Z Fellows Entrepreneurial Program
$10,000 Startup Funding
Z Fellows Entrepreneurial Program is a program by Zenie Foundation for children aged 15–18, open to students across India. Registration closes 31 Dec 2026. It is free to take part.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Duration
8hrs
Format
Both · Teams of 3
Time needed
Full-time during the one-week intensive program; continued engagement with the community is encouraged.
Key Dates
- Registration opens
- 1 Jan 2026
- Registration closes
- 31 Dec 2026
- Dates
- 1 Jan 2026 – 31 Dec 2026
Online · Virtual (Slack, Zoom, custom platforms)
About This Opportunity
Z Fellows is a highly selective, one-week intensive program designed to accelerate entrepreneurial projects for technical builders. Participants receive early funding and invaluable mentorship from successful founders and industry experts. The program focuses on helping individuals transform their innovative ideas and side projects into viable startups.
This program is open to technical builders of all ages, including high school students, college students, and individuals with full-time jobs. Applicants should be passionate about their projects and eager to develop them further. While cohorts are primarily virtual, there are often in-person components in locations like San Francisco or New York City, making it accessible to a global audience.
Participants gain access to a supportive community of over 500 Z Fellows, facilitating extensive networking and collaboration opportunities. The program provides a $10,000 investment, which converts into stock at the next priced funding round. Mentorship from founders of billion-dollar companies like Netflix, Tinder, and Figma is a key benefit, offering unparalleled guidance.
Z Fellows aims to fast-track early technical tinkerers into the Silicon Valley ecosystem. The program emphasizes practical application and provides essential resources to help founders navigate the early stages of their startup journey, offering continued support and connections beyond the initial intensive week.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Age Range
- 15 - 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Open to high school students, college students, and working professionals.
Prerequisites
- Passion for building and developing entrepreneurial projects.
- Technical aptitude or a strong idea for a startup/side project.
Additional requirements
- Open to technical builders of all ages, including high school dropouts, college students, and individuals with full-time jobs.
- Applicants should be working on a side project or startup, or have an idea they are passionate about building.
- Technical aptitude or a strong idea for a startup/side project is required.
Z Fellows is open to technical builders of all ages, including high school students (typically 15+), college students, and working professionals. Participants must be actively developing or have a strong concept for a side project or startup. The program is global, accepting applicants from anywhere in the world, with virtual cohorts and optional in-person components in major tech hubs.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The program involves intensive work on your individual or team project, attending interactive sessions with renowned industry experts, and extensive networking with like-minded founders. The curriculum is highly practical, project-based, and tailored to accelerate early-stage ventures.
Rewards & Recognition
Award
$10,000
A $10,000 investment is provided to accelerate your project, which converts into stock at the next priced funding round of your venture.
Opens doors to
Participation provides invaluable real-world experience and a strong network, significantly strengthening applications to top universities in business, technology, and innovation.
Career pathways
Gain direct mentorship from founders of billion-dollar companies like Netflix, Tinder, and Figma. Fast-track your entry into the Silicon Valley ecosystem with unparalleled networking opportunities.
Recognition
International Startup Recognition
Skills your child builds
Languages
What your child will do
- Intensive project work on individual or team ventures.
- Interactive sessions with renowned industry experts and founders of billion-dollar companies.
- Networking with a global community of Z Fellows.
- Mentorship from successful entrepreneurs.
Mentors & faculty
Founders of billion-dollar companies including Netflix, Tinder, Figma, DoorDash, Instacart, Eventbrite, AngelList, and Scale AI.
How to apply
- 1The application process involves an online form with questions about your project and interests.
- 2Successful applicants will proceed to a short 10-minute interview.
- 3Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with multiple cohorts run every year.
Fees & financial support
Fee details
There is no fee to participate in the Z Fellows program. Participants receive a $10,000 investment to support their projects.
Refund policy
Not applicable as there is no program fee.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for Z Fellows Entrepreneurial Program?
The registration deadline is 31 Dec 2026.
Is Z Fellows Entrepreneurial Program free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in Z Fellows Entrepreneurial Program?
children aged 15-18.
What will my child gain from Z Fellows Entrepreneurial Program?
Receive a $10,000 investment for your project.. Access to a global community of over 500 Z Fellows for networking and support.. Accelerate the development and launch of your entrepreneurial project.. Opportunity to fast-track into the Silicon Valley ecosystem.. Potential for securing additional funding for promising ventures.. Gain unparalleled mentorship from founders of billion-dollar companies like Netflix, Tinder, and Figma.. $10,000 investment in your startup.. Mentorship from founders of Netflix, Tinder, and Figma.. Access to a global network of 500+ Z Fellows.. Accelerate your project from idea to viable startup in one week..
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