Emergent Ventures

Emergent Ventures is a fellowship and grant program launched in 2018 by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. It is designed to support entrepreneurs and innovators with highly scalable, 'zero to one' ideas that aim to meaningfully improve society. The program offers financial support and mentorship to individuals worldwide, with dedicated support available for projects focusing on India, Africa, the Caribbean, and Ukraine. Applicants must be 13 years of age or older to be eligible for an EV grant. The program has expanded over time to include various verticals. In April 2020, Fast Grants was launched as a spin-off to swiftly support scientists working on COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, raising over $50 million and awarding 260 grants toward critical research. In 2023, Emergent Ventures AI was introduced to support artificial intelligence researchers and talent, particularly in emerging economies. Additionally, Emergent Ventures Africa & the Caribbean was launched to support projects in these regions, with the first three cohorts of grant recipients already announced. Emergent Ventures is administered by Tyler Cowen, Faculty Director at the Mercatus Center. The program aims to identify and support life-changing projects with the potential to radically advance prosperity, opportunity, liberty, and well-being. It encourages applications from all ages and parts of the world, seeking to fund high-risk, high-reward ideas that advance social change and innovation. The application process is designed to be straightforward, with decisions often made and funds dispersed within days of receiving an application.

High-potential entrepreneurs in enterprise AI sectors, Applicants must be 13 years of age or older, Projects should aim to meaningfully improve society, Open to individuals worldwide, with dedicated support for projects focusing on India, Africa, the Caribbean, and Ukraine