WI
Watson Institute

2026 Flagship Fellowship

Offers impact entrepreneurs a free 16-week mentorship and leadership fellowship.

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Watson Institute runs the Flagship Fellowship as an umbrella program: everyone who applies is automatically considered for all four of its named tracks at once -- Luff (4 spots, Colorado), Kenneth King (7 spots, Colorado), Venable (4 spots, South Florida) and Sustainability (2 spots, no location restriction) -- though the page's own eligibility section and its FAQ disagree on whether applicants ou

Watson Institute looks for founders and community-driven innovators leading a business or organization that has run for one to five years, has fewer than ten employees, and already shows engaged customers and measurable traction. Applicants are routed into named tracks such as the Colorado-based Luff and Kenneth King fellowships, a South Florida tech-leader track, and an unrestricted Sustainability fellowship for climate and environmental ventures.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.-
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.-
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.-

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