The Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative Fellowship Program

Deadline: 04 January 2019
Open to: applicants aged 25-35 from one of the participating countries
Venue: Europe and USA

Description

Launched in 2016, the Young Transatlantic Innovative Leaders Initiative Fellowship is the flagship program of the Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) of the US Department of State and is supported in its implementation by The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF).

YTILI empowers young European entrepreneurs and innovators with the tools, networks, and resources they need to grow their enterprises and contribute more fully to economic development and job creation, security, and good governance in the region. YTILI is also a vehicle for building a transatlantic network of innovators that can contribute to on an ongoing policy dialogue that strengthens the transatlantic relationship.

In 2019, the YTILI Fellowship will engage young European entrepreneurs in a series of professional development and leadership activities that are designed to support the growth and development of commercial and social business ventures in their home communities.  The fellowship includes an Opening Summit in Europe, a week-long experience in a U.S. host city, a Closing Conference in Washington, DC, and online engagement-training opportunities. The 2019 YTILI Fellowship year runs from April 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019 with U.S. travel components planned for September 2019.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Are between the ages of 24 and 35 on November 15, 2018;
  • Are a citizen of one of the participating countries*: Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom;
  • Currently reside in one of the participating countries*: Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
  • Are eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa;
  • Have at least two (2) years of entrepreneurial/leadership experience with a startup business or social venture;
  • Are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States;
  • Are not a U.S. government employee;
  • Are proficient in reading, writing and speaking English.

Benefits

  • Gain professional experience, skills, and connections valuable to enhancing your business or social venture;
  • Connect with a dynamic group of experts and mentors in the United States and Europe;
  • Expand your professional network and develop relationships with peers and counterparts on both sides of the Atlantic;
  • Explore the policy context, financial landscape, and networks of U.S. entrepreneurial ecosystems;
  • Join a growing network of dynamic European entrepreneurs committed to enhancing the transatlantic relationship and contributing to the growth of entrepreneurial ecosystems in their home communities.

How to apply?

In order to apply, please fill the application form.

For more information please visit the official web page.