Watson Institute - Enlight Fellowship Program 2026 (Fully-Funded)

Published: April 20, 2026
Deadline: July 05, 2026
Category: Fellowship Fully Funded
Oppotunity Locations: China United States

Watson Institute is currently accepting applications for the Enlight Fellowship Program 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.

About Watson Institute - Enlight Fellowship Program

The Enlight Fellowship, supported by the Enlight Foundation and powered by the Watson Institute, is a fully-funded entrepreneurial and leadership development program designed specifically for rising leaders creating solutions to mental wellbeing globally. The Fellowship fosters cross-cultural collaboration and global impact through expert-led training, facilitators, speakers, and mentors, personalized life coaching, and long-term Alumni support. Fellows gain the tools, insights, and global networks needed to scale their impact and drive meaningful change in their communities. The Fellowship kicks off with a week-long Immersive experience where Fellows collaborate closely with peers, build lasting connections, and lay the foundation for their growth.

Sponsor Organisation: Watson Institute

Benefits of Watson Institute - Enlight Fellowship Program

Business & Leadership Workshops: Participate in hands-on sessions focused on entrepreneurship, business acumen, and financial literacy skills led by expert practitioners who are successful entrepreneurs and or rising leader themselves.
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.
Basecamps: Create Lasting Impact - Design and lead a 1-day workshop (Basecamp) for earlier-stage entrepreneurs, with training and a community development stipend provided to support you in deepening the innovation ecosystem in your community.
Pitch Training & Virtual Summit: Develop and refine a professional, compelling pitch through dedicated training sessions. Present your venture progress and impact at the in-person Summit to community partners, mentors,potential investors and Enlight Foundation team members.

Watson Institute - Enlight Fellowship Program Requirements

You are a youth entrepreneur or community leader deeply committed to improving mental wellbeing. You are building a solution that addresses mental wellbeing challenges in your community, with a strong focus on creating meaningful, scalable impact in China and across a global cohort. You bring an entrepreneurial spirit, a growth mindset, and a desire to grow as an effective leader.
Your business or organization has been operating for 1-5 years with fewer than 10 employees. You have engaged customers, measurable results, and have secured some funding through grants, investments, donations, or revenue, but you’re ready to grow to the next level.
You must be able to fully commit to the 16-week Fellowship, including the mandatory week-long In-person Immersive in Boulder, Colorado or Qingshan Village, Hangzhou, China, as well as active participation throughout the program. You can attend all weekly virtual workshops held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Fellows will participate in one of two groups, each with a designated start time: from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM MT or 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MT. We prioritize participants who are fully committed to active engagement throughout the entire program. The program’s success depends on building a strong community where all participants are enthusiastic about both learning and sharing their experiences with others.
Fellows may be based anywhere in the world. The cohort will include youth leaders focused on improving mental wellbeing in China as well as those addressing youth mental wellbeing challenges globally.
You are seeking expert-led entrepreneurial training, mentorship from facilitators and speakers with deep mental wellbeing expertise, a supportive peer community, and a strong network to help you grow as a leader and scale your venture’s impact.
Applicants must be 18 years or older.

Application Date and Process

Submit Your Application: Candidates complete the online application in approximately 30 minutes. Submit by the priority deadline of July 5, 2026, for early consideration. Applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
Application Review: Our Admissions Committee evaluates applications to identify innovative entrepreneurs with scalable ventures and strong potential for impact. Early applicants receive priority consideration.
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.
Final Selection & Enrollment: Final decisions will be announced by July 20, 2026. Accepted applicants must confirm their enrollment to secure their spot. The program begins on August 17, 2026.