Enlight Fellowship
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Quick Answer
A fully-funded entrepreneurial and leadership development fellowship for rising leaders creating solutions for youth mental wellbeing globally.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Fellowship
- Provider
- Watson Institute
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Eligible stage
- Revenue
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 5 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Watson Institute. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The Enlight Fellowship, supported by the Enlight Foundation and powered by the Watson Institute, is a fully-funded entrepreneurial and leadership development program designed specifically for rising leaders creating solutions to youth mental wellbeing globally. This fellowship aims to empower visionary entrepreneurs who are deeply committed to addressing the critical challenges in youth mental health. It fosters cross-cultural collaboration and global impact by providing a robust framework of expert-led training, guidance from experienced facilitators and speakers, personalized mentorship, and extensive coaching support. The program is built on the belief that sustained impact comes from strong communities and continuous learning. Fellows gain not only essential entrepreneurial tools and strategic insights but also access to a powerful global network, enabling them to significantly scale their ventures and drive meaningful change within their communities and beyond. The program emphasizes practical application, connecting fellows with a vibrant ecosystem of support designed to accelerate their growth and the reach of their solutions. Through this intensive experience, participants are equipped to navigate the complexities of social entrepreneurship in the mental wellbeing sector, developing both their leadership capabilities and the operational strength of their initiatives.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Create a free account to view.
Grant providers
Watson Institute is a globally recognised organisation that empowers entrepreneurs and community leaders to create sustainable social impact through education, mentorship, and innovation. It delivers fellowships and accelerator programs — often in collaboration with corporate…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Fellowship
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The Enlight Fellowship is a fully-funded program, ensuring that promising rising leaders can dedicate themselves to scaling solutions for youth mental wellbeing without financial burden. While a specific stipend amount for the core fellowship is not detailed, Fellows receive comprehensive support that covers program participation costs. Additionally, a stipend is provided to support Fellows in designing and leading community-focused 1-day workshops (Basecamps), enabling them to deepen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in their local communities. Beyond direct financial aid, the fellowship provides invaluable non-monetary benefits including expert-led entrepreneurial training, personalized coaching, access to a global network of mentors and peers, and the opportunity to present ventures to potential investors and community partners at a virtual Summit. This holistic support package is designed to accelerate both personal leadership growth and the impact of the Fellows' ventures.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Duration
- 4 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for the Enlight Fellowship is multi-stage and highly competitive, designed to identify the most promising rising leaders. Initially, an Admissions Committee rigorously evaluates all online applications. This committee comprises experts from the Watson Institute and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem, who assess candidates based on the innovation of their solutions, the scalability of their ventures, and their demonstrated potential for creating significant impact in youth mental wellbeing. Special attention is given to the clarity of their vision and their commitment to the program's objectives. Shortlisted candidates proceed to an interview round, typically a 20-minute Zoom conversation. During this interview, candidates present their entrepreneurial journey, detail their venture's growth strategy, and explain how the fellowship aligns with their personal and professional development goals. The final selection is based on a holistic assessment of the application, interview performance, and alignment with the fellowship's mission to support impactful leaders.
Application Process
- 1
Submit Application
Complete and submit the online application form.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 4
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the in-person components entail?
Fellows will travel to either Denver, Colorado, or Shanghai, China for a mandatory week-long in-person Immersive experience. This intensive week is designed to build strong community bonds and provide foundational programmatic information. Additionally, Fellows are expected to facilitate a Basecamp event in their local communities during the program, with training and a stipend provided for this. There will also be optional meet-ups with other Fellows in their respective locations, fostering continuous networking and collaboration.
What are the costs associated with this program (travel, fees, deposit, etc.)?
While the program itself is fully-funded, Fellows are responsible for covering their travel expenses to and from the mandatory in-person Immersive experience in Denver or Shanghai. Some meals during the in-person programming will also be the Fellows' responsibility, though accommodation for the immersive is provided. There are no application fees, program fees, or deposits collected directly associated with this Fellowship, making it accessible to talented leaders regardless of their financial background.
What kind of solutions is the fellowship looking for?
The fellowship specifically targets leaders who are actively building solutions to address critical youth mental wellbeing challenges. This includes innovative approaches, services, or technologies aimed at improving the mental health and emotional resilience of young people. Solutions can be focused on specific regions, such as China, or have a broader global impact. The key is a strong commitment to creating meaningful, scalable change in this vital sector.
What is the expected time commitment for the fellowship?
The Enlight Fellowship requires a weekly time commitment of 8-10 hours. This includes mandatory virtual workshops held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, which Fellows attend in one of two designated time blocks (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM MT or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MT). The commitment also encompasses various community-building events, optional mentorship sessions, planning and implementation for the Basecamp project, and preparations for the final virtual Summit. Active engagement throughout the entire 16-week program is prioritized for a successful community experience.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes, the Enlight Fellowship is explicitly designed for rising leaders globally. Fellows may be based anywhere in the world, with the cohort intentionally including youth leaders focused on improving youth mental wellbeing in China as well as those addressing global challenges. The program's international scope is further evidenced by the choice of immersive locations in Denver, Colorado (USA) and Shanghai, China, facilitating cross-cultural collaboration.
What is the startup stage required for applicants?
Applicants' businesses or organizations should have been operating for 1 to 5 years. They are expected to have engaged customers, measurable results, and to have secured some form of initial funding, which could be through grants, investments, donations, or earned revenue. The fellowship is designed for ventures that are ready to grow to the next level, suggesting an early-to-mid revenue stage.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
