TED Fellows Program

Every year, through a rigorous open application process, TED 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. We choose 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.

Apply to be a TED Fellow

Once selected, Fellows receive transformational support. Fellows participate in professional coaching and mentoring and work with a public relations expert dedicated to sharing their latest projects with the world. TED Fellows participate in an active online network and attend regional meet-ups and retreats for an explosion of conversation and ideas. All TED Fellows also have the opportunity to apply for a Senior Fellowship and grow their leadership in the Fellows community. The TED Fellows program has been designed specifically to help participants advance their research – and to help them connect with and educate the world at large.

Meet the latest class of TED Fellows

After joining the network, TED Fellows report increased clarity of mission, improved self-confidence and increased recognition of their ideas and research. Access to the TED community enables Fellows to connect with global leaders who become business partners, collaborators, funders and mentors. With the program’s support, TED Fellows have received millions of dollars in funding for their research, been awarded prestigious prizes and grants, started speaking professionally and been published widely. TED Fellows join the vibrant Fellows community, sparking cross-disciplinary collaborations and ventures. Most significantly, the program has helped the Fellows to expand and intensify the impact of their remarkable ideas and research projects, often preserving some of the most important ecological places on the planet and enhancing living conditions for people around the world.

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