Applications for the 5th cohort of the Next Billion Fellowship Program are officially open, and the search for groundbreaking stories has begun. In its true intent of supporting Ethereum and related technologies, the Ethereum Foundation started the “Next Billion Fellowship Program” in 2021. It is an initiative that seeks to explore the stories of Ethereum’s utility in everyday life and regional developments.
According to the foundation, “The Ethereum Foundation exists to nurture and support a protocol designed to treat all humans equally; the next billion initiative at the Foundation is a frame of reference for long-term thinking about that protocol’s relationship to humans and, by extension, humanity.”
This isn’t just about technology, it is about the people and communities using Ethereum to tackle pressing challenges. From creating efficient crop insurance for smallholder farmers in Nigeria to implementing digital wallets for millions of scouts worldwide. The program aims to shine a light on stories that demonstrate Ethereum’s potential as a tool for societal transformation.
This program provides fellows an opportunity to showcase their project. For example, David Ugochukwu, a cohort 4 fellow, who documented the nuts and bolts of running a node in Africa. As a builder or visionary, the Fellowship offers the platform and resources to bring your story to life. It is a chance to be part of a global movement redefining how technology addresses real-world challenges.
The six-month Fellowship equips participants with project funding and personalized mentorship. There is also access to an expansive network of innovators, and opportunities to share their impact globally. If you have a compelling story that illustrates Ethereum’s role in solving human challenges, this is your chance.
Application Details and Timeline
- The application window for Cohort 5 is open until January 12, 2025. Submissions after this date will be considered for Cohort 6.
- Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.
- The Fellowship will host “Office Hours” on December 11, 2024, at 07:00 UTC and January 8, 2025, at 15:00 UTC to assist applicants.
- Cohort 5 will run from April to October, 2025.
To apply and learn more, click here.
