TED Fellows Program
The TED Fellows Program convenes 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.

We are currently accepting applications for our next class of TED Fellows. Apply now through August 24, 2020 at 11:59pm UTC.
Before applying, we invite you to read important updates about the Fellowship program, find answers to some frequently asked questions and meet all the TED Fellows to learn more about the breadth of this global community.
Note: The deadline is in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Be sure to convert this deadline to your local time.

The application process
We read every application, and therefore the review process takes time. You can expect to hear back from us within 8 months after the application closes. All applicants are notified whether or not they have been selected to join the TED Fellows program.

Who should apply
We look for different applicants than many other leadership-oriented programs. Instead of business people, policy wonks and government officials, the TED Fellows program focuses on doers, makers, inventors, advocates, filmmakers and photographers, musicians and artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, NGO heads, and human rights activists.
In addition to impressive accomplishment, fine character and a good heart are also important traits we look for in TED Fellows. More than anything, this focus on character has defined the success of the TED Fellows program.

The selection process
TED Fellows are selected by the program staff, with extensive reference checking and consultation with experts across all fields.
There is no algorithm for how we select our TED Fellows. We select Fellows based on their accomplishments in their respective fields, the potential impact of their work and also their character. The ideal applicant is multidisciplinary and collaborative in their pursuits and is at a moment in their career to maximize the support of the TED community.


What are you looking for in a TED Fellow?
We are looking for 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. We are looking for individuals from all disciplines, and who have collaborative, kind personalities.
Why should I apply to be a Fellow?
The TED Fellowship program has the potential to catapult your career forward. TED’s expert coaches will help you hone, express, and communicate your work and ideas, as well as give you a platform to share them. You’ll meet individuals who can support you professionally. You’ll also join the powerful global network of TED Fellows – innovators who may be future collaborators. Fellows also have access to professional and speaker coaching opportunities, public-relations guidance, and more.
The TED Fellows program is looking for people who have "demonstrated remarkable accomplishment." What does that mean?
We're looking for makers and doers. We want to know about the organizations you've started, causes you've fought for, research you've done, and art you've created. We want you to show us your work.
What does the TED Fellows program entail?
TED Fellows are part of a diverse, collaborative and global community of more than 500 emerging and established experts. If selected, you’ll have the opportunity to give a TED Talk and gain valuable feedback from TED’s expert coaches on how to hone, express and communicate your work and ideas. You’ll receive career coaching and mentorship from our team of professional coaches and get public relations guidance and media training. You’ll participate in virtual programming for TED Fellows and possibly be invited to attend the special TEDMonterey conference in Monterey, California (depending on how the pandemic progresses over the coming months).
How long does the Fellowship last?
While the first year of the Fellowship is active, we like to say “once a Fellow, always a Fellow.” We hope that Fellows stay engaged and thoughtful members of the community for many years.
I’m part of a team. Can I apply to be a Fellow with my colleague(s)?
No. The Fellows program supports individuals leading ground-breaking projects, and you must apply as an individual. If you are working as a part of a group, we still encourage you to apply. In the past, collaborative teams have selected one member to apply for the fellowship. In your application, please clearly delineate your specific contribution to the larger organization or project.
Are there any changes to the program because of the COVID-19 pandemic?
In the midst of this global pandemic, the TED Fellows program is more committed than ever to finding and amplifying individuals making a vital impact in their communities and doing the work of future-making. We are 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. As always, the process of Fellows preparing their TED Talks with the TED Fellows team will be done virtually through online meetings, as well as additional Fellows programming.
What health and safety protocols are being put in place for the TEDMonterey conference?
While we’re optimistic about our ability to convene a group of people for this event in June of 2021, we’re also working to maximize health and safety. With guidance from experts and following local safety protocols, we’re planning extra protective measures including enhanced hand-washing facilities, frequent disinfecting of highly trafficked areas and an easy testing and contact tracing strategy both before and during the conference to ensure the health and safety of all attendees, staff, our vendors and the local Monterey community.