Applicants must be willing to commit to international travel. The Royal Academy of Engineering will cover all expenses related to the LIF Global programme, except for visas and travel insurance. The Academy may also consider covering travel-related caregiving costs on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, applicants will not be responsible for any costs associated with the training programme in the UK.

The LIF Global 2025 program is open to applicants from countries such as Brazil, Colombia, India, Malaysia, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, the Philippines, or Vietnam. The innovation must be at technology readiness level 4 (TRL 4) or above, with evidence of a prototype provided in the application. The innovation can be any new product, technology, or service based on research in engineering, including agricultural technology, biotechnology, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer science, design engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, and medical engineering.

Applicants must be the original innovator and own shares in the company created. The innovation should have the potential to benefit the applicant's country and other low and middle income countries in terms of improving social welfare and driving economic development, contributing one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The primary application of the innovation must not be in the defense, military, or fossil fuel-based energy sectors.

LIF and Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation alumni cannot apply to LIF Global 2025 but can apply to Advance. Candidates cannot apply with an innovation/business supported by LIF before (LIF 1 to 7, LIF Global 2022, LIF Global 2023, LIF Global 2024) or the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.

Applicants must commit to LIF Global for a minimum of 4 hours during the welcome week and at least 20 days for training and mentoring between January and July, including a minimum of 14 days for the UK Residential in July 2025. All costs associated with the LIF Global programme will be paid by the Royal Academy of Engineering, with the exception of visas and travel insurance.

Applicants must demonstrate fluency/proficiency in English to participate, be committed to Academy goals around sustainable development and responsible innovation, and have a strong interest in commercializing their innovation.

UK ,Brazil, Colombia, India, Malaysia, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, the Philippines, or Vietnam.