Deadline: May 16, 2023.

The Watson Institute Venture Accelerator is a 16-week program designed for impact-driven entrepreneurs seeking to elevate their ventures with access to a global network, training designed to strengthen skills, and mentorship with seasoned professionals, venture capitalists, and executives. The program will kick off with an in-person Immersive in Boulder, Colorado. The remainder of programming is virtual and provides award-winning training, committed mentorship, and a powerful community of peers for next-generation entrepreneurs to advance their impact-focused ventures and lives.

The Watson Institute Venture Accelerator provides award-winning training, committed mentorship, and a powerful community of peers to equip Fellows with the tools and knowledge they need to support their venture’s continued development and impact.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Entrepreneur leading an early-stage social impact venture with demonstrated impact metrics and traction.
• Able to commit to the 16-week program including the in-person Immersive in Boulder, Colorado with a weekly time commitment of 6–8 hours per week.
• From any geographical location with a preference to applicants from the USA, Brazil, China, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.

This program is funded by a variety of fellowships offered through our generous partners. Each of these Fellowships have specific social impact or geographical preferences. For more information on our Fellowships.

BENEFITS

• Seed Funding: Up to $6,000 available in seed funding for select Fellows based on comprehensive performance in the program.
• Training and Skill Development: Training and interactive modules led  by subject-matter-experts in the areas including Sales, Data & Metrics, Business Foundations, and Funding.
• Mentorship & Community: Engage with world renowned entrepreneurs, industry experts, global alumni, and local partners to receive mentorship, guidance, and support throughout the program.
• Pitch Coaching: Earn the opportunity to present at the high-profile pitch event  at the end of the program to a global network of employees, mentors, alumni, and partners.

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Applications Submitted: Complete the online application: The online application contains 4 short essay questions and should take about 45 minutes to complete.
2. Applications Reviewed: Our admissions team will review applications on a rolling basis starting in mid-March.
3. Interview: Qualified applicants will be invited to a 20-minute Zoom interview. Interviews will begin April 1st, 2023.
4. Fellowship Allocation: Applicants are considered for a variety of full-ride fellowships. Learn more about our prestigious fellowships.
5. Fellows Notified: The admissions team will begin sending out final acceptances and fellowship awards in early May.
6. Fellows Confirm & Enroll: Fellows finalize enrollment by signing Watson’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

OFFICIAL LINK