Are you a passionate entrepreneur or innovator looking to build a venture that solves pressing global challenges? The Mercy Corps Venture Studio Fellowship for 2025 is now accepting applications. This is a unique opportunity to receive funding, world-class mentorship, and the support needed to turn your bold idea into a scalable, investable business for social good.
What is the Mercy Corps Venture Studio Fellowship?
Hosted by the leading global humanitarian agency, Mercy Corps, the Venture Studio is an incubator program designed to identify and nurture early-stage startups and entrepreneurs. The fellowship focuses on building resilient, technology-driven solutions in emerging markets that address problems in areas like:
Financial Inclusion
Climate Resilience & Agriculture
Food & Water Security
Access to Energy
Future of Work
Unlike a traditional scholarship, this is a hands-on, equity-free fellowship that provides venture-building support to help you validate your idea, develop your product, and prepare for investment.
Fellowship Benefits: More Than Just Funding
Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive support package designed to accelerate their venture:
Equity-Free Seed Funding: A grant to validate your concept and achieve key milestones.
Dedicated Mentorship: Direct access to a network of seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and subject matter experts from Mercy Corps and the global tech community.
World-Class Training: A tailored curriculum covering lean startup methodology, product development, user-centered design, impact measurement, and investment readiness.
Access to Networks: Connections to potential pilot partners, customers, and a global community of like-minded founders and innovators.
Platform and Visibility: Opportunities to showcase your venture to a global audience of impact investors and ecosystem partners.
Who Should Apply?
The ideal candidate is a problem-solver ready to build. You could be:
An early-stage founder with a prototype or initial traction.
A talented technologist, designer, or operator with a compelling idea.
An innovator with deep knowledge of a specific challenge in an emerging market.
General Eligibility Criteria Often Includes:
A strong commitment to social impact and sustainable development.
A venture concept that is in its early stages (ideally pre-Seed or Seed).
A focus on operating in emerging markets.
A full-time commitment to the venture for the duration of the fellowship.
A diverse and dedicated founding team (often preferred, though some solo founders are considered).
How to Apply
The application process is typically conducted online through the Mercy Corps website.
Prepare Your Materials: This usually includes a detailed application form, pitch deck, and information about your founding team.
Submit Online: Complete the official application on the Mercy Corps Venture Studio portal before the deadline.
Selection Process: The process often involves multiple stages, including review, interviews, and potentially a final pitch session.
Application Deadline
The application window for the 2025 cohort is likely to open in late 2024 and close in early 2025. Exact dates will be confirmed on the official website. Prospective applicants should begin preparing their materials now.
Why Apply?
This fellowship is a catalyst. It provides the rare combination of risk-tolerant capital, expert guidance, and a powerful network—all without taking equity. It’s designed for those who believe in the power of innovation and entrepreneurship to create a more equitable and resilient world.
Ready to build the future?
For the most accurate and detailed information, including the official application form and deadline, visit the Mercy Corps website directly.
Official Link & Application Portal: Mercy Corps Venture Studio Page
Don't miss your chance to receive the support you need to make a lasting impact. Apply today!
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