Legatum Foundry Fellowship
The Foundry Fellowship is a fully-funded eight-month experiential learning program. Fellows will complete an interactive curriculum designed to:
- Increase their leadership acumen;
- Explore pathways to impact as entrepreneurs, policymakers, thought leaders, and investors;
- Exchange practical knowledge with MIT faculty and students; and,
- Engage in multi-stakeholder networking opportunities in the MIT ecosystem.
The learning journey will culminate in a three-week in-person immersive program in which Fellows will have the opportunity to engage with MIT faculty, investors, thought leaders, and policy influencers. This immersive experience will give Fellows insight into how to design cutting-edge programs, implement practices, and create policies that are transferable to their markets. Fellows will also have the opportunity to showcase their ventures and lessons in innovation with MIT faculty, staff, and students.
Eligibility
The inaugural cohort will include 15 entrepreneurs from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and Uganda. Fellows will be identified through a selective application and nomination process.
Candidates should have a demonstrated history of impact, commitment, and concrete connection to the region and have already achieved considerable success with their ventures.
- Have founded and scaled businesses that operate in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and Uganda;
- Have achieved noteworthy success in their business and demonstrate a strong potential and interest for leadership;
- Are prepared to dedicate time and space for their own self-discovery and leadership development to achieve the next milestone;
- Are able to participate in regular online sessions and cohort activities, from September 2021 through March 2022 (note: additional time is required for readings and exercises); and,
- Are able to commit to a three-week in-person session in April 2022.
Nomination & Applications
The Legatum Center is accepting nominations and applications from interested entrepreneurs. Nominees will receive an invitation to complete the application process. A nomination does not guarantee acceptance, nor is it required to apply. Entrepreneurs who have launched and scaled a venture in one of the seven countries listed above may submit an application without a nomination. Nominations must be submitted by May 20, 2021.
Application Details
Applicants, including nominees, must submit a complete application before the submission deadline on June 10, 2021, at 11:59 PM EDT. The application includes the following components:
- Personal demographic information and contact information;
- Details about your current role as a founder and your company;
- Essay questions on your interest in the Fellowship program;
- A resume outlining your educational background, professional experience, leadership positions held, and community engagement;
- A 3-minute video essay [prompt provided in the online application form] and;
- Two letters of recommendation.
Applications will be reviewed by a committee and Finalists will be invited to participate in a panel interview.
For more details: https://legatum.mit.edu/foundry-fellowship/
