Deadline: Monday, 17th February 2025
Imperial College London, in partnership with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, proudly introduces the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship – a transformative six-month accelerator program for startups from low- and middle-income Commonwealth nations. This initiative aims to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses, create jobs, and drive meaningful, sustainable impact.
About the Program
The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship equips ambitious startup founders with the skills, resources, and networks needed to elevate their ventures. By combining mentorship, global connectivity, and financial support, the program enables participants to achieve significant growth and impact.
What the Fellowship Offers
Participants in the Fellowship will benefit from:
- A Fully-Funded Bootcamp: A two-week intensive experience at Imperial Global Ghana in Accra, featuring workshops, networking events, and expert-led sessions.
- Equity-Free Fellows Fund: Access funding for your startup without surrendering ownership.
- Capstone Opportunity in London: Selected startups will attend a capstone event at Imperial College London.
- Ongoing Coaching and Online Workshops: Tailored virtual support to address specific business challenges.
- Global Networking: Build relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry leaders.
- Investor Engagement: Pitch your ideas to potential investors and strategic partners.
Who Should Apply?
This Fellowship is ideal for innovative startup founders looking to scale their impact. If you’re an entrepreneur with big ambitions, this program provides:
- World-Class Mentorship: Learn from leading industry experts.
- Global Connections: Build a network of peers, mentors, and partners.
- Investor Opportunities: Present your startup to potential backers.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Your startup must be registered in an eligible Commonwealth country (see list below).
- You must demonstrate early-stage traction, including progress in product development, customer acquisition, or revenue growth.
Eligible Countries
Africa: Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia.
Asia: Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
Caribbean & Americas: Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines.
Pacific: Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Key Dates
Applications are open now!
- Early Application Deadline: Wednesday, 15th January 2025
- Final Application Deadline: Monday, 17th February 2025
Information Sessions:
Join one of the online sessions to learn more about the program:
- Monday, 6th January at 10:00 AM (GMT) Register here
- Monday, 6th January at 5:00 PM (GMT) Register here
How to Apply
- Complete the online application form.
- Attach any required documentation as outlined in the instructions.
- Submit your application by the relevant deadline.
