Deadline: November 20, 2025
The Halcyon 2026 Latin America & the Caribbean (LAC) Climate Fellowship is a tailored fellowship designed to support early-stage founders from the LAC region who are working on climate adaptation and resilience solutions. It offers a hybrid model of in-person residencies and virtual programming, coupled with mentoring, network access and non-dilutive support.
What the Programme Offers
- A hybrid format with:
- A one-week in-person residency in Bogotá, Colombia.
- Five (5) days of virtual programming.
- A second one-week in-person residency in Medellín, Colombia.
- Each participating venture receives:
- US $10,000 in Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud credits.
- US $6,000 equity-free stipend for the venture.
- Structured workshops covering: product-market fit, capital strategy, leadership and growth.
- Access to professional advisors and a growing community of 600+ founders.
- Networking opportunities with investors, mentors, and climate-sector stakeholders.
Eligibility & Timeline
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must ensure their venture meets the following:
- Based in (or serving) the Latin America & Caribbean (LAC) region.
- A for-profit startup with a working minimum viable product (MVP), pilot stage, letter of intent or early revenue.
- The applicant must be the CEO or hold primary decision-making authority in the venture.
- Team may include one co-founder; ventures are especially encouraged if the founding team includes at least one woman founder/co-founder.
- Full fluency in English (as the programme is delivered in English).
- Full commitment to participating in all in-person and virtual programme elements.
Timeline Highlights
- Application Opens: 31 October 2025
- Eligibility Application Deadline: 20 November 2025
- Invitational Application Deadline: 4 December 2025
- Virtual Kick-Off: 18 February 2026
- In-Person Residency #1 (Bogotá): 13–20 March 2026
- Final In-Person Residency (Medellín): 21–28 August 2026
Why It’s A Strong Fit
For founders operating in climate innovation within the LAC region, this fellowship is particularly compelling because:
- The combined virtual + in-person format enables deep engagement while offering regional immersion in two major Colombian cities.
- The stipend and AWS credits allow ventures to scale technological infrastructure and engage in network-building without giving equity.
- The structured workshops and mentoring are designed to strengthen core business fundamentals — especially around scaling, capital readiness and leadership.
- The network effect—joining hundreds of impact-driven entrepreneurs—can generate partnerships, investor introductions and regional visibility.
- If your venture (or one you partner with) works in climate adaptation/resilience in LAC, this could accelerate your growth and impact.
Key Considerations
- Regional focus: If your primary market is outside the LAC region, the relevance may be limited. If you operate from Nigeria (or another non-LAC country) but have a significant LAC-market presence or partnership, you’d need to clearly demonstrate relevance.
- Time & travel commitments: Two in-person residencies require travel to Colombia and full participation. Logistics (visa, travel costs, accommodation) will need planning.
- English-language delivery: The programme is in English—fluency is required.
- Stage of venture: Focus is on ventures with an MVP and realistic scaling potential — early concept stage ventures may not be competitive.
- Alignment of impact & business model: The selection emphasises impact, scalability, innovation and team. You’ll need to articulate how your venture addresses climate resilience/adaptation in a measurable way.
What to Prepare
- A clear description of your venture: what problem you’re solving in climate adaptation/resilience, your business model, traction (pilot or revenue), and scale potential.
- Evidence of your leadership role (CEO or decision-maker) and that your venture is ready for acceleration.
- A pitch deck (up to 15 slides) that covers market, product/solution, business model, team, traction, and growth strategy.
- A short video (if accepted) may be requested to showcase the team and venture vision.
- Documentation of your MVP or early proof points (pilot data, LOIs, revenues).
- An articulation of how you will leverage the stipend, AWS credits and network to scale your venture.
- A commitment plan for the in-person residencies and virtual components (calendar, travel logistics, team availability).
How to Apply
- Step 1: Submit the eligibility application by 20 November 2025.
- Step 2: If invited, complete the invitational application by 4 December 2025.
- Ensure all supporting materials (pitch deck, video link, team Bios) are ready ahead of time.
For support in proposal drafting, refining and review, please contact us at GrantsDatabase (contactus).
