Priority Application Deadline: July 12, 2026
Benita Davis, 2025 Alumna
Empowering community leaders to harness AI and technology—turning local expertise into scalable solutions that strengthen data center communities from the inside out.
The Fellowship Offers
The Google Data Center Community AI Fellowship, powered by Watson Institute, is a fully-funded program designed for the most promising community leaders leveraging AI to scale inclusive, local solutions in Google Data Center Communities. Fellows receive entrepreneurship training with embedded AI skills development, committed mentorship from practitioners with deep technical expertise, integration of Google’s AI products and resources, financial tools, access to a global network, and long-term Alumni support. Fellows not only scale their own local solutions but multiply their impact by training other local leaders through community-led Basecamps—deepening their impact across their Data Center Communities.
Leadership & AI Skills Training Workshops
Participate in hands-on sessions focused on entrepreneurship, business acumen, and AI skills training. This training will be led by expert practitioners who have experience developing and implementing solutions to their own community challenges.
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.
Pitch Training & Virtual Summit
Master the art of compelling storytelling through dedicated pitch coaching. Present your local solution’s growth and community impact to an audience of entrepreneurs, potential investors, corporate partners, and leaders at Summit, a live pitching and networking event.
Additional Resources
Offered in partnership with Google
Fellows gain access to exclusive opportunities and resources designed to accelerate their impact. These may include Grow with Google Career Certificate scholarships to enhance their AI capabilities, invitations to pitch at prestigious summits, opportunities to speak at events hosted by Google’s Economic and Community Development team with travel covered, and opportunities to share more about their work at special sessions with senior leaders on Google’s Economic and Community Development team.
Derek Christensen, Google Cloud Consulting—Account Lead, facilitating a Mentor Panel for 2024 Watson Institute Flagship Fellows at Google Boulder
Experts You Will Learn From
We recruit thought leaders and entrepreneurs with the specific expertise needed to best serve you. They are brought on to share their insights, facilitate workshops, and provide 1-on-1 guidance. Preceptors from previous cohorts include:
Jenn Turliuk
AI | MIT | Harvard
Drew Popple
Principal, Arquin | Designing the operating models behind AI-driven Organizations
Christina Huang
Global Learning & Development, AI & Data @ Mastercard | World Economic Forum Global Shaper | Learning Analytics | Computational Design
Key Dates
- Program: September 1, 2026 – January 14, 2027
- Immersive: September 1–11, 2026 | Virtual
- Week 1: 9/1–9/4 (Tuesday–Friday)
- Week 2: 9/8–9/11 (Monday–Thursday)
- Virtual Summit: January 14, 2027. Selected Fellows present their local solutions pitches to an engaged audience of entrepreneurs, community leaders, Google representatives, and peers.
Schedule & Weekly Time Commitment
- Weekly Workshops: Virtual workshops take place every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Fellows will participate in one of two groups, each with a designated start time:
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM MT
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM MT
- 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
Watson Institute Fellowships by the numbers
$190M
Capital Raised
2,300+
Jobs Created
83%
Increased ARR
67%
Increased Income
Don’t take our word for it, hear theirs!
Meet The Alumni
Joel is solving the challenge of expanding access to equitable disaster recovery for underserved communities during natural disasters in his Data Center Community of Austell, Georgia. RapidReliefAI uses AI-powered technology, satellite imaging, and drones to deliver real-time damage assessments in the critical first 72 hours following natural disasters, enabling faster resource allocation for government agencies, insurers, and relief organizations. The platform has interviewed 100+ stakeholders, developed a prototype showing 70% improvement in assessment speed, and earned recognition through competitions including HBCU Founders Initiative and Black Ambition Prize Pre-Accelerator.
Emily is solving the challenge of accelerating economic impact through improved knowledge exchange reporting for universities and research institutions in her Data Center Community of Waltham Cross, United Kingdom. KEVRI AI is revolutionizing how universities and research institutions track, measure, and report their knowledge exchange and societal impact. By leveraging AI, KEVRI enables researchers to log their real-world activities in minutes, access data insights, and generate reports aligned with funders’ frameworks, helping institutions showcase their societal value more effectively. Already adopted by institutions like the University of Hertfordshire and Falmouth University, KEVRI has raised $195,000, generated $55,000 in annual recurring revenue, created 3 jobs, and won the 2023 Times Higher Education Digital Universities UK start-up competition.
Taif is solving the challenge of expanding access to equitable immigration solutions for immigrant communities and organizations in his Data Center Community of Loudoun County, Virginia. Zigura helps organizations, businesses, and government agencies tackle the world’s most complex immigration challenges. Founded by Taif Jany – a former refugee and nationally recognized immigration expert – Zigura blends lived experience with professional expertise to streamline systems, shape policy, and empower immigrant communities. From advising on refugee resettlement to building capacity in underserved regions, Zigura helps clients turn bold visions into action. Currently leading initiatives with USA for UNHCR and expanding across five states, Zigura is now developing an AI-powered platform to better assess immigrant community needs and scale equitable, data-driven solutions nationwide.
Google’s Support for Data Center Communities
“Google data centers are essential parts of local communities, fostering economic growth, technological advancement and efficient infrastructure — and we’re committed to supporting the communities we call home.”
Utaukwa Allen - Google’s Global Head of Economic and Community Development - Data Centers
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the in-person components entail?
Fellows design and facilitate a comprehensive 1-3 day Basecamp training program in their communities during the Fellowship. Basecamps are community-based workshops where Fellows support community leaders and community members to deepen the innovation ecosystem across their communities. Select Fellows will also have the opportunity to engage in-person with members of their cohort during the Fellowship.
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 is $1,000 and supports Fellows in organizing and facilitating comprehensive Basecamp training programs, a required outcome of the program. Basecamps are 1-3 day community-based workshops where Fellows support community leaders and community members to deepen the innovation ecosystem across their communities. This grant provides resources to deliver high-quality training, engage your community, and multiply your 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 August 3, 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 local solutions 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 Casey Field at casey@watson.is
This program is fully funded by our generous partners at Google.
