Priority Application Deadline: July 5, 2026.
Zhefei Li, 2025 Alum
Supporting the most promising rising leaders creating solutions to youth mental wellbeing globally.
The Fellowship Offers
The Enlight Fellowship, supported by the Enlight Foundation and powered by the Watson Institute, is a fully-funded entrepreneurial and leadership development program designed specifically for rising leaders creating solutions to mental wellbeing globally. The Fellowship fosters cross-cultural collaboration and global impact through expert-led training, facilitators, speakers, and mentors, personalized life coaching, and long-term Alumni support. Fellows gain the tools, insights, and global networks needed to scale their impact and drive meaningful change in their communities. The Fellowship kicks off with a week-long Immersive experience where Fellows collaborate closely with peers, build lasting connections, and lay the foundation for their growth.
Business & Leadership Workshops
Participate in hands-on sessions focused on entrepreneurship, business acumen, and financial literacy skills led by expert practitioners who are successful entrepreneurs and or rising leader themselves.
Financial Tools & Resources
Access practical financial tools, frameworks, and workshops designed to strengthen your venture’s financial foundation. Benefit from the expertise of practitioners and Watson Institute’s broader network of specialists supporting entrepreneurs at every stage.
Experts You Will Learn From
We recruit experts and entrepreneurs with the specific expertise needed to best serve you. They are brought on to share their insights, facilitate our workshops, and provide 1-on-1 guidance. Preceptors from past Enlight Fellowship cohorts have included:
Kimberly Moore
EdTech CEO | Chronic Absenteeism & Mobility Strategist | Advisor to Schools Ready for Change
Mentor Dida
Futurist | Facilitator | Speaker
Vanessa Zamy
Global Keynote Speaker | CEO, LiberationX Contracts | Facilitator and Trainer Improving Employee Engagement, Transforming Employee Wellbeing
Key Dates
- Program: August 17 – December 18, 2026
- In-Person Immersive: Fellows will participate in one of two in-person Immersive experiences:
- Boulder, Colorado:
- Week 1: 8/17–8/21 (Monday–Friday)
- Week 2: 8/24–8/27 (Monday–Thursday) | Virtual
- Liugong, Hainan, China:
- Week 1: 8/17–8/21 (Monday–Friday)
- Week 2: 8/24–8/27 (Monday–Thursday) | Virtual
- Boulder, Colorado:
- Regional In-Person Gatherings: Networking and community events scheduled throughout the Fellowship in your region (dates TBD)
- Summit: December 18, 2026 – Selected Fellows present their venture pitches to an engaged audience of entrepreneurs, community leaders, Enlight representatives, and peers
Schedule & Weekly Time Commitment
- Weekly Workshops: Fellows participate in virtual workshops each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The cohort is divided into two groups, and Fellows will participate in one of the following time blocks:
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM MT
- 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MT | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Hong Kong Time (next day)
- Weekly Time Commitment: 8–10 hours per week, including workshops, community building events, optional mentorship sessions, Basecamp planning and implementation, and Summit preparations.
Eligibility: Is This Fellowship for Me?
Here is who we are looking for
Don’t take our word for it
Meet The Alumni
Tess Falor, PhD, is the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Renegade Research, a patient-led research initiative accelerating studies on complex chronic conditions like Long COVID and ME/CFS. Leveraging her aerospace engineering expertise and experience at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Tess designs coordinated, decentralized N-of-1 trials that empower patients to contribute to research through structured self-experiments. Her team has supported 40 participants, raised $535,000, and engaged a community of 30,000+ patients, generating actionable insights that expand treatment knowledge and offer hope to millions affected by underfunded chronic illnesses.
Yujia Zhu is the founder of FASSLING.AI, a fully AI-driven nonprofit platform providing free, 24/7 emotional and life coaching in over 95 languages. Drawing on 12+ years in the humanitarian sector, Yujia combines AI, emotional intelligence, and public policy to make high-quality emotional support accessible globally. FASSLING has reached thousands of users across four continents, offering a safe, culturally attuned space for resilience-building, crisis prevention, and personal growth. As a recognized social innovator, Yujia has authored 20+ publications, served on multiple boards, and been featured in Forbes, shaping the future of tech-for-good and humanitarian innovation.
Chelsea Dade is the founder of Communicate For Health Justice (CFHJ), a DC-based advocacy and communications firm dismantling health inequities by equipping youth and marginalized communities with essential communication skills. Since 2018, CFHJ has delivered 100+ workshops, trainings, and digital programs, reaching 1,500+ young people, community leaders, and organizations while building a following of over 1,000 across multiple platforms. Chelsea has led CFHJ to secure over $22,000 in grants and in-kind support, including from the People’s Climate Innovation Center, Latino Economic Development Center, Fairfax County Government, and DC Public Health Association. Through strategic partnerships and innovative campaigns, CFHJ amplifies community voices, challenges inequitable narratives, and drives systemic change in health justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the in-person components entail?
Fellows will travel to either Boulder, Colorado, or Liugong, Hainan, China for a week-long in-person Immersive to build community and learn about key programmatic information.
Fellows will facilitate a Basecamp event in their communities during their time in the program. They will also have the option to have meet-ups with other program Fellows in their locations.
What are the costs associated with this program (travel, fees, deposit, etc.)?
Fellows may be responsible for some travel expenses and meals during in-person programming. No fees are collected or directly associated with this Fellowship.
Can I apply if my country or state is not listed under the priority geographies?
Unfortunately, we are not able to consider applications outside the geographies listed above. However, we run numerous programs a year and are likely to have an opportunity for you in the future. We encourage you to check back regularly and reach out to Watson Institute’s team members for more information.
What is the community development stipend?
The community development stipend supports Fellows in organizing and facilitating Basecamps, a required outcome of the program. Basecamps are community events, fostering collaboration, and advancing initiatives that accelerate collective growth in the communities the Fellows are impacting. Whether hosting workshops, networking events, or collaborative projects, this stipend provides resources to engage your community, build connections, and drive meaningful impact.
What is the application review timeline?
We understand the substantial interest in the program and strive to provide prompt responses. Decisions will be communicated by July 20, 2026. We appreciate your patience throughout this process.
How does this program open doors to funding?
Watson Institute connects Fellows to a robust network of potential investors, grantmakers, and partners dedicated to supporting ventures with impact. Through mentorship, pitch opportunities, and relationship-building events, Fellows gain access to introductions and resources that can accelerate their growth and sustainability.
What is the long-term impact on Fellows and Alumni?
After completing the program, Fellows join a vibrant community of changemakers with ongoing access to resources, learning opportunities, and peer support beyond the program. Alumni often report increased revenue, expanded networks, stronger leadership skills, and greater community impact as a result of their Watson Institute experience.
Alumni of Watson Institute’s Fellowships have raised over $190 million, created over 2,300 paid jobs, and impacted over 11 million people around the world through initiatives they have helped lead. 93% of Watson Institute alums are employed, continuing their education, or building a venture. 85% of Watson Institute Alumni use a skill they learned while in a Watson Institute-powered program up to 12 years later. Watson Institute’s Alumni have been selected to Y Combinator, the Echoing Green Fellowship, and 11 have been named to Forbes’ 30 under 30 lists. Alums continue their education at Harvard University, New York University, and Princeton University, among others.
What if I’m not admitted?
If you are not admitted this cycle, we encourage you to stay engaged with Watson Institute through our newsletters, events, and future programs. Many Fellows apply multiple times and continue to develop their ventures with the resources and support we offer. We value your commitment and look forward to your future involvement. Explore other Fellowships.
I have another question and need assistance.
For all other questions, please reach out to Lallas Chen at lallas@watson.is.
This program is fully-funded through the generous support of the Enlight Foundation.
