The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) administers the United Kingdom government’s international scholarship and fellowship programmes with a primary focus on development. Through its initiatives, the CSC aims to contribute meaningfully to international development goals by nurturing global talent and fostering long-term partnerships across the Commonwealth. The commission supports research, innovation, and capacity-building efforts that align with the pressing sustainable development priorities of member countries. Operating under the UK’s broader commitment to the Commonwealth, the CSC empowers individuals to lead transformative projects in education, entrepreneurship, and public service. These programmes are designed to enhance skills and foster leadership among scholars and fellows, enabling them to become change-makers in their communities and countries. The CSC collaborates with universities, institutions, and other stakeholders to co-create impactful learning opportunities. It promotes inclusivity, knowledge exchange, and global cooperation, with a special emphasis on low and middle-income Commonwealth countries. Through fellowships like the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship, CSC plays a vital role in encouraging innovation and entrepreneurial solutions that can generate employment, uplift communities, and drive sustainable development. The CSC’s programmes are grounded in the belief that shared knowledge and collaborative action can address some of the most critical challenges facing the global community today.

The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship is a six-month, hybrid programme developed to support high-potential startups from low and middle-income Commonwealth nations. This unique initiative is a collaboration between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and Imperial College London. It blends in-person and virtual learning experiences, equipping entrepreneurs with vital business skills, advanced knowledge, and access to a powerful international network. Designed to empower early-stage ventures, the fellowship helps participants scale operations, create sustainable jobs, and drive impact in their respective home countries.

A total of 20 promising startups will be selected for the fellowship. Each business will nominate one representative to attend an intensive two-week bootcamp in Accra, Ghana, scheduled from 14–30 November 2025. Additionally, exceptional participants may have the opportunity to travel to London in early 2026 for a series of final networking and showcase events. The fellowship is a platform for innovators who are building solutions for real-world problems and are seeking the guidance, mentorship, and exposure necessary to accelerate their growth. With support from leading experts and industry partners, the programme provides a launchpad for ideas to mature into scalable, impactful enterprises that contribute to the socio-economic development of the Commonwealth.