First-Year Innovation Fellowship

>>The application deadline has been extended a final time to September 18!

Are you bursting with new ideas that you want to turn into something real? Maybe you’re curious and want to better understand a social problem? Are you looking to build community amongst a diverse group of problem solvers?

Incoming Terriers are invited to apply to Innovate@BU’s First-Year Innovation Fellowship (FYIF) program by September 18 to pursue their passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. A small cohort of accepted students will be provided with seed money, coaching, and resources to transform their ideas into impact. Freshman and first-year transfer students are welcome!

The First Year Innovation Fellowship (FYIF) will give you the opportunity to:

  1. Build community amongst other first-year students
  2. Get started or move further along on an idea
  3. Develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills
  4. Explore different ways to make an impact

Program Duration

The 2022–23 FYIF cohort program is a one-year commitment and will run from September 2022–May 2023

Application Process and Important Dates

  • September 18 (EOD): Application extended deadline
  • Late September: Applicants will be notified of their cohort status.
  • First cohort meeting (date/time TBD using application materials)

Program Components 

*If accepted into the program, each fellow will be asked to commit to the events listed below. The monthly schedule (dates to these events) will be available on a monthly basis and will be based on the availability of the incoming cohort. 

  • Cohort meeting (1 hour)
  • One-on-one coaching with FYIF Program Lead (30 min)
  • Cohort outing (1.5 hours)
  • 1 Build Lab workshop (~ average 1 hour)

    Apply by September 18!


    Meet the 2022-23 First-Year Innovation Fellows!


    Meet the 2021-22 First-Year Innovation Fellows!


    Meet the 2020-21 First-Year Innovation Fellows!