Kelvin and his long-time business partner pioneered AI development in Southeastern Mexico by launching kAI, a productivity tool for businesses which integrates with WhatsApp to manage tasks and operations through AI. kAi was their very first startup and it has already scaled to three cities in Mexico and generated over $200,000 USD in software sales. Currently, kAI serves 5 mid-sized companies, generating $2,000 USD in monthly revenue, with a projection of $25,000 USD in annual recurring revenue. Kelvin was awarded the First Latin American startup with a commercial agreement with Intel Corporation, participating in Intel Innovation (2024) / Selected by Google for the AI First Accelerator in Latin America to enhance kAI AI model. / Winners of the ECL 7 Demo Day by Emprelatam / Members of the Wester-Welle Foundation.
Rising Leaders of Mexico Fellowship
Priority Application deadline is June 22, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline until all spots are filled.
Start Your Application
Paco Vargas, 2024 Rising Leaders of Mexico Fellowship Alum
As a Rising Leader of Mexico Fellow, you’ll join a transformative program that equips you with the tools and networks to scale your venture across Mexico. You’ll be part of an inspiring cohort of 30 entrepreneurs in the Flagship Fellowship, accessing expert mentorship, venture development resources, and potential funding to strengthen your initiative. The program launches with a 5-day immersive experience in Boulder, Colorado, where you’ll collaborate intensively with peers to build lasting connections and lay the foundation for your growth.
This is a fully-funded Fellowship thanks to the generous support of Watson Institute partners Robin Luff, Jane McConnell, TJ Heyman, Luciana Cordova, and Flourish Trust.
Dates and Details
Key Dates
- Program: August 18–December 2, 2025
- In-Person Immersive: August 18–24, 2025, in Boulder, Colorado.
- In-Person Summit: Date to be determined
Time Commitment
- Weekly Sessions: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM MT (GMT-6)
- Weekly Commitment: 8–10 hours/week
Core Components
- Virtual Workshops: Interactive online sessions with your cohort
- Basecamp: Lead a 1-3 day impact workshop in your community
- In-Person Summit: Pitch to leaders, funders, and entrepreneurs
- Community Development Stipend: Fellows will receive financial support to plan and execute their Basecamp—an interactive, community-focused workshop.
- Braintrusts: Throughout the Fellowship and beyond, Fellows are invited to join 60–90-minute intimate roundtable conversations with successful entrepreneurs or business executives from Watson Institute’s network. Braintrusts provide an opportunity for Fellows and Alumni to present opportunities or challenges they’re facing in their ventures and receive insights and advice from the Braintrust Leader.
- Impact Series: During the Fellowship, a series of impact-driven speakers are invited to share their entrepreneurial journeys and experiences, as well as mentor Fellows. The Impact Series may include Fireside Chats or interactive workshops, and focuses on sharing best practices, lessons learned, and reflections on both successes and failures.
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
Entrepreneur Profile
You are an entrepreneur or community leader dedicated to creating impact through innovative solutions. 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 historically underserved communities. 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 within any region of Mexico. The preference will be given to applicants from the following locations: Baja California Sur, Oaxaca, and Monterrey.
Priority Sectors
While we welcome applications from various industries, special consideration will be given to ventures focused on:
- Education and edtech
- Financial literacy
- Sustainable manufacturing
- Nutrition, agriculture, and agtech
- E-commerce and responsible retail
- Health care and mental health
- Renewable energy
- Technology and software development
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 to support your growth and development.
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 August 18, 2025.
Magdaly Santillanez, 2023 Rising Leaders of Mexico Fellowship Alumna
Miroslava Rodriguez Sandria, 2024 Rising Leaders of Mexico Fellowship Alumna
On average, 610 participants benefit from Fellow-led Basecamps in the Rising Leader of Mexico Fellowship, showcasing the program’s community impact across Mexico.
Creating Lasting Impact: Empower Your Community with Basecamps
As a core component of the 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.
Luz Perez, 2024 Rising Leader of Mexico Fellowship Alumna and Humberto González, 2023 Rising Leader of Mexico Fellowship Alum
Meet the Alumni
36 Fellows have created impact for over 600 entrepreneurs through the Basecamps they run and initiatives they help lead in Mexico.
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: You are based in and/or creating impact in Mexico. Priority consideration will be given to applicants from Baja California Sur, Oaxaca, and Monterrey.
- 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 MT (GMT-6).
Ideal Candidate Profile
The Rising Leaders of Mexico 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 are the costs associated with this program (travel, fees, deposits, etc.)?
Watson Institute covers the cost of accommodations, program-related transportation, and select meals. Fellows are responsible for flights and transportation to and from Boulder. A stipend to cover part of the flight expenses is available on a case-by-case basis. 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 during the week of July 15th, 2025. Your patience during this process is greatly appreciated.
Can I apply if my country is not listed under the priority countries?
Rising Leaders of Mexico Fellowship is designed for entrepreneurs who are based and are creating impact in Mexico. If you’re located elsewhere, we encourage you to explore other Fellowships within the Flagship Fellowship program here.
I have another question and need assistance.
For all other questions, please reach out to Sandra Mancia at sandra@watson.is.
