TED Fellows impact at a glance
Change that gets noticed
Fellows report greater self-confidence and a clearer sense of vision after joining the fellowship.
Fellows report greater self-confidence and a clearer sense of vision after joining the fellowship.
Qualifications
We look for the emerging leaders working on-the-ground on world-changing ideas -- the doers, makers, inventors, technologists, filmmakers and photographers, musicians and artists, educators, scientists, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and human rights activists. Here is what we look for in a TED Fellow:
Emerging leaders. We focus our efforts on individuals who are in the earlier phases of their career, those who have a track record of excellence but have not received a numerous other fellowships and accolades. We search for those who are not already on the global stage.
Originality and authenticity. We look for proximate leaders with a unique approach to solving humanity’s greatest challenges. We look for the people working on-the-ground on world-changing ideas, putting ideas into action.
Kind, collaborative character. We look for individuals who have an early track record of great work in their field. We look for individuals from all disciplines, who have collaborative, kind personalities. Many Fellows claim that the community of other Fellows is the most valuable aspect of the fellowship. We try to nurture this collaborative spirit in the community.
Poised to grow. Since this is not a granting fellowship, we look for individuals who would best be able to use the TED community and this opportunity as a launching pad. The TED Fellowship is best for candidates who are prepared to grow with TED’s forms of support: amplification, network-building, communication training, professional development coaching and mentoring.
Watch their TED Talks
Meet the team
partners & individuals
We are deeply grateful to our partners and supporters for their generosity. We invite you to join them in championing social innovators.
- Bezos Family Foundation
- Lynda Weinman & Bruce Heavin
- Anonymous
- Kathleen Donohue & David Sze
- André Heinz
- Gerry Ohrstrom
- Robert Pasin
- Michael Borosky & Rob Price
- Mark Dwight, Rickshaw Bagworks
- Carl Haney & Jamie Ginott, Estée Lauder