Frequently Asked Questions

Applications open at the beginning of each fall and spring semester. Applications for the Fall 2024 semester will open on August 12th.

Current Yale students and trainees with innovative ideas to address global health challenges, in low- and middle-income countries and under resourced areas in the United States.

For teams that are interested in general entrepreneurship and innovation programming with Tsai CITY (Accelerator or Launchpad) in addition to SHI, you can apply here and opt-in to the SHI cohort.

For teams interested in SHI’s Venture Development Program only, you can apply here.

Applicants are evaluated based on criteria such as alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and SHI's mission of achieving sustainable healthcare impact in low- and middle- income countries and under resourced areas in the United States.

The key difference lies in the focus of each program. Tsai CITY’s Launch Pad and Accelerator program provides broad support for students, trainees, and teams with innovative ideas, guiding them through the process of building organizations, projects, and ventures across various fields.The Tsai CITY program runs each fall and spring semester, requiring participants to commit 5-10 hours per week. It includes workshops, mentorship, and funding opportunities, as well as a requirement to attend the Venture Development Keynote every Friday and engage in one-on-one meetings with an early-stage startup expert.

The SHI VDP complements Tsai CITY's broader innovation programming by offering specialized support in global health. Participants engage in monthly community gatherings with global health innovation experts, attend skill-building sessions, and receive feedback on their ventures. The program also includes weekly peer mentoring with SHI fellows, monthly coaching calls with the SHI managing director, and access to Mentors-in-Residence. SHI VDP participants are also eligible to apply for the Kalyanpur-Maheshwari Grants for Global Health Innovation, provided they meet specific milestones and successfully pitch their venture

The SHI VDP a great option for those who have already gone through Tsai CITY programs, have some entrepreneurial experience, are students or trainees not based on campus, and are specifically interested in global health innovation.

Participants engage within a community of practice with fellow innovators, mentors, and peers to share knowledge and support. Monthly sessions include workshops, skill-building activities, and feedback opportunities. Weekly check-ins with SHI fellows and monthly coaching calls with the managing director help navigate challenges and refine strategies. Teams also have access to expert Mentors-in-Residence and funds designed to aid their venture’s development and sustainability, contingent upon meeting program milestones.

The time commitment for the SHI Venture Development Program is variable and will depend on team needs. We anticipate 1-3 hours a week. Teams meet monthly during the academic semester to learn from global health innovators, build skills, and iterate on their ventures. Weekly peer mentoring check-ins are provided by SHI fellows, and teams have monthly coaching calls with the managing director as well as access to Mentors-in-Residence. Check-ins and coaching calls will be set at mutually agreed upon times. The community of practice gathering dates and times are below:

• Friday, September 20, 2024, 3:00-5:00 P.M. EST via Zoom
• Friday, October 4, 2024, 3:00-5:00 P.M. EST via Zoom
• Friday, October 25, 2024, 3:00-5:00 P.M. EST via Zoom
• Friday, November 15, 2024, 10:00 A.M. -12:00 P.M. EST via Zoom AND 3:00 -5:00 P.M. EST at Tsai CITY.

Yes!

Please schedule office hours with Fatema Basrai, Managing Director, to learn more.