Apply now for the Halcyon Fellowship Programme 2026 — a prestigious global fellowship designed for innovative, impact-driven founders who are ready to scale ventures aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
About the Halcyon Fellowship Programme
The Halcyon Fellowship Programme is an international initiative that empowers early-stage entrepreneurs who are building scalable, for-profit ventures with measurable social or environmental impact. Based in Washington, D.C., Halcyon connects founders from across the world to resources, mentorship, and a global network of investors, experts, and partners.
Since its founding, Halcyon has supported hundreds of ventures working toward solutions in sustainability, equity, health, and technology. Through the Halcyon Fellowship Programme, selected founders receive intensive training, mentorship, and access to an ecosystem designed to help ventures move from prototype to growth stage while maintaining impact as a core part of their business model.
The programme operates globally, and several thematic tracks are open for 2026. These include:
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LAC Climate Fellowship (2026) — focused on climate action and sustainability in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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Global EquityTech Fellowship (2026) — advancing equity and inclusion through technology.
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Climate Resilience and Food Security in Africa Fellowship (2026) — supporting solutions that build climate resilience across the African continent.
Each fellowship cohort brings together up to ten ventures working on breakthrough solutions to global challenges.
Eligibility Criteria
The Halcyon Fellowship Programme targets founders who have developed a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and are ready to grow. Eligible ventures must meet the following requirements:
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Be impact-driven, meaning that positive social or environmental outcomes are a non-negotiable element of the business model.
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Demonstrate clear alignment with one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Be led by founders working full-time on the venture.
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Have measurable indicators of progress such as users, paying customers, or partnerships.
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Operate under a for-profit and scalable business model.
Halcyon welcomes applications from global candidates. Many of its fellowships take place either virtually or in regional hubs outside the United States. Founders from all continents can apply through the year-round Eligibility Application, available on Halcyon’s official website.
Application Process and Timeline
The Halcyon Fellowship Programme uses a two-stage application process.
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Eligibility Application (Open Year-Round): Interested founders complete a short survey to determine alignment with Halcyon’s mission and eligibility criteria. This form is reviewed on a rolling basis by the Halcyon Selections Team.
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Invitational Application (Open Calls): When a fellowship aligns with a qualified venture, eligible applicants are invited to submit a detailed application during specific open calls. This includes a written proposal, pitch deck, and possibly a short video.
Finalists are reviewed by the Selections Committee, which includes external subject-matter experts. Successful candidates are invited to join a cohort of up to ten ventures per programme.
Deadline: While the eligibility form is open continuously, each specific fellowship has its own closing date. For 2026, several calls are now open, and interested applicants should apply as early as possible to secure consideration.
Apply Here: https://www.halcyonhouse.org/programs/
Programme Structure
The Halcyon Fellowship Programme follows a hybrid model combining in-person and virtual elements. Each programme includes:
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A virtual kickoff session introducing fellows to the curriculum and network.
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A one-week in-person residency at the beginning of the fellowship.
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Four monthly virtual sessions with training in investment readiness, leadership, and growth strategy.
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A final in-person residency and showcase at the end of the programme.
Fellows are expected to participate fully in both the virtual and in-person components. Stipends are distributed at multiple points during the programme to support participation and travel expenses.
Selection Criteria
The Halcyon Fellowship Programme evaluates ventures based on four primary criteria:
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Impact – the degree to which the venture creates measurable and meaningful progress in climate adaptation, health, equity, or other critical areas.
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Scalability – the ability to expand reach, revenue, and impact sustainably without proportional increases in resources.
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Innovation – the novelty and effectiveness of the solution, process, or business model in addressing existing challenges.
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Talent – the founder’s motivation, expertise, and capacity to lead the venture toward its intended impact.
Benefits of the Halcyon Fellowship Programme
Fellows gain access to a comprehensive package of support aimed at accelerating growth and amplifying social impact. Benefits include:
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Intensive training on entrepreneurship, investment readiness, and leadership.
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Mentorship from global experts, investors, and corporate partners.
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Networking with peers and alumni from over 70 countries.
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Opportunities to pitch to investors and media during the final showcase week.
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Equity-free funding, stipends, and access to partner benefits such as AWS credits and pro bono legal or consulting services.
This combination of resources positions fellows to grow their ventures faster while maintaining measurable social impact.
Why Apply
Participating in the Halcyon Fellowship Programme provides founders with a unique platform to refine their business strategies, scale their impact, and become part of a global community of social innovators. Previous fellows have gone on to raise millions in investment, expand internationally, and drive measurable progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.
If your venture is ready to grow and you are passionate about impact-driven entrepreneurship, this fellowship offers the mentorship, exposure, and resources needed to accelerate your journey.
Apply Now: Halcyon Fellowship Programme
Deadline: Rolling eligibility applications for 2026 cohorts are now open.
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