Join the next remarkable cohort of fellows
How you build your next big thing
Learning
All fellows enroll in a colloquium on social impact and design thinking with cutting edge faculty members - developed and offered in collaboration with relevant ASU academic units.
Discovery
Fellows are paired with a relevant faculty member in their area of expertise of interest who will serve as a thought partner throughout the year-long fellowship.
Fellows have the opportunity to consult with coaches who are already part of ASU’s various mentorship programs.
Practical Output
Near the end of the program, fellows will have the opportunity to present their learnings, plans or prototype at a Lunch and Launch event in Los Angeles, where they also champion the work and efforts of the student researchers who partner with them on their project.
“I thought things would go back to normal after we were done, but now I realize there is a whole new and exciting normal emerging. Things will never be the same again. The Distinguished Innovation Fellows program has truly made a difference in my life. Thank you all for the journey so far...”
— Neil Urban, DIF Fellow 2025
About the fellowship
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something that makes a difference. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online makes all the difference.
You get:
The program provides one academic year of focused project development with access to tailored ASU courses and weekly collaboration sessions among fellow innovators. You'll receive faculty mentorship from award-winning professors and support from dedicated student research assistants, plus full access to ASU's libraries, labs, and fabrication facilities. The cohort is limited to just 10 people to ensure personalized attention, and includes cultural experiences with a trip to Los Angeles. Upon completion, you'll earn an ASU Certificate of Excellence.
But not …
A degree program with busy work
Generic retirement activities
Hand-holding or micromanagement
Guaranteed funding for your project
A job placement service
FAQs
How is this different from other "encore career" programs?
Most programs focus on learning or networking. We focus on building. You come with a project idea and spend the year making it real.
Also, we're not trying to place you in existing jobs or volunteer roles. This is about creating something new, whether that's a business, nonprofit, creative work, or solution to a problem you care about.
What kind of projects do fellows work on?
Our current fellows are building everything from AI solutions for business problems to immersive art experiences about space travel to new approaches for urban planning.
The common thread: they're all working on something they genuinely care about and have the skills to execute. We don't assign projects—you bring your own.
Do I need to have my project fully figured out before applying?
No. You need a compelling direction and the experience to make it happen, but we expect your project to evolve significantly during the year.
Most successful applicants have been thinking about their project for months or years. If you're starting from scratch, you're probably not ready yet.
Do you help with funding for my actual project?
No. The fee covers the program—your coaching, resources, facilities access, course auditing, etc. You're responsible for funding your own project development.
Some fellows' projects don't require significant funding. Others seek grants or investors independently. We'll connect you with relevant resources, but we're not a funding source.
What happens if my project doesn't work out?
That's valuable learning too. Better to discover a project isn't viable in a supportive environment than after investing more time and money on your own.
Many fellows pivot significantly during the year. Some discover their original idea needs major changes. Some find entirely different directions. That's all part of the process.
What’s the application process?
Online application - Basic info and initial project description
Project proposal - More detailed explanation of what you want to build
Financial discussion - Payment and scholarship options if needed
Decision - on a rolling basis, ending late July
We're looking for people who are serious about their projects and can commit the time and energy needed.
If you're on the fence, we'd rather have a real conversation than have you make a decision based on incomplete information. Email our program director Helen Hayes (helen.hayes@asu.edu). Let’s talk!
Don't wait for the perfect project idea or until you have everything figured out. If you're serious about building something meaningful and can commit the resources, start your application.
How much time does this actually take?
Plan on 15-20 hours per week when you're engaged. This includes the weekly colloquium, selected course sessions, project work, and occasional special events.
Some weeks will be lighter, others much heavier depending on your project needs and course schedule. It's not a part-time job, but it's not retirement either.
What if I don't live in Arizona or California?
That's fine. Many fellows split time between locations, and some focus primarily on one hub. You'll need to be present for key activities, but we're not expecting you to relocate.
The weekly colloquiums happen in person, but everything else can be flexible based on your project needs and course selections.
Can I audit any ASU course I want?
Pretty much. You'll work with our team to select courses that support your project. We handle the registration hassles—you just show up and take what's useful.
You won't get grades or homework. You're there to learn what helps your project, not to complete assignments.
What about the cost?
The Distinguished Innovation Fellows program costs $20,000 but for a limited time scholarships are available on a first come, first serve basis for the 2026 class. A donor has enabled us to offer $10,000 subsidies to all 2025 applicants. So your effective fee is $10,000, paid quarterly ($2,500 per quarter).
Compare it to similar programs: Stanford charges $70,000, Harvard $55,000, University of Chicago $77,500. We've built something valuable without the premium pricing.
But the real question is whether you'll use what we provide. If you want accountability, expert guidance, student research help, and a collaborative environment for a year of focused work, then yes. If you just want to audit some classes, probably not.
Who are my fellow cohort members?
We limit each cohort to 10 people maximum. Recent cohorts have included former executives, military officers, professors, engineers, and other accomplished professionals working on diverse projects.
The common thread: everyone has significant professional experience and is serious about building something meaningful.