Applications Invited for Commonwealth Startup Fellowship

Follow us@ngobox

About the Organization

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government’s scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. It supports the co-creation of research, innovation, and solutions to enact sustainable development priorities across the Commonwealth and beyond.

About the Fellowship 

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship will run for six months and is designed to ignite and elevate high-potential startups from low and middle income Commonwealth countries. The programme is made up of a combination of immersive in-person experiences and online learning, to provide participants with essential skills, cutting-edge knowledge, and a robust global network.

The CSC and Imperial College London intend that by the end of the programme, entrepreneurs will be equipped to build thriving businesses, scale operations effectively, and drive job creation in their home countries.

A cohort of 20 early stage start-ups will be recruited. One person from each business must be available to attend a two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana from 14–30 November 2025. There is also the possibility for representatives from outstanding organisations to travel to London in the UK in early 2026 for a series of exciting capstone events.

Eligibility

To be eligible for these Fellowships, prospective Fellows must:

• Be of at least graduate level;
• Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible low or middle income Commonwealth country;
• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country;
• Be fluent in written and spoken English.
• Not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the last five years (at the time of taking up the award)
• Be available to undertake their fellowship from the prescribed start date

In addition, they must demonstrate:

• Evidence of innovation, in terms of product, service, or market
• Active development for at least six-months and demonstrable commitment from team members
• A working minimum viable ‘product’, service and/or prototype
• Significant evidence of customer engagement or traction in the form of early sales or pre-sales . proof of interest or demand, signed contracts or other relevant evidence.

How to Apply

Applications for Cohort Two are now open and will close on 30 June 2025 at 04:00pm (BST).

Applications must be made using the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship online application form.

For more information please check the Link

Join us for the 12th Edition of India CSR & ESG Summit 2025 | Register Now  

Tags Entrepreneurship Others