2026 Fully Funded Entrepreneurial Design Fellowship in Rwanda

The Entrepreneurial Design Fellowship is a fully funded program in Rwanda that empowers youth to become entrepreneurs and community leaders through innovation, mentorship, and sustainable development.

What it offers

• Innovation & Design fellows will:
  • Identify real community and market challenges
  • Apply design thinking and innovation tools
  • Develop early-stage solutions and prototypes
  • Gain foundational entrepreneurial mindset and skills
• Community Action & Mentorship fellows will:
  • Test solutions in real communities
  • Gather feedback and improve their ideas
  • Receive continuous mentorship
• Opportunity & Acceleration includes:
  • Pitching/Demo Day
  • Career Kick Start
  • Networking
  • Financial literacy exposure
  • Linkages to jobs, incubation, and finance

Who can apply

• Age: 21–35 years
• Residency: Must be a resident of Rwanda
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or current university student
• Passion: Strong interest in sustainability and entrepreneurship
• Availability: Must be available for the full program duration
• Encouraged applicants: Young women, people living with disabilities, refugees, and other vulnerable groups

What you'll do

• Participate in an Innovation sprint from July 27–31, 2026
• Engage in Community Action & Mentorship from August 3–October 2
• Attend Opportunity & Acceleration events, including pitching, career kickstart, and graduation, from October 21–23, 2026

How to apply

• Submit your application online during the active application period from June 29–July 15, 2026

Good to know

• Deadline: July 15, 2026
• The program is fully funded.