Leaders in Innovation Fellowships
The LIF programme helps global engineering and tech entrepreneurs commercialize innovations through expert-led training, mentorship, and a strong international network, with a 2026 focus on assistive and inclusive technologies.
Funder: Royal Academy of Engineering
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026: LIF Global application deadline (projected) | October 2026: LIF Advance application deadline (projected)
Funding Amounts: Fully funded 7-month training, mentoring, and international residentials; no fees, equity, or IP taken.
Summary: Supports global engineering and technology entrepreneurs to commercialize impactful innovations through expert-led training, mentorship, and a strong alumni network.
Key Information: No cost to participants; open to founders from eligible partner countries; Advance 2026 theme is 'Accessibility, Assistive and Inclusive Technologies'.
Description
The Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (LIF) programme, run by the Royal Academy of Engineering, is a global initiative designed to help entrepreneurs in engineering and technology transform their innovations into market-ready, scalable businesses. The programme offers two main tracks: LIF Global (for early-stage innovators) and LIF Advance (for founders with customer-validated products seeking rapid scale-up and international expansion). Both tracks provide bespoke training, world-class mentorship, access to a prestigious global network, and lifelong learning and peer support via the LIF Community.
LIF is unique in that it charges no fees, takes no equity, and does not claim intellectual property from participants. The programme is supported by the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and delivered in partnership with leading organizations in multiple countries.
