Deadline Date: February 14, 2026
Eisenhower Fellowships (EF) delivers the 2026 Innovative Entrepreneurs Program to inspire leaders around the world to challenge themselves, to envision how they can effect positive change, to engage others beyond their existing networks and to collaborate with other like-minded leaders across national borders to better the world around them.
Inspire leaders around the world to challenge themselves; Envision how they can effect positive change; Engage others beyond their existing networks; Collaborate with other like-minded leaders across national borders to better the world around them. The 2026 Innovative Entrepreneurs Program will select ascendant, innovative international entrepreneurs, ages 32–45, who have demonstrated success in leading for-profit enterprises that generate positive social impact.
During the fellowship, participants will develop a project, foster professional relationships, and launch dynamic, concrete collaborations with their American counterparts, their cohort and the prestigious EF network of over 2,500 Fellows from 118 countries.
Fellows are selected based on their track record of leadership, their potential for future impact, and their commitment to lifelong engagement with Eisenhower Fellowships to advance the mission of enhancing international understanding through dialogue and building a world that is more peaceful, prosperous and just. Typically, Fellows are highly proficient in English and have the maturity to take advantage of this unique opportunity, representing Eisenhower Fellowships while using the experience to accelerate their growth as impactful leaders. Applications are accepted globally, with preference given to candidates in countries where EF is active, ensuring a diverse and dynamic cohort of international entrepreneurs.
Eligible candidates for the 2026 Fall Innovative Entrepreneurs Program must have citizenship and/or current residence for at least five years in the country they are applying to represent on the fellowship. Applicants who do not reside in or have citizenship in a country where EF is currently active must demonstrate that their work has regional impact and provide a letter of recommendation from a member of the EF global network to be considered. Selected International Fellows must be eligible for a J-1 visa. Priority is given to applicants within the age range of 32–45 years at the time of the program, although candidates slightly outside this range may still be considered if they excel in other criteria. Strong proficiency in English is required. Selected Fellows must obtain approval from their workplace to take leave and commit full-time for the duration of the in-person program, with breaks permitted only in the event of a dire emergency. The program is tentatively scheduled to take place over nearly six weeks, from early October through mid-November 2026, and all Fellows must be able to convene in Austin for several days in early October. Children are not permitted on the fellowship, and EF does not fund spousal travel. Candidates who have participated in any EF fellowship within the previous two years are not eligible. Fellows may not use the fellowship to make business deals, solicit funds for their projects, or seek any form of financial support, as all expenses are covered by EF.
