Halcyon accelerates the impact-driven future of business. Ready to join Halcyon’s impact-driven founder community?

Eligibility

Our fellowships are open to for-profit impact-driven founders at or beyond MVP-Stage. Additional information is listed below under “Programs and Format”.

Halcyon defines “impact-driven” as a scalable company where impact forms a non-negotiable part of the business model. The startup’s impact drives meaningful and measurable progress towards one (or several) of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

“MVP-stage” is defined as having a workable, or saleable version of your business concept. 

Benefits Halcyon Fellows receive training in: Investment Readiness, Product-Market Fit, and Leadership Development. Selected fellows also receive other program-specific benefits, including an $10,000 equity-free stipend, $10,000 in AWS credits, professional advisors, network opportunities to meet investors and diverse stakeholders in the US.

Halcyon’s Fellowships for startups are free, with no fee or equity stake required.

Programs and Format

Halcyon is accepting applications for the following fellowship:

EquityTech Fellowship is open to founders from the US and globally who are developing a for-profit venture  leveraging technology to increase social and financial inclusion and closing equity gaps in wealth, education, and accessibility. Subsectors include:

• Future of Work: Technological solutions that expand job market access for all communities, and technologies that enable individuals of all abilities to thrive in the workplace. Future of Work solutions include upskilling and reskilling tech, as well as technologies and business models that enhance workforce analytics, collaboration, and well-being, often leveraging AI, automation, and digital platforms.
• EdTech:  Solutions that leverage digital tools and technology to improve teaching and learning outcomes, enhance accessibility and educational access, and remove financial barriers to education.

EdTech solutions span K-12, higher education, corporate training, and lifelong learning, integrating AI, data analytics, and immersive technologies to enrich educational experiences.

Programming is delivered primarily in-person through: 

• 1 Virtual Program Kickoff Meeting: September 12, 2025
• 8 week long, in-person residency in Washington, DC: June 23 - August 15, 2025

Learn more about the features of the EquityTech Fellowship and our specific eligibility requirements here. 

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Application Tips

Halcyon’s application is an opportunity for the selection committee to learn more about you, your venture, and your vision for impact. The committee reviews each application using Halcyon’s four criteria: Impact, Scalability, Innovation, and Talent.

Halcyon uses one application for the two fellowships we are currently recruiting for when you complete your application, you will select which program you would like to apply for. To support as many founders as possible, founders may only apply to complete ONE fellowship. 

It is now required to upload a Pitch Deck of up to 15 slides. You may also upload a 1 minute video describing your venture! This is a wonderful way to bring your application to life and showcase your passion and drive! At Halcyon we love supporting founders with a clear vision, strong ambition, and the drive to create dramatic positive influence.

You have until Friday, April 18 at 11:59PM US Eastern Time to complete your application. The entire Halcyon Team is sending you luck and thank you for your interest in our Fellowships!

To learn more about our programs and application, sign up for our virtual "ask me anything" session on March 27th. Register here. 

-The Halcyon Team
 

P.S. Calling all planners! If you would like to review the short answer application questions before you begin your application, you can access those questions here.