2024 Westerwelle Young Founders Program | Fully Funded

Westerwelle Young Founders Program is a 6-month fellowship for outstanding young entrepreneurs from emerging markets.

It brings together leaders from all over the world, who are united in the pursuit to achieve entrepreneurial greatness.

Kick-Off Event: A two-day digital kick-off event will take place in the beginning of March 2024.
Remote Programme: From March – August, the Young Founders will receive six months of support including a personal mentor, monthly peer learning sessions, monthly expert workshops and networking opportunities with corporates and investors.
Berlin Conference: The ten best performing Young Founders will be invited to a five-day conference in Berlin in June 2025. During this conference, the founders will have the opportunity to pitch in front of investors, participate in workshops, join networking events and get insights into the German start-up scene.

You are a citizen or resident of a developing or emerging country.
You have recently (in the last five years) started a for-profit company focused on developing or emerging markets.
Your company possesses a scalable business model that has generated revenue or secured a first round of external funding.
You or your business possesses disruptive qualities that can increase the quality, impact or inclusiveness of the industry.
You possess a good working knowledge of English.
You are available to attend the digital kick-off conference and can make time to participate in programme activities for the six months.

5-day conference in Berlin / 6 months remote programme
Exposure to the Berlin Startup Ecosystem through a fully funded 5-day conference together with the other founders for the top 10 participants.

Application Form for Shaanxi Normal University International Student Scholarship (written in Chinese or English).
Signed highest diploma (photocopy).
Academic transcripts (written in Chinese or English).
Research results: Published thesis, award certificates, etc. to prove their academic achievements and research capabilities.
A Study Plan or Research Proposal (written in Chinese or English, a minimum of 800 words for master applicants and 1500 words for PhD applicants).
Two Recommendation Letters (written in Chinese or English).
Chinese HSK Certificate
Photocopy of Passport Photo Page
Signed No Criminal Activity Certificate (in English or Chinese)
Foreigner Physical Examination Form (photocopy)