The TED Fellows Program is open to young world-changers, academics and trailblazers who have shown unusual accomplishment and exceptional courage in their respective disciplines, selected through an intensive application, interview and research process. The program provides transformational support to a global network of 490+ visionaries – scientists, academic researchers, artists, activists, entrepreneurs, doctors, journalists and inventors – who collaborate and share new ideas and research across disciplines to create positive change around the world.

How to works

Every year, through a rigorous open application process, TED Fellows Program selects a group of rising stars to participate in one of the most competitive and highly selective fellowship programs in the world. When reviewing applicants and nominees, TED deploys a dedicated staff of onsite researchers and analysts as well as a team of external fact-checkers, thought leaders and experts to collectively determine each submission’s level of innovation, expertise and potential for impact. TED chooses Fellows based on their remarkable achievements, their strength of character and their innovative approach to studying and solving the world’s tough problems. Fellows are invited to attend a TED conference, where they meet, exchange ideas and connect with the larger TED community. They also give their own TED Talk – an unprecedented opportunity to disseminate their unique ideas and innovative research outcomes to the world. Every talk by a Fellow goes through the same rigorous coaching, fact-checking and vetting process as a mainstage TED talk.

Criteria 

• Individuals who have a proven track record of great work in their field and are on the brink of an incredible breakthrough, but need the extra support to get there.
• Individuals from all disciplines, and who have collaborative, kind personalities can apply.
• All applicants must be 18 years or older by the time they apply.
• English proficiency is a requirement as the program will be conducted in English.
• Must be available to speak with the TED Fellows team via videoconference for approximately ten hours to develop your short TED Talk.
• Must also be available to participate in and contribute to a thriving and connected global community, both virtually and in-person when possible.

TED is currently planning to invite our next class to an in-person conference in Monterey (May 29- June 4, 2021), given the global pandemic this conference may be canceled and the TED Fellowship may become entirely virtual, depending on expert advice and local health safety protocols.

See FAQs for more information.