Applications are now open for the Maple Global Innovation Fellowship 2026, an international professional fellowship aimed at entrepreneurs, researchers, technology professionals, AI and robotics experts, mentors and leaders within innovation ecosystems.

The fellowship seeks to bring together professionals involved in innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, research and community development. Selected Fellows will have opportunities to support talent discovery, share knowledge and strengthen connections between innovation ecosystems internationally.

The Maple Global Innovation Fellowship is part of the network associated with The Maple Awards, an initiative focused on innovation, including areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

Fellows are expected to support the Maple ecosystem by identifying promising innovators, linking relevant organisations and communities, sharing professional expertise and helping create opportunities for emerging innovators.

The fellowship operates separately from the Maple Awards Scientific Committee and Jury.

Eligible applicants are professionals actively contributing to innovation within their regions or fields. The programme is open to:

• Entrepreneurs and startup founders
• Researchers
• Engineers
• AI and robotics professionals
• Innovation managers
• Mentors
• Investors
• University professionals
• Technology professionals
• Community leaders
• Ecosystem builders
• Young innovation leaders

Applicants are expected to have relevant professional experience, involvement in innovation, networks or communities they can contribute to, and an interest in supporting the broader innovation ecosystem.

Selected Fellows may participate in several activities within the Maple ecosystem. These include identifying and introducing promising AI, robotics, technology, research or innovation teams; connecting universities, associations, startups, innovation communities and organisations with Maple; and sharing selected Maple opportunities and announcements through relevant professional networks.

They may also contribute professional expertise through insights, mentoring and discussions where appropriate. Fellows can nominate promising teams for Maple Awards participation or scholarship consideration and help strengthen connections between innovators and innovation ecosystems across different countries.

The fellowship offers selected participants an official appointment as a Global Innovation Fellow for 2026, alongside a personalised Fellowship Membership Card featuring a Member ID and QR verification.

Other benefits include an official digital certificate, potential public profiling on the Maple Awards or Maple ecosystem website, and a personal introduction poster for professional and social media use.

Fellows may also receive special conditions or discounts for selected Maple competitions, events and programmes, as well as potential feedback, introductions and ecosystem support for selected projects.

Additional opportunities include consideration for selected international competitions, exhibitions, delegations and partner programmes. Fellows will also have access to professionals, innovators, scientific experts, organisations, mentors and international ecosystem members.

The programme also provides opportunities to nominate promising AI and robotics teams and receive priority consideration for selected future Maple panels, masterclasses, programmes, events and international initiatives.

The fellowship is not a mass membership programme. The Maple Awards says only a limited number of Fellows will be appointed.

Applications are assessed individually, with consideration given to applicants’ professional backgrounds, potential contributions, network relevance, innovation experience and alignment with the objectives of the Maple ecosystem.

The selection process involves seven stages: application, review, selection, official appointment, issuance of a Member ID and Fellowship Card, public introduction and activation within the Maple Network.

Submitting an application does not guarantee selection.

Applicants are required to provide their full name, country, professional title, organisation or institution where applicable, professional email, LinkedIn profile, professional website if available, and a professional photo link if available.

They must also provide their main area or areas of expertise, a short professional biography, their reason for joining the fellowship, an explanation of how they can contribute to the Maple ecosystem, and details of the communities, organisations, industries or networks with which they are connected.

Applicants can additionally indicate whether they are interested in identifying or nominating AI or robotics teams, or in mentoring and supporting innovators.

The official fellowship page does not currently provide a fixed application closing date. It states that applications are reviewed individually and that the number of 2026 appointments is very limited. Interested professionals are therefore encouraged to apply while the application remains open.

Interested applicants can submit their applications through the official Maple Global Innovation Fellowship page:

Apply for the Maple Global Innovation Fellowship 2026

For enquiries, the fellowship lists info@maple-ai.ca as its contact email.

Key details

• Programme: Maple Global Innovation Fellowship 2026
• Organiser: Maple AI Innovation Foundation / The Maple Awards
• Type: International professional fellowship and innovation network
• Who can apply: Entrepreneurs, researchers, AI/robotics professionals, technology experts, mentors, investors, university professionals, community leaders and other innovation ecosystem professionals
• Location: International
• 2026 appointments: Limited
• Application deadline: No fixed deadline stated
• Application: Online
• Cost: No application fee stated on the official fellowship page

Source: msmeafricaonline.com