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LIF Global

Flagship entry-point programme that supports entrepreneurs with a technology prototype to create an entrepreneurial mindset.

Are you LIF alumni?

Apply today for up to £10,000 to support your community-driven project through the LIF Community Grants scheme. Applications are open from 14th November to 14th December 2023.

Apply now
  • About LIF
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  • FAQ

LIF Global empowers entrepreneurs who are making a positive impact in their communities with novel technologies.

Explore the LIF Global programme below:

  • LIF Global benefits
  • Programme structure
  • Eligibility criteria
  • How to apply

Gaëlle Elisha - Programme Manager, Entrepreneurship for Development

Gaëlle Elisha
Email

What can you expect from LIF Global?

  • Expert mentoring and training
  • Events in your country and in the UK
  • Ongoing support at the home institution
  • Access to an international network of peers, innovators and mentors

Applications for LIF Global 2024 are now closed.

Applications will re-open in September 2024.

Register your interest for the next round

Opportunities and skills development

LIF Global business skills and personal development journey

The LIF Global programme provides innovators with opportunities to:

  • Identify business and personal development needs
  • Develop key technical areas with support from a mentor
  • Develop pitching skills with an opportunity to pitch in London
  • Develop, scale and fund your start-up
  • Build partnerships and networks in the UK, in country and internationally
  • Make sustainability an integral part of your business plan

 

LIF Global 2024 structure

  • December
  • December to June
  • February to March
  • July
  • Post-programme

Online onboarding

Participants:

  • Assess and build their entrepreneurial skills
  • Develop your relationships with your fellow LIF participants, mentors and trainers

Individual diagnostic and online training

  • 11 applied toolkit modules, across two levels ("Foundation Pillars" and "Advanced), covering topics such as business models, value proposition, finance, IP management, competitor analysis, business model innovation and pivoting, and marketing
  • 5 masterclass training sessions covering topics such as delivering social impact inside and outside of your business, leadership and building a diverse team, and accessing global resources and internationalisation
  • 3 remote pitching training sessions

In-country training events             

You will join a 4-day training and mentoring event in your country, organised together with our in-country partner organisation

Aims:

  • To contextualise learning to your country’s ecosystem
  • To expand your networks of local experts and entrepreneurs
  • To build engagement with alumni in your country
  • To start developing your pitch deck

UK residential

Participants:

  • Travel to the UK for an in-person residential
  • Participate in training and network-building events
  • Pitch to an audience of investors and ecosystem leaders
International flights, airport transfers, and other UK travel incurred for this phase of the programme, plus hotel accommodation, meals, are paid for by the Academy. However, please note that successful applicants will be responsible for arranging and paying for their travel insurance and visa, as required, and covering any other expenses incurred during the programme.

 

Post-programme support

Participants:

  • Benefit from a series of mentoring and networking options delivered by the Academy’s in-country partners
  • Participate in the LIF online community

Eligibility criteria

Applications for LIF Global 2024 are now closed.

1. The innovation must be at technology readiness level 4 or above, and evidence of a prototype should be provided in the application.

Learn more about technology readiness levels

 

2. The applicant’s innovation can be any new product, technology or service, based on research in engineering defined in its broadest sense to encompass a wide range of fields, including, but not limited to:

  • Agricultural technology
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemical engineering
  • Civil engineering
  • Computer science
  • Design engineering
  • Electrical and electronic engineering
  • Materials science
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Medical engineering

Contact us

If your question is not covered in the FAQ page please contact the LIF team:

info-lif@raeng.org.uk

3. Candidates must be the original innovator and own shares in the company created.

4. innovation should have the potential to benefit the applicant’s country, or other developing countries, in terms of improving social welfare and driving economic development, and they should contribute one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

5. The primary application of the innovation must NOT be in the defence, military, or fossil fuel-based energy sectors.

6. LIF alumni cannot apply to LIF Global 2024. They can, however, apply to Advance.

7. Candidates cannot apply with an innovation/business that has been supported by LIF before (LIF 1 to 7, LIF Global 2022 or LIF Global 2023). LIF Global supports businesses only once. In addition, co-founders can't both apply to LIF Global 2024 with the same business or technology.

8. Applicants must be able to commit to LIF Global for a minimum of 4 hours during onboarding (13 and 14 December), and at least 20 days for training and mentoring between January and July, including 4 days (travel excluded) of in-person training in their country  and 14 days for the UK Residential in July. This implies being able to secure permission from all relevant employers to attend the programme if selected. The Academy will provide documentation on LIF counting as training or continuous personal development if required once you have joined the cohort. 

9. Applicants must be able to commit to travel internationally. All costs associated with the LIF Global programme will be paid for by the Royal Academy of Engineering, with the exception of visas and travel insurance . Participants will be asked to purchase a travel insurance covering COVID-19 testing and quarantine costs. The Academy will consider covering the costs of any caring needs related to travel on a case-by-case basis.

10. Applicants will not need to cover any costs associated with the training programme in London, nor need to have any funds to support a trip to the UK.

11. Candidates will need to demonstrate fluency in English to participate. This will be a key assessment metric. Please note that the residential programme will be conducted entirely in English. Make sure to write your application and upload materials fully in English to avoid being penalized: most UK reviewers are native English speakers. Please note that the residential programme will be conducted entirely in English.

12. Applicants must be committed to LIF Global and Academy goals.

13. Applicants must have a strong interest in commercialisation. Though previous experience of commercialisation or involvement with technology transfer is not required, this criterion is essential to successfully completing the programme, and will be a key assessment metric.

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