Application Deadline: February 14, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 Eisenhower Fellowships (EF) Innovative Entrepreneurs Program. EF will select ascendant, innovative international entrepreneurs, ages 32–45, who have demonstrated success in leading for-profit enterprises that generate positive social impact. These Fellows will spend nearly six weeks in the United States in October and November 2026.
A defining feature of the Fall 2026 program is the integration of international Fellows with their American counterparts from the 2026 USA Program. The combined cohort will convene in Austin, Texas, one of the country’s leading entrepreneurial hubs, for several days of residence, workshops and meetings.
During this shared time, Fellows will pair for one-on-one exchange, work together in small groups and attend joint meetings with innovators in related professional fields who bring diverse perspectives to similar challenges. Afterward, international Fellows will embark on their individualized travel across the U.S. to meet top leaders in their fields and advance their fellowship projects.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible candidates must have citizenship and/or current residence for at least five years in the country that they are applying to represent on fellowship. If an applicant does not reside in or have citizenship in a country where EF is currently active, they must demonstrate that their work has regional impact and obtain a letter of recommendation from a member of the EF global network in order to be considered. Please see here for a list of countries where the EF Network is currently active.
- Selected International Fellows must be eligible for a J-1 visa.
- Priority is given to applicants within our age range of focus: 32-45 years of age at the time of the program. This is one of many criteria we consider. Candidates who are slightly above or below the target range will still be considered if they excel in the other criteria.
- Strong proficiency in the English language is required.
- Selected Fellows must obtain approval from their workplace to go on leave and make a full-time commitment for the duration of the in-person program at the time of acceptance. Breaks from program are only permitted in the event of a dire emergency.
- We tentatively anticipate this program taking place over nearly six weeks from early October 2026 through mid- November 2026. All Fellows must be able to convene in person in Austin for several days in early October.
- Children are not permitted on fellowship under any circumstances. EF does not currently fund spousal travel.
- We will not consider a candidate who has had any fellowship within the previous two years of applying to EF.
- Fellows cannot use the fellowship to make business deals, solicit funds for their projects or seek any sort of financial support. EF already covers their expenses while on fellowship.
- Please note that use of generative AI/ChatGPT in the writing of the EF application is prohibited. All outside sources must be properly cited. An applicant suspected of using generative AI/ChatGPT will not advance to the next stage of consideration for the fellowship.
Application Timeline
- Apply: December 8, 2025 – February 14, 2026
- Interviews and Application Review: March – May, 2026
- Selection: June 2026
- In-Person Program: Fall 2026
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Eisenhower Fellowships (EF) Innovative Entrepreneurs Program.
