Overview

The International Innovation Corps (IIC) India Fellowship Program, based at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy, is an exceptional social impact initiative. It aims to develop young professionals with a passion for solving complex societal challenges using data-driven, innovative approaches. The IIC brings together diverse teams to partner with public and social sector organizations in India, helping them design, implement, and sustain solutions that drive large-scale impact.

The IIC is a one-year, organized fellowship program that currently operates in both India and the United States. The IIC India Program places talented and driven young professionals in government, non-profit, and social impact organizations across India, where they collaborate on innovative development projects with clearly defined and achievable goals, working on these projects for the duration of the year.

Who Can Apply?

• Applicants should be under 30 years old as of April 1, 2025.
• A valid work permit for India is required.
• A bachelor's degree in any discipline is essential.
• Candidates must have at least 3 years of full-time work experience, or alternatively, a master's degree with 2 years of work experience.

The IIC invites applicants from other US universities as well as all Indian and International universities, till you have a valid work permit in India. IIC does not sponsor any work permits for foreign fellows.

Application Procedure

1. Submit Your Application

• Required Documents:
  • Updated CV/Resume
  • Innovation Proposal: A detailed proposal showcasing how you intend to solve a development challenge through innovative solutions.
• The application should be submitted online through the official IIC portal.

2. Shortlisting

• After submission, IIC’s selection committee reviews applications based on academic background, work experience, and the creativity and feasibility of the proposed solutions.
• Shortlisted candidates are selected for the interview stage.

3. Interview Process

• Shortlisted applicants are invited for interviews. These interviews may be conducted:
  • Virtually, or
  • In-person at the University of Chicago’s Delhi Center.
• The interview process typically involves multiple rounds (at least two), where candidates are assessed on their skills, past experiences, leadership potential, and alignment with IIC’s mission of social impact.

4. Final Decision

• Notification Date: Candidates will be informed of the final decision by March 15, 2025.
• Successful applicants are selected based on their performance in the interviews, the strength of their proposal, and their potential for contributing to large-scale development projects.

5. Fellowship Commencement

• The fellowship officially begins in mid-April 2025.
• Fellows will work full-time on the project for one year, contributing to solving critical development challenges with government and social impact organizations across India.

• Deadline: February 10, 2025.
• Interview Process: Rolling basis, with at least two rounds.
• Final Decision: March 15, 2025.
• Fellowship Start: Mid-April 2025.

Steps:

1. Submit an application with an updated CV and an innovation proposal.
2. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed virtually or at the UChicago Delhi Center.

What Financial Support is Available?

• Annual stipend: INR 12,70,000.

Other Details

The International Innovation Corps (IIC) bridges innovation and impact through a distinctive approach:

Diversity-Driven Innovation: Teams of Project Associates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds offer new perspectives to address complex issues and foster collaborative innovation.

Widespread Impact: Associates collaborate directly with governments and development organizations, conducting diagnostics, implementing pilot projects, and reforming systems to drive large-scale and meaningful change.

Sustainable Impact: Project Associates develop enduring solutions, applying thorough methodologies and data analysis to ensure the long-term effectiveness of their initiatives.

Holistic Support: Acting as Project Management Units (PMUs), associates provide comprehensive support to government, foundation, and NGO programs through scalable, data-driven strategies.

Global Leadership Development: IIC recruits passionate early-career professionals, offering them training, mentorship, and access to the University of Chicago’s resources to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the social sector.

For More Information

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