Applications open for the MIT Foundry Fellowship for Africa based entrepreneurs

Applications are open for the MIT Foundry Fellowship for Africa based entrepreneurs. The MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship was established on the premise that entrepreneurs and their market-oriented solutions are essential for promoting sustainable prosperity in global growth markets.

The Foundry Fellowship exemplifies this conviction by fostering a community of entrepreneurs based in Africa who envision a continent where individuals, ideas, and resources can traverse borders, and where ecosystems facilitate the success and expansion of innovation-driven entrepreneurs. This community is pivotal in transforming the narrative surrounding Africa into one of abundance, opportunity, innovation, and dynamism.

ABOUT THE MIT Foundry Fellowship for Africa based entrepreneurs

The Foundry Fellowship offers an eight-month, transformative journey for distinguished entrepreneurs dedicated to enhancing the acceleration and interconnection of Africa’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems.

The fellowship is tailored for principled leaders aiming to drive systemic transformation and inclusive growth throughout Africa. Candidates opt to apply for the fellowship for several reasons:

1) They have achieved success in scaling an innovation-driven enterprise,
2) They are at a pivotal moment in their leadership paths, AND
3) They are looking to discover ways to foster the growth and development of entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems across Africa.

The fellowship is a program based on cohorts, accepting 10-15 fellows each year. Participating in the fellowship as a group provides a supportive environment that helps fellows navigate critical turning points and shape the next phase of their entrepreneurial and leadership paths. The limited number of fellows in each cohort, the focus on a selective profile, and the specially curated curriculum create a highly supportive learning atmosphere conducive to significant transformation.

The curriculum features personal leadership seminars, courses with MIT faculty, and experiential tours of innovation ecosystems as a group, including visits to various ecosystems across the African continent. Collectively, this distinctive program equips fellows to spearhead initiatives that foster the growth of ecosystems both in their home markets and across the continent.

ELIGIBILITY – MIT Foundry Fellowship for Africa based entrepreneurs

• The fellowship is available to entrepreneurs based in Africa who have: 1) established and scaled a for-profit, innovation-driven business, AND 2) are currently at a pivotal moment and preparing to step into leadership in one of the following ways:
• By moving from managing your innovation-driven business to assuming a new leadership position within the ecosystem; for instance, you might be launching a venture capital fund, starting an accelerator, or pursuing a career in policymaking;
• By creating a venture or support organization aimed specifically at enhancing innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems throughout Africa; or
• By broadening your innovation-driven business across the continent, focusing on ecosystem development to achieve your growth objectives through that expansion.
• Founders from the same company can apply, but each founder must submit a separate application. Each founder will be evaluated independently of their co-founder.

MIT alumni and current degree candidates are encouraged to apply.

FELLOWSHIP REQUIREMENTS – MIT Foundry Fellowship for Africa based entrepreneurs

• Applicants should understand the significant commitment that the Foundry Fellowship entails, both in terms of time and focus.
• As a Foundry Fellow, your dedication to your personal goals, your cohort, and the upcoming generation of innovation-driven entrepreneurs throughout Africa is crucial for your success. The Center requests that you thoughtfully consider the following program requirements prior to applying:
• Confirming your proficiency in the English language: The Foundry Fellowship programming is conducted in English; all fellows should be comfortable expressing complex ideas both in writing and verbally in English.
• Attending all Foundry Fellowship online sessions and in-person meetings: Refer to the section below on key dates for an overview of the total time commitment. Generally, the fellowship program consists of four ecosystem tours, each lasting between five and seven days. In the spring, we combine two tours, resulting in a total time away from work and home of approximately two weeks.
• Providing your own transportation to and from ecosystem tour locations and covering some of your travel expenses. Please note that the fellowship program covers most costs related to ecosystem tours, including accommodations, group meals, group transport, etc.; however, fellows are responsible for their own flights to and from ecosystem tours as well as certain travel-related expenses.
• Participating fully in all sessions by giving your complete attention to the participants and discussions.
• Presenting the next steps you will take after completing the Foundry Fellowship program to your peers and other supporters of the fellowship.

APPLICATION DETAILS  – MIT Foundry Fellowship for Africa based entrepreneurs

The application includes:

• Personal demographic information and contact information;
• Details about your role as a founder and your company;
• Essay questions on your interest in the Fellowship program, questions about your role as an ecosystem builder, and what entrepreneurial leadership means to you;
• A resume outlining your educational background, professional experience, leadership positions held, and community engagement;
• A 2-minute video (in English), summarizing the key points of your application, and;
• Two letters of recommendation from people who know you as co-founder, mentor, board member, or senior manager in your company (note: you are responsible for giving recommenders sufficient time to complete the recommendation letters before the application deadline).

Applications will be reviewed by an evaluation committee. Finalists will be invited to participate in at least one panel interview.

KEY DATES* – MIT Foundry Fellowship for Africa based entrepreneurs

• June 11: Application Opens
• July 6: Application Closes
• August: Selection
• September: Acceptance letters sent; commitments made.
• October: Orientation (virtual).
• November: Africa ecosystem tour (location TBD; approximately one week of travel).
• January/February: Africa ecosystem tour (location TBD; approximately one week of travel).
• April/May: US ecosystem tours (first location TBD; second location will be Boston/Cambridge; approximately two weeks of travel) and fellowship celebration event.

*Dates will be confirmed and shared with finalists when acceptance letters are sent out.  

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS – MIT Foundry Fellowship for Africa based entrepreneurs

1. Complete the online application here.
2. Record and upload your 2-minute video
3. Sign the application
4. Ensure that your two letters of recommendation have been submitted before the application deadline of July 06, 2025

Application Submission Date is July 06, 2025. Applicants may apply  here. The submission deadline is July 06, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.