The Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) is the U.S. Department of State’s flagship program for emerging entrepreneurs from Europe. A cohort of young European entrepreneurs from 45 countries will participate in a robust fellowship program in 2023-2024.

The YTILI Fellowship Program application opens February 1, 2023 and closes March 24, 2023 at 11:59 pm EST.

Click here for more information about the program on the YTILI official website.

YTILI Program brochure for more information: YTILI Brochure.

Eligible fellows must:

·        Be a citizen and resident of the eligible country for which the applicant is applying (Note:  Citizens of eligible countries residing in a different eligible country due to specific geo-political reasons may apply and will be considered by the Department of State on a case-by-case basis);

·        Business or social entrepreneur, 25 to 35 years old, with a demonstrated track record of at least two years of experience successfully managing an entrepreneurial venture in their home countries. “Business entrepreneur” is defined as a person who has successfully started his or her own for-profit business and has successfully maintained the business for at least two years. “Social entrepreneur” is defined as an individual who implements an innovative solution to a pressing social challenge employing a job-creating and/or revenue-generating business model.  Such social enterprises can be for-profit or non-profit;

·        Demonstrated commitment to develop, enhance, or lead an existing venture.  During the application process, successful candidates must provide a well-articulated action plan they will work to refine and for which they will seek support during their fellowships. 

·        Demonstrated viability of their current ventures through indicators such as: investment to date, current or planned number of employees, profits, social impact analysis, and an overall track record of achievement in the field. 

·        Preference will be given to candidates who have not previously participated in U.S. Government programs or spent significant amounts of time in the United States. 

·        Self-directed and able to work effectively in a cross-cultural setting.  Committed to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.   

·        Demonstrated proficiency in both written and oral English.  Participants must have “working-level knowledge of English” which will be verified by WorldChicago.