The Fulbright Canada Entrepreneurship Initiative (FCEI) is an innovative new program that identifies and supports promising professionals, students, scholars and independent researchers who are interested in bringing their ideas to market. The program is open to all areas, with a preference for projects with identifiable social impact. In addition to the grant, the program includes FCEI group activities, significant networking and mentoring support, and other features designed to support and encourage entrepreneurial success.
The FCEI was established to engage and support entrepreneurs who aim to contribute to the common good. A core principle of the initiative is that innovation and entrepreneurship are critical to achieving social and economic progress. This initiative is meant to advance our commitment to promoting and supporting access and opportunity.
This program is designed to harness the transformative power of entrepreneurship in addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, ecological and social sustainability, and the maldistribution of wealth and income. The program will allow participants to benefit from the well-established range of startup acceleration support offered by Alacrity Canada and a fully scalable online program designed by Startup Science. This support is designed to guide their entrepreneurial journey from the classroom, the lab, and the community to the market as they launch new ventures and commercialize their ideas.
We recognize that entrepreneurship is pivotal in driving positive change that empowers both individuals and the communities where they live and work. By equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to succeed, our goal is to change lives, find solutions to real problems, and contribute to positive social and economic change.
Michael Hawes
President & CEO Fulbright Canada
The FCEI is committed to providing all eligible individuals with opportunities and access on a competitive, open, and inclusive basis. The FCEI is especially interested in supporting founders whose solutions have the potential to make a positive impact on society.
Program Highlights
- Comprehensive Support: Participants receive hands-on experience, mentorship, and access to startup acceleration resources from Alacrity Canada and Startup Science.
- Social Impact Focus: Preference is given to projects that address pressing societal challenges, such as climate change, sustainability, and economic inequality.
- Networking and Mentorship: The program emphasizes extensive networking and mentoring to guide participants from ideation to commercialization.
- Inclusive and Open: The initiative is committed to providing opportunities on a competitive and inclusive basis, particularly for founders with socially impactful solutions.
The FCEI represents a visionary commitment on the part of Fulbright Canada to harness the transformative power of entrepreneurship, support innovation, and help to launch new ventures and commercialize socially and economically impactful ideas.
Applicants can apply to the Fulbright Canada Entrepreneurship Initiative (FCEI) through multiple pathways. The FCEI complements Fulbright Canada awards by providing additional entrepreneurial support to selected grantees.
- Specialist Awards: For Leading U.S. professionals and scholars with extensive experience in their field.
- Scholar Awards: For individuals holding a PhD or equivalent terminal degree applying for the Fulbright Canada Traditional Scholar Award.
- Student Awards: For graduate students currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a graduate program or conducting independent research applying for the Fulbright Canada Student Award.
- Short-Term Awards: For scholars and professionals interested in completing a 4-week project.
Selected grantees will benefit from the FCEI award's ongoing entrepreneurial support in addition to the benefits provided by the Fulbright Canada award.
Alacrity is a leading organization in the technology ecosystem that enables founders with innovative business ideas and connects a network of successful serial entrepreneurs with business leaders. Alacrity’s commitment to a sustainable customer-led funding model is supported by its dynamic, impactful programs that cater to real-time business needs and are informed by local and global technology and business landscapes. With offices in 10 cities worldwide and in partnership with Wesley Clover, Alacrity offers entrepreneurs a platform to commercialize their products and attract investment for growth.
Startup Science is a ground-breaking web-based entrepreneur support system that offers a comprehensive and immersive learning experience, blending theory with practical, real-world applications that lets startup founders learn – and do – while building their business.