Halcyon’s 2026 Global Climate Fellowship for young Entrepreneurs (Fully Funded to Washington, DC and Los Angeles, California)

Halcyon’s 2026 Global Climate Fellowship for young Entrepreneurs (Fully Funded to Washington, DC and Los Angeles, California)

Application Deadline: January 15, 2026 | 2,500 Applications Expected

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 edition of Halcyon's prestigious Global Climate Fellowship. This fellowship is designed to empower entrepreneurs worldwide who are actively developing innovative solutions to critical issues in climate adaptation and resilience. The program combines both virtual and in-person components, including two intensive, one-week residencies—first in Washington, DC, followed by Los Angeles, California—along with several days of virtual sessions tailored to accelerate venture growth.

Focus Areas for Solutions

The fellowship targets ventures that address challenges related to climate adaptation and resilience across a diverse range of sectors, such as:

  • Renewable and resilient energy systems, including advanced energy storage solutions
  • Green building technologies and infrastructure that adapt to changing climates
  • Climate intelligence platforms and early-warning systems for disaster preparedness
  • Climate-smart agricultural practices and sustainable food production systems
  • WaterTech innovations focused on securing water resources and creating resilient water infrastructures
  • Blue economy initiatives that enhance coastal resilience
  • Financial tools and services that improve resilience to climate-related shocks, including climate insurance and risk mitigation strategies

Who Should Apply? Eligibility Criteria

  • Global Reach: The fellowship is open to applicants worldwide.
  • Stage of Venture: Candidates must have a functioning Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and demonstrate credible potential for scaling. Evidence such as early user feedback, pilot projects, letters of intent (LOIs), or initial revenue is required to support market validation.
  • Team Composition: Applications can include the founder and up to one co-founder. The applicant must serve as the CEO or hold the primary decision-making authority in the venture.
  • Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is mandatory, as the program’s content and communication will be conducted in English.
  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 21 years old at the start of the program.
  • Commitment to Participation: Fellows are expected to fully engage in all program components, including in-person residencies and virtual meetings.
  • Alignment with Global Goals: The venture’s product or service must contribute to one or more of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What the Fellowship Offers

  • Financial Support: Each selected venture will receive $10,000 in Amazon Web Services (AWS) credits to bolster their technical infrastructure.
  • Equity-Free Stipend: A $6,000 grant is provided to help cover expenses without taking equity.
  • Expert-Led Workshops: Participants will access workshops led by seasoned professionals covering key topics including achieving product-market fit, strategic capital planning, and leadership development.
  • Mentorship and Advising: Personalized guidance from experienced advisors to refine business models and growth strategies.
  • Networking Opportunities: Fellows will connect with a broad network of investors, climate experts, and industry stakeholders during residencies in Washington, DC, and Los Angeles.
  • Alumni Community: Access to Halcyon’s vibrant global community of over 600 founders, offering ongoing support and collaboration opportunities post-fellowship.

Program Overview and Timeline

The fellowship cohort is composed of 10 ventures selected globally through a competitive process. The program follows a hybrid delivery model, beginning with a virtual kickoff, followed by two immersive in-person residencies in the United States, complemented by multiple virtual programming days. Key training modules focus on enhancing product-market fit, capital strategy formulation, and leadership skills while providing vital resources and networks to accelerate growth.

Date Milestone
December 8, 2025 Application window opens
January 15, 2026 Final day to submit eligibility applications for initial review
Mid-January 2026 Invitation to submit full applications sent to selected candidates on a rolling basis
January 23, 2026 Deadline for submitting invitational applications
February 24-25, 2026 Virtual pitch sessions for finalists
March 6, 2026 Notification of selected fellows
April 7, 2026 Virtual program kickoff
April 24 – May 1, 2026 First in-person residency week in Washington, DC
May 20, 2026 Second virtual meeting
June 17, 2026 Third virtual meeting
July 8, 2026 Fourth virtual meeting
August 12, 2026 Fifth virtual meeting
September 11 – 18, 2026 Second in-person residency week in Los Angeles, California

For additional details and to submit your application, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Halcyon’s Global Climate Fellowship.