Applications are now open for the Eisenhower Fellowships (EF) Fall 2026 Innovative Entrepreneurs Program, a fully funded leadership fellowship for high-impact international entrepreneurs. This prestigious program will select innovative, socially driven business leaders from around the world to spend nearly six weeks in the United States between October and November 2026.
The program is designed for ascendant entrepreneurs who are scaling for-profit enterprises that generate measurable social impact and who are ready to expand their leadership influence globally.
About the Program
A defining feature of the Fall 2026 cohort is the integration of international Fellows with American Fellows from the 2026 USA Program. The combined group will convene in Austin, Texas, one of the United States’ leading entrepreneurial and innovation hubs.
During this period, Fellows will participate in intensive workshops, peer exchanges, and high-level meetings. International Fellows will engage in one-on-one exchanges with U.S. counterparts, collaborate in small groups, and interact with innovators tackling similar challenges across sectors. After the joint residency, international Fellows will embark on customized travel across the U.S. to meet industry leaders, expand professional networks, and advance their fellowship projects.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Eisenhower Fellowships is globally respected for developing leaders who create meaningful change across business, policy, and society. For entrepreneurs, this program offers rare access to top U.S. innovators, global peer networks, and strategic exposure that can accelerate impact at home and across regions. The fellowship strengthens leadership capacity, deepens cross-border collaboration, and positions Fellows as global change leaders.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Be an international entrepreneur aged 32–45 at the time of the program (exceptional candidates slightly outside this range may be considered).
• Have demonstrated success leading a for-profit enterprise that generates positive social impact.
• Hold citizenship and/or have resided for at least five years in the country they are applying to represent.
• If not residing in or a citizen of an EF-active country, demonstrate regional impact and provide a recommendation letter from an EF global network member.
• Be eligible for a J-1 visa.
• Have strong professional proficiency in English.
• Obtain approval from their workplace and commit full-time to the fellowship for the entire in-person duration.
• Be available to convene in person in Austin, Texas, in early October 2026.
• Not have participated in another fellowship within the two years prior to applying.
Additional Conditions
• Fellows may not bring children; spousal travel is not funded.
• The fellowship may not be used to solicit funds, close business deals, or seek financial support.
• All fellowship expenses are covered by EF.
• Use of generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, in the application is strictly prohibited and may lead to disqualification.
Application Timeline
• Applications Open: December 8, 2025
• Application Deadline: February 14, 2026
• Interviews and Review: March – May 2026
• Final Selection: June 2026
• In-Person Fellowship Program: October – November 2026
