About Organisation
Halcyon is a dynamic organization committed to accelerating the impact-driven future of business by empowering entrepreneurs who are driving transformative change across critical global sectors. Since its establishment in 2014, Halcyon has built an impressive track record of supporting nearly six hundred entrepreneurs from more than fifty countries worldwide, helping them scale sustainable, world-changing solutions through an innovative, bold, and founder-first accelerator model.
The organization focuses on three primary impact areas: Climate, Health, and EquityTech, recognizing these sectors as crucial to addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges. Halcyon’s approach centers on providing comprehensive support that goes beyond traditional funding, offering entrepreneurs access to expert mentorship, strategic guidance, networking opportunities, and a global community of like-minded innovators.
Through its various fellowship programs, Halcyon creates pathways for entrepreneurs to refine their business models, strengthen their leadership capabilities, and connect with investors and stakeholders who can help amplify their impact. The organization’s founder-first philosophy ensures that programming is designed around the specific needs and challenges facing social entrepreneurs at various stages of their ventures. By building a vibrant global community of impact-driven founders, Halcyon continues to foster innovation and collaboration that addresses critical social, environmental, and economic challenges while promoting sustainable business practices that create lasting positive change worldwide.
About the Grant
The 2026 EquityTech Fellowship represents Halcyon’s commitment to supporting founders worldwide who are addressing pressing challenges in Educational Technology and the Future of Work. This fellowship specifically targets solutions that leverage technology to increase social and financial inclusion while closing equity gaps in education, wealth, and accessibility across diverse communities.
The program employs a hybrid format combining virtual and in-person experiences, including a one-week residency in Washington, DC, five virtual programming days, and a concluding one-week residency in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Selected entrepreneurs receive comprehensive support valued significantly beyond direct financial assistance.
In the EdTech category, Halcyon seeks solutions utilizing digital tools and technology to improve teaching and learning outcomes, enhance educational accessibility, and remove financial barriers across K-12, higher education, corporate training, and lifelong learning contexts. These solutions may integrate artificial intelligence, data analytics, and immersive technologies to enrich educational experiences.
For Future of Work initiatives, the fellowship prioritizes technological solutions expanding job market access for all communities and enabling individuals of all abilities to thrive professionally. This includes upskilling and reskilling technologies, workforce analytics platforms, collaboration tools, and well-being solutions leveraging artificial intelligence, automation, and digital platforms. Fellows benefit from expert workshops, professional advisors, investor networking, and continued access to Halcyon’s global founder community beyond program completion.
Who can Apply?
The EquityTech Fellowship seeks for-profit startups building scalable solutions addressing pressing EdTech and Future of Work challenges globally. Applications are accepted from entrepreneurs worldwide regardless of geographic location, reflecting the program’s commitment to supporting diverse innovators across all regions.
Eligible ventures must have developed a working Minimum Viable Product demonstrating realistic scaling potential. Applicants must provide evidence of early user feedback or commercial validation through pilots, letters of intent, or generated revenue, ensuring that supported ventures have progressed beyond conceptual stages.
Team requirements specify that applicants may apply with up to one co-founder. The primary applicant must serve as Chief Executive Officer or hold primary decision-making authority within the organization. All participants must demonstrate English fluency, as all programming will be conducted in English. Applicants must be at least twenty-one years of age by the program start date.
Program engagement requirements are strict: selected participants must commit to attending all residencies, activities, events, and both in-person and virtual sessions throughout the fellowship duration. This ensures cohort cohesion and maximizes learning opportunities.
Impact alignment is essential—ventures must develop products contributing toward one or more of the United Nations’ seventeen Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating commitment to measurable social or environmental impact alongside business viability. This requirement ensures supported ventures align with Halcyon’s mission of accelerating impact-driven business innovation.
How to Apply?
Halcyon has streamlined the application process through a two-stage system. Interested applicants must first complete an eligibility form available between October 31st and November 20th, 2025. Applications meeting program criteria and demonstrating strong fit will receive invitations to complete a second-round, invitational application. Detailed information about the complete application process and requirements is available through Halcyon’s official resources.
Application Deadline
The eligibility form submission period runs from October 31st through November 20th, 2025. Qualified applicants will subsequently receive invitations to complete the second-round invitational application for final consideration.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
