Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, a transformative six-month programme created to empower early-stage businesses from low and middle-income Commonwealth nations. This fellowship, delivered through a combination of immersive in-person engagement and virtual learning, is designed to equip participants with essential business skills, innovative knowledge, and a strong international network. Organised by the CSC and Imperial College London, the fellowship aims to prepare entrepreneurs to build resilient enterprises, expand operations effectively, and contribute to job creation in their home countries by the end of the programme.

A select group of 20 emerging startups will be chosen, with each business nominating one participant to attend a two-week intensive bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, scheduled from 14–30 November 2025. Additionally, exceptional participants may be selected to travel to London later in the year for high-level capstone events, including opportunities to present their businesses to investors and industry experts.

Participants will benefit from a range of support, including covered round-trip travel from their home country to the bootcamp in Accra, accommodation, local transport, meals, and reimbursement for visa and vaccination expenses. Moreover, participants will have access to a Fellow’s Grant Fund to cover costs related to business development or participation in the programme. A pool of £35,000 in non-repayable grants is also available to support selected teams with business-related expenses aimed at advancing their startups.

To qualify for this fellowship, applicants must have completed a degree, hold citizenship or refugee status in a qualifying low or middle-income Commonwealth country, and reside permanently in one of these countries. Proficiency in English is required. Applicants should not have participated in a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the past five years and must be available to engage fully with the fellowship from the designated start date.

In addition to meeting these criteria, applicants must demonstrate evidence of innovative products, services, or market approaches; at least six months of active business development; and strong commitment from team members. They should have a working minimum viable product, service, or prototype and provide clear evidence of customer interest, early sales, signed contracts, or similar indicators of market traction.

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