About this opportunity
Every year, Queen's University opens its entrepreneurship classroom to Africa. The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship gives African students and recent graduates access to training, resources, financial support and a network of mentors to develop entrepreneurial skills and start building a venture. The fully virtual programme runs over 8 months at your own pace, and you can join whether you are already building a business or still exploring a new idea, from any academic discipline and any post-secondary institution in Africa.
The fellowship moves in phases. In Explore, from January to February, more than 1,000 candidates work through curated online entrepreneurship courses and the first 11 steps of the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, validating their problem with real end users. In Ignite, from March to April, 180 or more finalists continue with the remaining framework steps, build a business model, prototype their solution and pitch. Up to 60 fellows then reach Launch and Fellowship from May to August, working with dedicated coaches and mentors, accessing seed funding, presenting weekly pitches and competing for the programme's prizes.
The support around the phases is substantial. Fellows get a business bootcamp delivered by Queen's faculty and industry leaders, pitch coaching, live workshops on marketing, goal setting and recruiting, and the chance to earn Queen's micro-credentials in entrepreneurship at no cost, each with a verifiable blockchain ID. Participants are paired with a program coach and gain access to more than 15 mentors, including founders such as the leaders of Christie's Crisp, Allo Veto, Water Boy and Mr. Neat Company, plus Queen's global entrepreneurial alumni network.
Up to 60 fellows selected in the final phase receive a stipend of $500 CAD, and fellows can pitch for prizes of up to $15,000 CAD in the closing pitch competition. The programme is designed to be accessible, with downloadable content for limited internet access, French-language mentorship options, mobile-friendly coursework and screen-reader-compatible content. Applications close on 1 December 2026.
What you receive
- 8-month fully virtual entrepreneurship programme, self-paced, at no cost
- Business bootcamp delivered by Queen's University faculty and industry leaders
- The Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework, the step-by-step startup method developed at MIT
- Pitch coaching and mastery, plus live workshops on marketing, goal setting and recruiting
- Opportunity to earn Queen's University micro-credentials in entrepreneurship, free, each with a verifiable blockchain ID
- One-on-one program coach and a community of more than 15 mentors, including African founders who have scaled ventures
- Access to Queen's global network of entrepreneurial alumni and a cohort of thousands of students and recent graduates across Africa
- Stipend of $500 CAD for up to 60 fellows selected in the final phase
- Chance to pitch for prizes of up to $15,000 CAD in the final pitch competition
- Post-incubation support after graduation, with high-performing fellows invited back as ambassadors and mentors
Who can apply
- Open to students and recent graduates from any academic discipline and any post-secondary institution in Africa
- You can apply whether you are already building a business or exploring a new idea
- Committed to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ready to use the programme's resources and mentorship
- Willing to dedicate at least 10 hours per week to the entrepreneurial journey
- Able to meet assignment deadlines, since participants must advance through the programme phases
- Assignments and pitches must be completed in English. Program content is delivered in English and mentorship may be offered in English and French
- Applicants who are not fluent in English are encouraged to apply by teaming with someone who meets the English requirement or accessing language support through their university or local organisations
How to apply
- Open the application form at https://queensu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2skpzGTY6MedJJk
- Complete the form with your details, your institution and your venture idea or business
- Submit before the apply-by date of 1 December 2026
- If selected for Phase 1 (Explore), begin the curated courses and the first 11 steps of the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework workbook between January and February
- Progress through the Ignite phase milestones and pitch at the end of the phase to compete for a fellowship place in the Launch and Fellowship phase
Selection process
- Phase 1 (Explore), January to February: 1,000+ exceptional candidates receive online courses and work through the first 11 steps of the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework, demonstrating commitment by completing training and milestones
- Phase 2 (Ignite), March to April: 180+ finalists with outstanding commitment continue with additional courses, build business models, prototype and pitch their ideas
- Phase 3 (Launch and Fellowship), May to August: up to 60 fellows join the summer incubation programme with seed funding access, weekly 3-2-1 pitches, coaches and mentors
- Graduation in August, with post-incubation services, support and further pitch competition opportunities
Sources and verification
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Questions applicants ask
Does the fellowship cost anything?
No. The programme, the courses and all Queen's University digital badges and certificates are free of charge.
How much time does it take?
The programme is fully virtual and self-paced over the 8-month cycle, but participants should dedicate at least 10 hours per week and must meet assignment deadlines to advance through the phases.
Do I need to already have a business?
No. Students and recent graduates from any discipline and any post-secondary institution in Africa can apply, whether they are already building or still exploring an idea.
What financial support do fellows receive?
Up to 60 fellows selected in the final phase receive a stipend of $500 CAD, and the closing pitch competition awards prizes of up to $15,000 CAD.
I am more comfortable in French than English. Can I still apply?
Yes. Program content is in English and mentorship may be offered in English and French. Assignments and pitches must be in English, so you can form a team with someone who meets the English requirement or access language support through your university or local organisations.
Important disclaimer
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