The International Innovation Corps (IIC) at the University of Chicago offers a transformative fellowship opportunity through its India Program. Designed for early- to mid-career professionals, the program places selected Project Associates within high-impact environments where they work directly on implementation, innovation, and systems-level challenges. The 2026–27 Fellowship cohort represents a one-year, full-time professional commitment, running from April 2026 to April 2027. Selected fellows will be embedded on the ground in India, contributing to projects that aim to strengthen governance, improve service delivery, and generate measurable social impact. Program Overview The India Program under the International Innovation Corps is structured to: Deploy skilled professionals into high-impact development roles Support data-driven decision-making within public systems Strengthen institutional capacity through structured problem-solving Foster leadership in global development and governance Fellows work closely with government departments, policy leaders, and implementation teams to execute strategic initiatives. The program emphasizes analytical rigor, operational excellence, and measurable outcomes. The fellowship is designed for individuals who combine strong academic foundations with demonstrated professional experience and a commitment to public impact. Eligibility Criteria for Project Associates To ensure alignment with program expectations, applicants must meet the following requirements: Be below 30 years of age as of April 1, 2026 Hold a completed undergraduate degree in any discipline Possess: A minimum of three years of full-time work experience, or Two years of full-time experience if holding a master’s degree Have a valid work permit in India The program seeks candidates who demonstrate professional maturity, analytical capability, adaptability, and the ability to operate effectively in dynamic field environments. Fellowship Duration The 2026–27 Fellowship will run from: April 2026 to April 2027 Selected fellows will begin on-ground project work in April 2026, following completion of the recruitment and selection process. Recruitment Process The recruitment process for the 2026–27 Cohort is structured to identify candidates with strong leadership potential and problem-solving ability. Key stages include: Submission of the online application form Shortlisting of qualified candidates Interviews conducted on a rolling basis Final selection and release of decisions Due to the high volume of applications received each cycle, the International Innovation Corps is unable to provide individual feedback to applicants who are not selected. Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis, making early application strongly advisable. Final decisions for the 2026–27 cohort will be released by March 2026. Application Timeline The program follows a clearly defined timeline to ensure transparency and structured onboarding. Applications Close: February 25, 2026 Interviews: Conducted on a rolling basis Final Decisions Announced: March 2026 Spring Cohort Commencement: April 2026 Applicants are encouraged to prepare materials in advance and apply early within the application window to maximize consideration. What the Program Seeks in Candidates Beyond eligibility criteria, the International Innovation Corps values individuals who demonstrate: Strong analytical and quantitative skills Structured thinking and execution capability Experience in operations, consulting, public policy, development, or related sectors Adaptability in field-based environments Professional integrity and accountability Commitment to measurable public impact The fellowship is particularly suited for professionals seeking immersive exposure to governance systems, large-scale program implementation, and real-world problem-solving in complex environments. Professional Impact and Career Pathways The India Program provides: Direct exposure to high-level government engagement Hands-on implementation experience Structured mentorship and leadership development A strong professional network within development and policy ecosystems Alumni of the International Innovation Corps often transition into leadership roles across: Public policy and governance International development organizations Social enterprises Consulting and strategy firms Advanced academic pathways The program serves as a bridge between academic training and applied systems transformation. Conclusion The International Innovation Corps India Program offers a rigorous, high-impact fellowship for professionals committed to public systems transformation. Through structured deployment, data-driven execution, and immersive field experience, the program equips fellows with the skills and exposure required to drive meaningful change at scale. With a competitive selection process and defined timeline, prospective applicants are encouraged to apply early and prepare thoroughly for the 2026–27 cohort. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.