Call for applications for the Founder Fellowship Program 2026 is open now!!!
The Founder Fellowship, offered by Blue Ridge Labs, is a 20-week venture-building programme designed to support early-stage founders in transforming bold ideas into fundable startups that drive economic mobility. Backed by Robin Hood Foundation, the fellowship focuses on founders working on solutions that address challenges faced by low-income communities, particularly in urban contexts like New York.
The program is structured in two phases. It begins with a virtual “Explore & Test” stage, where fellows validate ideas, conduct user research, and refine their problem-solution fit. This is followed by an in-person “Build Your MVP” phase based in Brooklyn, where participants develop a minimum viable product (MVP) with hands-on technical and strategic support.
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Throughout the fellowship, participants engage in weekly programming led by experienced founders and operators, covering essential topics such as product development, growth strategy, research validation, and fundraising. Fellows also gain access to Blue Ridge Labs’ DIG community, enabling them to test ideas with real users and gather meaningful insights.
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1. Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
2. Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
3. Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
4. Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
The program emphasizes practical execution, offering one-on-one mentorship, group coaching, and direct collaboration with engineers, designers, and product professionals. In addition, fellows benefit from a collaborative co-working environment, allowing them to build alongside other mission-driven entrepreneurs.
Blue Ridge Labs has a strong track record of supporting impactful ventures. Alumni have gone on to receive recognition such as Echoing Green Fellowships and the David Prize, as well as securing funding from leading venture capital firms and philanthropic organizations. The fellowship ultimately aims to equip founders with the tools, networks, and resources needed to build scalable, human-centered solutions that create pathways for economic mobility and long-term social impact.
Location:
United StatesBenefits
- $20,000 stipend to support full-time focus on building the venture
- Weekly expert-led sessions on product, growth, validation, and fundraising
- Access to real user feedback through the DIG community
- One-on-one mentorship and group coaching from experienced professionals
- Hands-on support from engineers, designers, and product experts
- Opportunity to build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- Co-working space in Brooklyn for in-person collaboration
- Access to the Robin Hood Foundation network
- Exposure to leaders in tech, philanthropy, and policy
- Strong alumni network with proven success in funding and impact
Eligibilities
- Open to early-stage founders with a strong idea (no prototype required)
- Applicants should be working on solutions related to economic mobility and poverty reduction
- Must demonstrate lived or learned experience related to the problem they aim to solve
- Should be ready to move from idea stage to execution
- No requirement for a co-founder at the time of application
- Must show commitment to building a scalable, tech-driven solution
- Willingness to actively participate in both virtual and in-person programme phases
Application Process
Apply through the “Apply Now” link.
Application Deadline: May 4, 2026 (37 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
