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Flagship Fellowship

Elevating impact-driven entrepreneurs with global networks, mentorship, and intensive training.

Applications for the program are now closed.

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Meet The 2025 Fellows
Ryn Delpapa

Ryn Delpapa, 2024 Flagship Fellowship Alumna

As a Fellow in the Flagship Program, you’ll elevate your impact-driven venture through intensive training, dedicated mentorship from industry leaders, and connections to a powerful global network. This transformative 16-week journey begins with an Immersive experience in Boulder, Colorado, followed by virtual programming that keeps you deeply engaged with like-minded peers as you strengthen your leadership and scale your impact.

This is a fully-funded* program thanks to our generous partners and consists of a variety of individual Fellowships. Each Fellowship is tailored to address specific social impact areas or has a geographical specification.

What You Will Receive

Through this fully-funded Fellowship, supported by our Partners and powered by Watson Institute, you’ll gain the tools, mentorship, and network needed to scale your venture’s impact. The Fellowship is specifically optimized for impact ventures, with carefully selected facilitators, mentors, and speakers who bring deep expertise.

Pitch Development & Professional Recording

Refine how you communicate your venture’s impact and vision to stakeholders.

Create a professionally recorded pitch video you can use beyond the Fellowship.

Master the art of engaging and persuading key audiences.

Skill Enhancement & Leadership Growth

Develop essential skills through hands-on workshops focused on strategic planning, venture development, and problem-solving.

Build resilience and adaptability for the entrepreneurial journey.

Learn to effectively lead and scale an impact-driven organization.

Mentorship & Expert Guidance

Receive one-on-one guidance from experienced mentors and industry professionals.

Participate in group mentorship circles for collaborative learning.

Work directly with an Entrepreneur in Residence who supports your venture’s growth.

Community & Network Expansion

Join a dynamic community of impact-driven entrepreneurs and changemakers.

Connect with Fellows, Alumni, and experts who share your commitment to social impact.

Build lasting relationships that extend beyond the Fellowship.

Visibility & Collaboration

Share your work through Watson Institute summits and events.

Connect with mission-aligned leaders, funders, and industry influencers.

Position yourself as a thought leader in social impact.

Real-World Experience Through Basecamp

Design and lead a Basecamp community event with provided training and resources.

Put your leadership skills into action through hands-on experience.

Receive a stipend to support your community initiative.

Available for select Fellowships only.

Yoselin Parades and Xinyue Huang, 2024 Flagship Fellowship Alumni

90% of Watson Institute’s Alumni are continuing their venture, employed at leading Fortune 500 companies, or continuing their education.

Creating Lasting Impact: Empower Your Community with Basecamps

As a core component of the Fellowship, some Fellows will be asked to design and lead a 1-3 day Basecamp—an interactive, community-focused workshop that strengthens their leadership skills, expands their network, and provides valuable feedback. These Fellows will receive training, resources, and a stipend to plan and execute an impactful event that supports rising entrepreneurs and changemakers in your community. Not all Fellows will be asked to conduct a Basecamp.

Wenxi Lin

Wenxi Lin, 2024 Flagship Fellowship Alumna  “The Art of Bilingual Public Speaking Basecamp”, United States

Meet the Alumni

Watson Institute Alumni from 81 countries have raised over $185 million in capital for their ventures, created over 1,900 part or full-time jobs, and impacted over 10 million people around the world through initiatives they help lead.

EmpowerfulHer Women’s Leadership China

EmpowerfulHer is a non-profit community dedicated to promoting women’s leadership in China through in person and online mentorship programs and workshops. EmpowerfulHer offers bilingual training in Chinese and English, addressing gender equality and encouraging women to excel as leaders across various sectors. To date, the venture has positively impacted over 200,000 women globally, and established partnerships with NGOs and universities worldwide – including Utrecht University, University of Cambridge, and Harvard University.

Movespot Mental Health United States

Movespot is dedicated to improving mental health and well-being by fostering authentic social connections. By addressing the detrimental effects of conventional social media, such as anxiety and depression, Movespot cultivates a supportive community environment through its comprehensive mobile app platform. To date, the app has achieved a day-one retention rate of 77%, secured over 40 partnerships with organizations and community groups including Gatorade, Miro, and Github, and raised $100,000 in capital.

NoSo November Mental Health United States

NoSo November addresses the chronic overuse of addictive technology among teenagers in Colorado, aiming to reduce its negative impact on mental health. By providing an immersive, multi-faceted detox experience, NoSo educates teens about the harms of social media and equips them with healthy coping mechanisms. In 2023, NoSo engaged approximately 6,300 participants in partnership with local organizations like Colorado University and Runners Roost, 89% reported noticeable improvements in mental health. To date, the venture has raised over $26,000 in capital and has been featured on 9News Colorado for their work and impact in the state. Madeline was recently listed on the 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 List in the Education category at age 23 after graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from the Leeds School of Business at CU Boulder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility for this program?

Eligibility Requirements

  • Venture Stage: Your venture is at the Problem-Solution or Product-Market Fit stage.
  • Location: Fellows may be from any geographical location, with a preference for applicants from the USA, Mexico, East Africa, Brazil, and China.
  • Time Commitment: You can fully commit to the entire 16-week program, including the mandatory 5-day in-person immersive in Boulder, Colorado (beginning August 18, 2025). Active participation throughout the program is essential, as our community thrives on engaged Fellows who are eager to both learn and contribute.
  • Availability: You can attend all weekly virtual workshops scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM Mountain Time (GMT-6).

Ideal Candidate Profile

The Flagship Fellowship seeks exceptional entrepreneurs and community leaders who:

  • Have reached the Problem-Solution or Product-Market Fit stage with their ventures
  • Demonstrate a proven history of impact and leadership within their communities
  • Have successfully raised funding through grants, investments, donations, or other means
  • May lead a team of up to ten full-time team members

How selective is this program?

Fellowships powered by Watson Institute receive a high volume of applications each year and have a 2-8% acceptance rate.

What do the in-person components entail?

  • Fellows will travel to Boulder, Colorado for a 5-day in-person immersive to build community and learn about key programmatic information.
  • Some 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, deposits, etc.)?

Watson Institute covers the cost of accommodations, program-related transportation, and most meals. Fellows are responsible for flights and transportation to and from Boulder for the in-person Immersive. Outside of travel, there is no cost associated with this Fellowship program – it is fully funded for all accepted Fellows.

What is the application review timeline?

We understand the substantial interest in the program and strive to provide prompt responses. Decisions will be dispatched by August, 2025. Your patience during this process is greatly appreciated.

Can I apply if my country is not listed under the priority countries?

Flagship Fellowship is designed for entrepreneurs who are based and are creating impact in any geographical location with a preference for applicants from the USA, Mexico, East Africa, Brazil, and China.

I have another question and need assistance.

For all other questions, please reach out to Milena Kirillova at milena@watson.is.