The U.S. Department of State’s Global Innovation through Science and Technology, or GIST, Initiative is excited to announce a new program for entrepreneurs in emerging economies. GIST Business Incubation will support international science and technology innovators who are looking to expand their startups into the United States market. It will also provide the U.S. startup ecosystem the opportunity to forge new connections with entrepreneurs who are abroad.

Moreover, The 2019 GIST Business Incubation program will provide entrepreneurs with exposure to the U.S. market and startup resources. Further, While in residence with the program, participants will work on refining their ideas, building their business plans, and finding the right market for their product.

Eligibility

• Only one member of your team can participate in this program.
• All applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 40
• You must be a proficient English speaker.
• This program will not include language interpretation.
• All startups must be in the science or technology sector.

Application Process

1) Click on the APPLY button below to begin your application. Further, Log in to GIST Network account, you will be asked to do so.

2) Once logged in, the system will automatically move you to the application page.

3) Please fill out every required section of the form before saving your application.

4) If you choose to make changes to your application, you can access it from the dashboard on your GIST Network profile.

Important Things to Know

Before you begin your application, there are some things you must keep in mind regarding this program:

• Only one person is allowed to participate in each startup, and only one application will be accepted for each team.
• Your startup must be in its Series A or scale-up ready – that is to say, you must be actively working on your startup. We will not accept applications for startup ideas.
• VentureWell and the U.S. State Department will provide you with an offer letter as proof of your acceptance into this program which you can use for a visa. However, you will be responsible for securing all other documents for your visa as well as securing the visa itself.
• Geven a stipend if you are accepted into this program. However, you or your company will need to provide any additional financial support for costs associated with your participation. VentureWell will provide you with information about a reasonable budget for your planning prior to the start of the program.
• Finally, The application deadline for this program is Wednesday, July 31 at 11:59 a.m. EDT.