Apply to win $40,000 capital at the 2026 Camelback Fellowship
The Catalyst Fund, a pre-seed VC fund and accelerator focused on tech solutions that support adaptation and resilience innovation in climate-vulnerable communities throughout Africa, is currently accepting applications for 2026 Camelback Fellowship.
The 2026 Camelback Fellowship is a 16-week program designed to help ventures and founders grow. In 2015 Catalyst Fund began its journey as a global accelerator managed by BFA Global with support from JPMorgan Chase and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. By 2019, the programme had grown to include Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, India, and Mexico with the help of the UK FCDO, PayPal, and Mastercard Foundation.
From 2015 to 2022, the Catalyst Fund provided funding to 61 startup in 15 emerging markets. Together, these businesses raised over US $800 million, reached over 14 million people and MSMEs, produced one unicorn, and had five exits.
Tiffany Green, a 2022 Camelback Fellow, shared an impact story “that she hopes to start a legacy of educational products designed by people who mirror the students they serve and pave the way for others.”
Benefits
2026 Camelback Fellowship programme offers the following benefits:
- Capital: $40,000 investment for “friends and family” stage companies; available as grants for schools and NGOs or as SAFE notes or alternative funding for hybrids and for-profit businesses
- Coaching: individual coaching from experienced coaches who assist in developing personalized plans to achieve set goals
- Connections: access to investors, possible partners, clients, and subject-matter experts directly is one of the connections
- Community: a close-knit experience that extends beyond each cohort and track through the larger Camelback family of current and former Fellows, Startup Coaches, and willing sponsors
- Curriculum: a rigorous programme designed to provide underappreciated business owners the skills and resources they need to grow
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Who can apply
To be eligible for 2026 Camelback Fellowship programme applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years old when applying
- For 16 weeks, be able to devote roughly 10 hours a week to Fellowship activities.
- Hold a position of leadership in your business, such as executive director, CEO, co-founder, or founder
- Reside in a U.S. territory or the United States
- Be fluent in English
The fellowship does not require fellows to relocate since it thinks that staying in their areas and continuing to serve them has the biggest benefit.
How to apply
The 2026 Camelback Fellowship application process is divided into two main rounds, each one tries to provide insight into the entrepreneur,, their business, and their potential for impact.
Round 1: Written application and video submissions
The first step for candidates is to send in a written application that includes a three-minute pitch and one to two videos, along with short and long-form questions about their business. About 15% of applicants move on to the next round, while others might get written comments to improve their applications in the future.
Round 2: Online interview
Finalists participate in a 75-minute video interview with stakeholders, alumni, and the Camelback team. The session looks at the venture’s social effect, market knowledge, and leadership abilities. Camelback offers preparing materials to help candidates get through the application process.
Final deliberation: a maximum of sixteen fellows are selected. Visit Camelback official application website to apply.
Deadline:
Application closes on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
Do you have an innovative business (small, mid-scale business or startup) that adds value, creates opportunities or solves bold problems? Then you`ve got a story worth telling? Shoot us an email with the subject “Story Worth Telling (+Name of Business)” to [email protected]
