The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship 2026 for early stage start-ups (Fully Funded to Bootcamp in Accra, Ghana plus £35,000 in equity free grants)
Applications are now open for the 2026 Commonwealth Startup Fellowship. The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship will run for six months and is designed to ignite and elevate high-potential startups from low and middle income Commonwealth countries. The programme is made up of a combination of immersive in-person experiences and online learning, to provide participants with essential skills, cutting-edge knowledge, and a robust global network.
The CSC and Imperial College London intend that by the end of the programme, entrepreneurs will be equipped to build thriving businesses, scale operations effectively, and drive job creation in their home countries.
A cohort of 20 early stage start-ups will be recruited. One person from each business must be available to attend a two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana from 14–30 November 2025. There is also the possibility for representatives from outstanding organisations to travel to London in the UK later in the year for a series of exciting capstone events.
Benefits
Each Fellowship provides:
Approved return travel from the Fellow’s home country to the in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
Accommodation, travel and catering for the duration of the in-person bootcamp in Accra, Ghana.
Reimbursement of the standard visa application fee.
Reimbursement of vaccination costs
Access to a Fellow’s Grant Fund for business or participation-related costs
Select participants will be invited to a Capstone in London, UK, where they will have the chance to pitch to investors and industry leaders.
In addition to the training and mentorship, participating teams can apply for financial support from the Fellows Fund, a pot of £35,000 in equity free grants. This funding is available to cover business related costs to help you develop and grow your startup.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for these Fellowships, prospective Fellows must:
Be of at least graduate level;
Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible low or middle income Commonwealth country;
Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country;
Be fluent in written and spoken English.
Not have undertaken a Commonwealth Professional Fellowship within the last five years (at the time of taking up the award)
Be available to undertake their fellowship from the prescribed start date
In addition, they must demonstrate:
Evidence of innovation, in terms of product, service, or market
Active development for at least six-months and demonstrable commitment from team members
A working minimum viable ‘product’, service and/or prototype
Significant evidence of customer engagement or traction in the form of early sales or pre-sales . proof of interest or demand, signed contracts or other relevant evidence.
Application Timeline
2 June 2025 – Applications Open
30 June 2025 – Application Deadline
15 November – 29 November 2025 – In-person Bootcamp in Accra, Ghana
30 November 2025 – 15 May 2026 – Online Programming
May 2026 – In person Capstone event in London, UK.
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