Deadline: March 24, 2023
Applications are open for the Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative Fellowship Programme 2024. The Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) is the U.S. Department of State’s flagship programme for emerging entrepreneurs from Europe.
Since its launch in 2016, approximately 300 alumni from across Europe have bolstered their business skills and transatlantic partnerships through the YTILI Fellowship Programme. YTILI uses entrepreneurship as a tool for economic empowerment to promote mutual understanding, enhance business and leadership skills, and build lasting partnerships between business leaders from Europe and the United States. YTILI will empower a new cohort of young European business and social entrepreneurs to grow their ventures, foster global partnerships, and positively impact the economic development of their communities.
Programme Details
The YTILI Fellows Programme is a two-way exchange programme designed to strengthen the transatlantic relationship, develop sustainable partnerships between U.S. and European entrepreneurs and innovators, promote regional integration and cooperation in Europe, and encourage European businesses, governments and civil society to develop their innovation ecosystems.
The programme includes a customized virtual YTILI entrepreneurial curriculum; a fellowship with a business or organization in one of nine U.S. cities; opening and closing conferences; and alumni engagement opportunities. The 2024 YTILI Fellowship Programme will begin with the virtual curriculum in the Winter of 2024 with the U.S. fellowship scheduled for Spring 2024.
Funding
- The YTILI Fellowship is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.
Eligibility
- Applicants are between the ages of 25 and 35 by March 24, 2023 when the application closes.
- Are a citizen and resident of one of the following countries: Albania, Andorra, 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, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom. (Note: Citizens of eligible countries residing in a different eligible country due to specific geo-political reasons may apply and will be considered by the Department of State on a case-by-case basis).
- Business or social entrepreneur with a demonstrated track record of at least two years of experience successfully managing an entrepreneurial venture in their home countries.
- Demonstrated commitment to develop, enhance, or lead an existing venture. During the application process, successful candidates must provide a well-articulated action plan they will work to refine and for which they will seek support during their fellowships.
- Committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Are eligible and able to receive a U.S. J-1 Visa.
- Demonstrated proficiency in both written and oral English.
- Are committed to returning to his or her home country after completion of the programme.
- Are not a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident of the United States or have applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years.
- Are not a U.S. government employee.
- Preference will be given to candidates who have not previously participated in U.S. Government programmes or spent significant amounts of time in the United States.
Application
You can apply if you would like to gain professional experience, develop transatlantic relationships, and scale your business or social venture at home.
For more information, visit YTILI.