Watson Institute Flagship Fellowship for Changemakers 2026

Deadline: Jun 28, 2026

other

16 weeks (duration)

fully funded

To Apply

Please visit the application link below to apply.

Opportunity Overview

The Watson Institute Flagship Fellowship for Changemakers is a fully-funded 16-week program designed to support impact entrepreneurs worldwide. This program offers intensive training, mentorship, connections to capital, and a global peer community. It begins with a virtual Immersive where Fellows from diverse backgrounds and sectors unite to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.

🌍 About the Fellowship

The Flagship Fellowship is Watson Institute’s signature entrepreneurial and leadership development program. It includes a curriculum that has supported hundreds of entrepreneurs globally. Fellows will benefit from:

Hands-on workshops focused on entrepreneurship, business acumen, and financial literacy.
Mentorship from successful entrepreneurs and practitioners.
Networking opportunities with a global community of changemakers.

🎁 Benefits of the Fellowship

Business & Leadership Workshops
Participate in hands-on sessions led by expert practitioners to enhance your entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
Financial Tools & Resources
Access practical financial tools, frameworks, and workshops to strengthen your venture’s financial foundation.
Impact Series & Specialized Workshops
Engage with established entrepreneurs and community leaders through workshops tailored to help scale your business, expand your network, and deepen your leadership capacity.
Pitch Training & Virtual Summit
Develop and refine a professional, compelling pitch through dedicated training sessions. Present your venture’s progress and impact at the virtual summit to community partners, mentors, potential investors, and peers worldwide.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Who You Are:

A founder, entrepreneur, or community-driven innovator leading a venture with demonstrated traction.
Committed to building impactful solutions and growing alongside a global community of changemakers.

Your Business Stage:

Your business or organization has been operating for 1-5 years with fewer than 10 employees.
You have engaged customers, measurable results, and some funding through grants, investments, donations, or revenue.

Your Commitment:

Must commit to the full 16-week program, including the mandatory virtual Immersive from August 11–18, 2026, and weekly workshops held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM MT.
Active engagement throughout the program is essential.

Where You Work:

Location eligibility varies by specific fellowship, but applicants from all geographic regions are welcome.

What You Are Looking For:

Expert-guided entrepreneurial training.
A supportive community for feedback.
A broad mentor network to enhance leadership.
Opportunities to lead initiatives that benefit your venture and community.

Demographics:

Open to adults 18 years or older.

📅 Application Date and Process

Submit Your Application
Complete the online application in approximately 30 minutes.
- Priority Deadline: June 28, 2026 (for early consideration).
- Applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
Application Review
The Admissions Committee evaluates applications to identify innovative entrepreneurs with scalable ventures and strong potential for impact. Early applicants receive priority consideration.
Interview
Selected candidates will be invited to a 20-minute Zoom interview to share their entrepreneurial journey, discuss their venture’s vision for growth, and explore how the Fellowship aligns with their goals.
Final Selection & Enrollment
Final decisions will be announced by July 9, 2026. Accepted applicants must confirm their enrollment to secure their spot. The program begins on August 11, 2026.

📌 Application Deadline

June 28, 2026

🔗 Opportunity Application

For more details and to apply, visit the official Watson Institute Flagship Fellowship page.

This fellowship is a unique opportunity for changemakers to grow their ventures, expand their networks, and make a lasting impact on the world. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative program!

Benefits