Apply for the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme (LIF Global)
LIF Global (Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Global) serves as our premier introductory program designed to assist entrepreneurs possessing a technology prototype in developing an entrepreneurial mindset. This initiative empowers entrepreneurs who are effecting positive change in their communities through innovative technologies.
Eligibility Criteria – Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme (LIF Global)
Applications for Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme (LIF Global) 2025 are currently open and will close on 10 September at 2pm (BST). The selection process consists of two stages. Candidates who successfully complete Stage 1 will receive an invitation to proceed to Stage 2 by mid-September. The deadline for completing Stage 2 is 15 October at 2pm (BST).
Only innovators from the following countries are permitted to apply for LIF Global 2025: Brazil, Colombia, India, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand*, and Vietnam.
Candidates from Thailand must adhere to a distinct selection process managed by the Programme Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC). If you have not received an invitation from PMUC to apply for Stage 1 and Stage 2, please refrain from submitting your application. For further details regarding the selection process for Thai candidates, please click here.
1. The innovation must be at technology readiness level 4 or higher, and applicants are required to provide evidence of a prototype in their submission.
2. The applicant’s innovation can be any new product, technology or service, based on research in engineering defined in its broadest sense to encompass a wide range of fields, including, but not limited to:
- Agricultural technology
- Biotechnology
- Chemical engineering
- Civil engineering
- Computer science
- Design engineering
- Electrical and electronic engineering
- Materials science
- Mechanical engineering
- Medical engineering
1. Candidates are required to be the original creators of the innovation and possess shares in the established company.
2. The innovation must demonstrate the potential to enhance the applicant’s home country or other developing nations by improving social welfare and fostering economic growth, while also contributing to one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
3. The primary focus of the innovation must not be within the defense, military, or fossil fuel energy sectors.
4. Alumni of LIF are ineligible to apply for LIF Global 2025; however, they may submit applications for Advance.
5. Candidates are prohibited from applying with an innovation or business that has previously received support from LIF (including LIF 1 to 7, LIF Global 2022, LIF Global 2023, or LIF Global 2024). Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme (LIF Global) provides support to businesses only once. Furthermore, co-founders are not permitted to both apply to LIF Global 2025 with the same business or technology.
6. Applicants must be prepared to dedicate a minimum of 4 hours during the onboarding week (beginning 9 December) and at least 20 days for training and mentoring from January to July 2025. This includes 4 days of in-person training in their home country and 14 days for the UK Residential in July 2025. It is essential to obtain permission from all relevant employers to participate in the program if selected. The Academy will provide documentation confirming that LIF counts as training or continuous personal development upon joining the cohort.
7. Applicants must be willing to travel internationally. The Royal Academy of Engineering will cover all expenses related to the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme (LIF Global), excluding visas and travel insurance. Participants will be required to obtain travel insurance that includes coverage for COVID-19 testing and quarantine expenses. The Academy will evaluate requests for assistance with travel-related caregiving needs on an individual basis.
8. Applicants will not be responsible for any expenses related to the training program in London, nor will they need to secure funds for a trip to the UK.
9. Candidates are required to exhibit proficiency in English in order to participate, as this will serve as a crucial evaluation criterion. It is important to emphasize that the residential programme will be conducted exclusively in English. Ensure that your application and all submitted materials are entirely in English to prevent any penalties, as the majority of reviewers in the UK are native English speakers. Additionally, the residential programme will be conducted solely in English.
10. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to the objectives of LIF Global and the Academy.
11. Applicants should possess a keen interest in commercialization. While prior experience in commercialization or technology transfer is not mandatory, this aspect is vital for the successful completion of the programme and will be a significant factor in the assessment process.
Opportunities and skills development – Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme (LIF Global)
LIF Global business skills and personal development journey
The Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme (LIF Global) provides innovators with opportunities to:
- Identify business and personal development needs
- Develop key technical areas with support from a mentor
- Develop pitching skills with an opportunity to pitch in London
- Develop, scale and fund your start-up
- Build partnerships and networks in the UK, in country and internationally
- Make sustainability an integral part of your business plan
What can you expect from LIF Global? – Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme (LIF Global)
- Expert mentoring and training
- Events in your country and in the UK
- Ongoing support at the home institution
- Access to an international network of peers, innovators and mentors
LIF Global 2025 Timeline – Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme (LIF Global)
| Timeline | Activity |
| December 2024 | Remote onboarding week |
| December 2024 – January 2025 | Individual diagnostic |
| January – March 2025 | In-country training |
| January – June 2025 | Remote mentoring |
| February – June 2025 | Remote training |
| July 2025 | UK residential |
Applications for Leaders in Innovation Fellowships Programme (LIF Global) 2025 are now open.
