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Google Data Center Community AI Fellowship

Equipping impact driven leaders leveraging AI and technology to solve the greatest challenges in their local communities.

Priority Application deadline is June 22, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline.

Start your Application

Dr. Jasmin Goodman, 2024 Watson Institute Alumna, Founder of Vantage

The Google Data Center Community AI Fellowship offers a 16-week immersive program, equipping impact-driven local leaders with the skills and resources to apply AI and technology in resolving their communities’ most pressing challenges. We provide fellows with award-winning training, dedicated mentorship from industry professionals, financial resources, and access to a powerful global network—all designed to help scale solutions that create lasting social, economic, and environmental impact in Google Data Center Communities.

This program is fully funded by our generous partners at Google.

Dates and Details

Key Dates

  • Program: September 1, 2025–December 18, 2025 (16 weeks)
  • Virtual Immersive:  September 1, 2025 – September 12, 2025
  • Virtual Summit: January 15, 2025

Time Commitment

  • Weekly Sessions: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 8:30 AM -10:30 AM MT (GMT-6)
  • Total Weekly Commitment: 8–10 hours
  • Virtual Immersive: The program launches with a 2-week virtual immersive (10 days of programming, Monday-Friday from 8:30am-10:30am) from September 1st to September 12th

Core Components

  • Virtual Workshops: Interactive online sessions with your cohort
  • Basecamp: Lead a 1-3 day impact workshop in your community
  • Virtual Summit: Pitch to leaders, funders, and entrepreneurs

To create the most valuable experience for all, we ask every Fellow to fully participate and attend all weekly workshops and events.

Who Should Apply

Individual Profile
You are an entrepreneur or community leader dedicated to creating impact in your local community and leveraging AI and technology in your venture. You have a strong connection to your community and a track record of creating positive change. See below for specific Fellowship details.

Venture Stage
Your nonprofit or for-profit organization has an established business model and is actively serving customers or beneficiaries in your community. You’re now ready to scale your impact with the support of dedicated mentorship and resources.

Location & Eligibility
Applicants must be 18 years or older and located in and/or creating impact in a Google Data Center Community in the United States, Finland, and the United Kingdom. For more information and eligibility details, please see below.

 

What You Will Receive

Through this fully-funded Google Data Center Community AI Fellowship, supported by Google and Watson Institute, you’ll gain the tools, mentorship, and network needed to scale your local community impact. The Fellowship is specifically optimized for founders and leaders leveraging technology and AI, with carefully selected facilitators, mentors, and speakers who bring deep expertise in these areas.

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.

Application Process

1. Submit Your Application Candidates complete the online application in approximately 30 minutes. Submit by the priority deadline of June 22, 2025, for early consideration. Applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.

2. Application Review Our Admissions Committee evaluates applications to identify innovative entrepreneurs with scalable ventures and strong potential for impact. Early applicants receive priority consideration.

3. Interview Selected candidates will be invited to a 20-minute Zoom interview to share their entrepreneurial journey, discuss their venture’s vision for growth, and explore how the Fellowship aligns with their goals.

4. Final Selection & Enrollment Final decisions will be announced by July 15, 2025. Accepted applicants must confirm their enrollment to secure their spot. The program begins on September 1, 2025.

Start Your Application

Luka Perkovic, 2023 Watson Institute Alumnus, Founder of TopCourse

Watson Institute Fellowships by the numbers

$185M

Capital Raised

1,900+

Jobs Created

83%

Increased ARR

67%

Increased Income

Jonathan Katende
Jonathan Katende, 2024 Watson Institute Alumn, Founder of Lipaworld

Creating Lasting Impact: Empower Your Community with Basecamps

As a core component of the Google Data Center Community AI Fellowship, you will design and lead a 1-3 day Basecamp—an interactive, community-focused workshop that strengthens your leadership skills, expands your network, and provides valuable feedback. You’ll receive training, resources, and a stipend to plan and execute an impactful event that supports rising entrepreneurs and changemakers in your community.

Learn More About Basecamps

Amanda Spann, 2024 Watson Institute Alumna, Founder of Happii

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. Watson Institute alumni have been selected to Y Combinator, the Echoing Green Fellowship and Forbes’ 30 under 30 list, and continued their education at Harvard University, New York University, and Princeton University, among others.

Charles Losche
Frisson Systems, Inc. AI Solutions United States

Frisson Systems, Inc. offers a web-based platform that allows disadvantaged communities to create and share machine learning-enabled tools and applications in a no-code environment, aiming to mitigate labor displacement due to automation. Designed for individuals who lack technical skills and who work in industries that are most impacted by automation, Frisson enables the development of data processing pipelines and the deployment of machine learning models to enhance their work. The venture currently has pilots in progress with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and the Colorado Internet Portal Authority.

Dickey Comeaux
The B Suite Interim Staffing Services United States

The B Suite supports organizations in efficiently meeting their hiring and diversity goals through sustainable, scalable AI-enabled HR solutions. Their mission is to connect the world’s most historically oppressed talent with flexible career opportunities to reduce power and wealth disparities, build financial and professional independence, and increase diversity across the c-suite and senior leadership. To date, the B Suite has served over 355 talent professionals.

Serena Allen
AirVitalize Purification Technology United States

AirVitalize Innovations develops scalable, patent-pending air purification technology to combat particulate matter pollution — the leading environmental threat to public health. By decentralizing industrial-grade filtration, AirVitalize provides adaptable solutions for high-risk communities, including Los Angeles and Fairbanks, Alaska. In 2024 the venture captured 86,000 micrograms of particulate matter, expanded manufacturing to two locations, and secured over $240,000 in funding, including $105,000 from FBomb Angels. With three new patents filed, participation in nine entrepreneurship programs, and growing community advocacy with 480+ petition signatures, AirVitalize continues to scale its impact, driving innovation and policy support for cleaner, healthier environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility for this program?

Ideal Candidate Profile

We seek exceptional entrepreneurs or community leaders who:

  • Have a tangible history of community impact and leadership
  • Are leveraging technology or AI to achieve their impact

Current Stage:

  • Your venture is in the Problem-Solution or Product-Market Fit Stage. To us, this means you have meet one or all of the criteria below:
    • Have been in operation for 2-5 years
    • Have demonstrated impact and traction in your work
    • Have raised up to $200K in funding
    • Have up to ten team members

Location:

  • Open to applicants creating impact in the following Google Data Center Communities:
    • USA: Austell GA (Atlanta area), Council Bluffs IA, Omaha NE, Berkeley County SC, Virginia, Loudoun County
    • International: Hamina (Finland), Waltham Cross/Borough of Broxbourne/Hertfordshire or London (England)

Commitment:

  • You must commit to the full 16-week program, including a 2-week virtual immersive (10 days of programming, Monday-Friday from 8:30am-10:30am) from September 1st to September 12th
  • You must be available for weekly virtual workshops held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30am-10:30am Mountain Time (GMT-6) starting September 15th

What are the eligibility requirements for the Community Development Stipend?

In addition, all active Fellows are eligible to receive a Community Development Stipend to support the implementation of their Basecamp.

How selective is this program?

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

What is the application review timeline?

We understand the substantial interest in the program and strive to provide prompt responses. Decisions will be dispatched during the week of July 15, 2025. Your patience during this process is greatly appreciated.

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

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.

I have another question and need assistance.

For all other questions, please reach out to Casey Field Casey@watson.is.