Halcyon Open Application 2026: Apply Year-Round to Join a Global Community of Impact-Driven Founders

Overview

Halcyon runs a year-round open application for entrepreneurs building businesses meant to create meaningful social, environmental or economic impact. Instead of one annual deadline, ventures can submit a short Eligibility Application at any time, and submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis. If a venture meets the criteria and a suitable fellowship becomes available, it may be invited to complete a more detailed Invitational Application.

How to apply

The process has two steps. In the first, applicants complete the Eligibility Application, answering basic questions about their venture's mission, development stage, impact focus, solution and likely fit with Halcyon's programmes. This form can be submitted only once, and duplicate applications are automatically rejected, so the first submission should be accurate and complete.

The second step is by invitation only and cannot be accessed independently. It examines the founding team, the innovation behind the venture, the problem addressed, impact, scalability, growth potential and the founder's vision. Applicants are now required to upload a pitch deck of up to 15 slides.

Requirements

Halcyon's selection committee uses four criteria. Impact asks what challenge the venture addresses, who is affected, how the solution responds and how change can be shown or measured. Scalability looks at whether the solution can reach more people and markets, the size of the problem, barriers to expansion and a realistic growth vision. Innovation considers what makes the technology, business model, delivery model or approach distinctive. Talent assesses the founders' ability, relevant experience, achievements, complementary skills, commitment and ambition to execute the vision.

Key dates

No single deadline applies to the Eligibility Application, which is open throughout the year. Invitations depend on when a fellowship that fits the venture opens.