LIF Global FAQ

The primary objective of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (LIF) Global programme is to build the capacity of engineers and researchers for entrepreneurship and commercialisation of innovations which support the social welfare and economic development of emerging and developing countries.

Through their research, applicants must have developed (or co-developed), or be in the process of developing (or co-developing) a new technological innovation at technological readiness level 4 or above. Applicants should have the ambition to take a leading role in the creation of a new business to commercialise this innovation, and be able to demonstrate fluency in English.

When attending a LIF event:

• We will accommodate people who need accessibility adjustments   
• We will provide a prayer room
• We will provide cater for any dietary requirements and/or allergies that are flagged with us
• We will provide ensuite rooms (no shared bathrooms) to any participants entitled to a hotel room

The LIF Global programme provides:

• Virtual and in-country training events to provide an opportunity to connect with other innovators
• A UK-based entrepreneurship training and networking programme, to provide an opportunity to connect with the global LIF community 
• Expert 1:1 mentoring 
• Intensive remote training, tailored to each participant’s unique goals and challenges 
• Lifelong membership to the LIF Community

Applications for LIF Global 2026 closed on 11 September at 2pm (BST).

Applications are shortlisted by our in-country partners, and up to 10 applications per country will be selected for review by the Academy.

If you are successful and agree to join the programme, you will need to sign a Letter of Offer (non-grant agreement).

This agreement has been developed to ensure that your innovation:

• aligns with Academy values
• is used for the purposes outlined within your application
• is managed in compliance with:
  • our funders' agreements
  • UK legislation
  • funding reporting best practice

We expect you to be responsive and communicative with both your mentor and Academy staff throughout the duration of the programme. We want to hear about our awardee's success and challenges so that we can best support their commercialisation journey.