Commonwealth Startup Fellowship

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is a six-month programme delivered by Imperial Enterprise Lab with Commonwealth funders for startup founders from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. It sits outside the Imperial-only track and combines in-person and online support across Ghana and London. The programme begins with a two-week bootcamp in Accra, followed by five months of online programming and a capstone event in London. It carries a £35,000 equity-free grant pool, with up to £2,000 available per startup. Travel, visas, accommodation, and meals are covered for one founder attending the bootcamp. Applicants need a graduate-level qualification, citizenship or refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country, at least six months of active development, a working MVP or prototype, significant customer traction, and a registered business. Idea-stage ventures are not eligible. This fellowship is a fit for founders who already have a product in motion and can use coaching, peer network effects, and a modest grant to sharpen execution. It favors companies with evidence of demand and a founder who can commit to the full programme rhythm from bootcamp through capstone.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.