenhower Fellowships Official Website.

• Eisenhower Fellowships will cover the expenses of fellows.