By Nneka Nwogwugwu
Applications are now open for the 2025 Blue Ridge Labs (BRL) Founder Fellowship, a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in launching tech ventures that drive social impact.
The Fellowship seeks individuals with lived or demonstrated experience in the issues they aim to address—people ready to move from ideas to action.
What You’ll Get
Fellows receive:
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$20,000 stipend to support full-time focus on building their venture during the development phase
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A 20-week capacity-building program covering:
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Research
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Validation
- Product development
- User growth
- Fundraising
- Real-time user feedback and traction
Fellowship Structure
Phase 1: Research & Discovery
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Timeline: June – July (6–8 weeks)
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Format: Primarily virtual, with optional in-person participation
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Focus: Understand your target users, test your assumptions, and refine your narrative
Phase 2: Build
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Timeline: September – November (10–12 weeks)
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Format: In-person at Blue Ridge Labs, Brooklyn, NY
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Focus: Build your MVP (Minimum Viable Product), gain momentum, and prepare to scale
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications via this link to the application form.
Applications are now open for the 2025 Blue Ridge Labs Founder Fellowship, which offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in launching tech ventures with a social impact. The fellowship is aimed at individuals with demonstrated experience in addressing particular issues and are ready to turn their ideas into action.
Fellows in the program will receive a $20,000 stipend and participate in a 20-week capacity-building program. This program covers areas such as research, validation, product development, user growth, fundraising, and receiving real-time user feedback and traction.
The fellowship is structured in two phases. Phase 1, Research & Discovery, runs June to July, is primarily virtual with optional in-person participation, and focuses on understanding target users and refining project narratives. Phase 2, Build, occurs from September to November, is in-person at Blue Ridge Labs in Brooklyn, NY, and emphasizes building a Minimum Viable Product and scaling.
Interested applicants can apply for the fellowship by submitting their applications through the provided link to the application form.
