Deadline: August 9, 2026
Applications are open for the Google Data Center Community AI Fellowship 2026. The Google Data Center Community AI Fellowship, powered by Watson Institute, is a fully-funded program designed for the most promising community leaders leveraging AI to scale inclusive, local solutions in Google Data Center Communities.
Fellows receive entrepreneurship training with embedded AI skills development, committed mentorship from practitioners with deep technical expertise, integration of Google’s AI products and resources, financial tools, access to a global network, and long-term Alumni support. Fellows not only scale their own local solutions but multiply their impact by training other local leaders through community-led Basecamps—deepening their impact across their Data Center Communities.
Benefits
- Leadership & AI Skills Training Workshops: Participate in hands-on sessions focused on entrepreneurship, business acumen, and AI skills training. This training will be led by expert practitioners who have experience developing and implementing solutions to their own community challenges.
- Financial Tools & Resources: Access practical financial tools, frameworks, and workshops designed to strengthen your venture’s financial foundation. Benefit from the expertise of practitioners and Watson Institute’s broader network of specialists supporting entrepreneurs at every stage.
- Basecamps: Creating Lasting Impact: Design and lead a 1-day workshop (Basecamp) for earlier-stage entrepreneurs, with training and a community development stipend provided to support you in deepening the innovation ecosystem in your community.
- Pitch Training & Virtual Summit: Master the art of compelling storytelling through dedicated pitch coaching. Present your local solution’s growth and community impact to an audience of entrepreneurs, potential investors, corporate partners, and leaders at Summit, a live pitching and networking event.
Eligibility
- You are an impact-driven entrepreneur or community leader who is leveraging technology or AI to address pressing challenges in your community.
- You might be an entrepreneur leading your own local solutions or a community leader advancing an initiative within or through an organization.
- You are a local leader with lived expertise of the challenges you’re solving.
- You have a demonstrated history of leadership and community impact, and you are motivated to create positive and measurable change through your work.
- You are located in, or creating measurable impact within, one of the following Google Data Center Communities:
- United States: Austell/Douglas County, GA; Berkeley County, SC; Council Bluffs, IA; Fort Wayne, IN; Loudoun County, VA; Midlothian, TX; Omaha, NE; Stillwater, OK; Tulsa, OK (to include the Pryor/Muskogee areas)
- International: Groningen, Netherlands; Hamina, Finland; Waltham Cross/Hertfordshire, Thurrock or Epping/Essex, and the greater London area, UK
- You must be able to commit to the full program, including the virtual Immersive Week and weekly workshops held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Fellows will participate in one of two groups, each with a designated start time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM MT or 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM MT. They prioritize participants who are fully committed to active engagement throughout the entire program. The program’s success depends on building a strong community where all participants are enthusiastic about both learning and sharing their experiences with others.
Application
For more information, visit Google Data Center Community AI Fellowship.
