Commonwealth Startup Fellowship

We will hold two sessions on the same day, 10:00 GMT and 17:00 GMT. Missed the online session? Watch it online here. 

The programme will start in March 2025 with a launch event at Imperial College’s Ghana Global Innovation Hub.

Yes, multiple founders from the same startup are welcome to attend the in-person bootcamp. However, funding for travel, accommodation, and related costs will only be provided for one founder. Additional team members are welcome to join at their own expense.

Yes, travel, accommodation, and meals are covered for one founder per team for the duration of the in-person bootcamp in Ghana. This support also includes costs for visas and necessary vaccinations to ensure participants can fully engage in the programme.

Any participants that have accessibility requirements will meet with the programme managers prior to the bootcamp to discuss in detail and implement necessary adjustments to ensure they can participate.

This programme is for startup founders that are ready to grow, if you are a technology focused business you should be at Technology Readiness 4 (technology validated by research or in a lab environment),  or be able to demonstate some traction in your business, whether this be pre-sales, sales, Letters of Intent or Prototype Development / minimum viable product. if you are still unsure, attend the information session on 6th January or watch the recording and see our FAQ.

The selection committee will likely balance these quantitative and qualitative measures to ensure applicants have a solid foundation and potential for scalable growth:

Early Sales or Pre-Sales: Applicants should provide data on sales, pre-sales, or signed contracts, demonstrating that customers are willing to pay for the product or service.

User Metrics: Metrics like the number of active users, customer retention rates, or testimonials could also be evaluated to gauge market validation.

Feedback or Reviews: Evidence of customer feedback, reviews, or pilot results that indicate the product or service addresses a real need.

Market Demand: Proof of interest or demand through customer inquiries, waiting lists, or survey data.

Length of Development: Applicants must show at least six months of active development, proving a track record of commitment and steady progress.

You must have equity in the company to be eligible.

No, we welcome applications from all sectors.

If you are selected to the programme, we will cover travel and visa costs to the bootcamp for 1 person, accommodation, food and drinks in country and any associated costs with the core programme delivery. There will also be a stipend for internet and data costs. You will also be eligible to apply for a share of a £35,000 equity free fund to advance your business.

We are looking for ventures that are beyond the idea stage, that have shown some traction, either from significant customer development, the building of a prototype or final product, or presales or sales. However, if you are unsure if you meet the requirements, please attend the information session or watch the video replay. If you’re still not sure, you can email us at [email protected].

The organisers have no claim to any intellectual property generated during the programme.

The status of the ownership of any pre-existing intellectual property generated prior to the programme will remain unchanged.

We will work with the selected founders to support this and will discuss your personal circumstances and options. All online sessions will also be recorded should you have issues connecting live at any point.

This will depend on your nationality. The team will supply all of the relevant details for your visa application and cover the associated costs of application. Please make sure that your passport is in date and has a minimum of 6 months left to expiry from the 7 April 2025.

We will provide you with the necessary documents to apply for your visa, however, you will be responsible for ensuring all of the application information is accurate and submitting on time.

We will cover the costs of applying for your visa.

Unfortunately, you must be able to attend the bootcamp in Accra in March to be able to join the programme.

We will be launching applications for cohort two that will take place in December 2025, if you would like to apply for this Cohort, please specify in your application.

There is no cost to participate, the programme will cover your visa costs, flights, accommodation, meals and travel in country where it is part of the scheduled programme. Any costs occurred outside of the core group scheduling would be covered by you (i.e. any travel to your own organized visits or events)

We welcome applications from those with caring responsibilities and will discuss this on a case by case basis, this may include some special allowances or the cover of childcare or other care as required.

You must be fluent in English, all sessions and materials will be delivered in English.

We have a £35,000 Fellows fund that you can apply to if you are selected for the programme, this might be for prototyping costs, web design or attendance at conferences and events.

Participants can apply for funding during the programme to address business or participation-related costs. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by a panel, ensuring timely access to support. The average grant size will depend on the specific needs outlined in applications, but the panel strives to allocate funds equitably across the cohort to maximize impact and support diverse challenges.

You are expected to attend the online workshops and coaching sessions, there is approx 6-7 number of hours per month.

We do not take equity for your participation in the programme, we do however expect you to attend all the sessions and participate fully.

Unfortunately you must be a citizen or refugee in an eligible country, and your startup should be based in an eligible country. 

Yes, you can still apply! We do not expect everyone to meet all the criteria. If you excel in certain areas and demonstrate strong potential, we encourage you to submit your application. The selection committee takes a holistic approach, considering the overall strength and promise of your startup.

The programme offers both an early and late application round to ensure flexibility for applicants while allowing the selection committee to review a diverse pool of candidates. However, applying in the early round is highly recommended as it increases your chances of being selected before spots fill up. Additionally, early applicants gain access to preparatory resources and guidance to maximize their readiness for the programme. Don’t miss the opportunity to secure your place—apply early!

Mentors are carefully assigned based on each participant’s area of interest, specific business needs, and geographical context to ensure relevant and impactful guidance. Participants can also request mentors with specific expertise or backgrounds, and we will strive to match them with professionals who align closely with their requirements. This tailored approach ensures that mentorship is both practical and supportive, addressing the unique challenges faced by each entrepreneur.

• Bangladesh
• Belize
• Botswana
• Cameroon
• Dominica
• Eswatini
• Fiji
• Gabon
• Ghana
• Grenada
• Guyana
• India
• Jamaica
• Kenya
• Kiribati
• Lesotho
• Malawi
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Mauritius
• Montserrat
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Nauru
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Papua New Guinea
• Rwanda
• Saint Helena
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Samoa
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• Sri Lanka
• Tanzania
• The Gambia
• Togo
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• Vanuatu
• Zambia

Applicants should consider whether the qualification they hold is equivalent to a UK undergraduate degree and if so enter the details of the qualification on the CSF application. On the application form, applicants can provide additional information to explain how the qualification is equivalent to a UK undergraduate degree.