Deadline: January 30, 2024.

The Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) is a two-way U.S. Department of State exchange program designed to strengthen the transatlantic relationship, develop sustainable partnerships between U.S. and European entrepreneurs and innovators, promote regional integration and cooperation in Europe, and encourage European businesses, governments and civil society to develop their innovation ecosystems. Through intensive fellowships designed to broaden their professional expertise and further enhance their leadership capabilities, YTILI provides emerging European entrepreneurs leaders with the opportunity to gain first-hand experiences in, and exposure to, U.S. public and private sector offices working on a variety of issues related to entrepreneurship, innovation, and transatlantic connections. YTILI is planned to be administered as a hybrid program, which will include virtual activities and a U.S.-based exchange.

PROGRAM ELEMENT

The Fall 2024 Program will consist of the following elements:

Entrepreneurship and Professional Development Curriculum

• The program will begin with a virtual program launch to provide an overview of the virtual activities
• Fellows will participate in on online entrepreneurship course designed to strengthen competencies in networking, leadership, management, and business
• Fellows will participate in a professional development session and one-on-one calls with American experts prior to the U.S.-based exchange

Professional Fellowship

• Fellows will participate in a virtual Pre-Departure Orientation as well as an arrival orientation and integrated professional study tour in a U.S. city
• Fellows will spend four weeks in an individually tailored fellowship experience working in a U.S. placement host organization
• Fellows will participate in a community service opportunity to engage with a U.S. community and participate in civic engagement
• Fellows will develop a follow-on Action Plan proposal to complete a project that meets a specific objective and builds on their participation in the YTILI Fellowship Program

Closing Program

• At the conclusion of the fellowship, Fellows will participate in a program-wide conference in Washington, DC
• The closing program will bring together Fellows for the opportunity to network and collaborate
• The closing program offers exposure to speakers and workshops designed to further Fellows’ professional competencies

Alumni Engagement Opportunities

• Fellows will design follow-on Action Plans to address challenges encountered in their home community
• Fellows will be eligible to invite a U.S. placement host from the fellowship placement to implement a Reciprocal Exchange Project in the Fellow’s home community
• Fellows will be eligible to participate in Regional Alumni Accelerator Workshops

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The YTILI Fellowship Program is open to young entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria: 

• Are between 25 and 35 years of age at the time of the program (was born on/after October 26, 1988, and no later than September 16, 1999)
• Are a citizen and resident of one of the following countries: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom. (Note: Citizens of eligible countries residing in a different eligible country due to specific geo-political reasons may apply and will be considered by the Department of State on a case-by-case basis).
• Business or social entrepreneur with a demonstrated track record of at least two years of experience successfully managing an entrepreneurial venture in their home countries.
• Demonstrated commitment to develop, enhance, or lead an existing venture. During the application process, successful candidates must provide a well-articulated action plan they will work to refine and for which they will seek support during their fellowships.
• Committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Are eligible and able to receive a U.S. J-1 Visa. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in both written and spoken English.
• Are committed to returning to his or her home country after completion of the program. 
• Are not a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident of the United States or have applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years. 
• Are not a U.S. government employee. 
• Preference will be given to candidates who have not previously participated in U.S. Government programs or spent significant amounts of time in the United States.

BENEFITS

Each selected YTILI Fellow will:

• Partake in virtual leadership and professional development activities throughout the program.
• Be matched with a four week, full-time fellowship placement host in a U.S. organization focused on issues relating to the Fellow’s work at home.
• Gain first-hand knowledge about U.S. business institutions and build relationships with American counterparts.
• Receive comprehensive on-program support. Travel and living arrangements will be covered as well as emergency health benefit on program.
• Become part of a prestigious alumni network with access to valuable resources and an international network of like-minded professionals.

Apply through the OFFICIAL LINK