Frequently Asked Questions
- When do applications open?
- Applications for the Spring 2025 semester will open on December 6th.
- Deadline to apply is Wednesday, January 22nd at 9am EST
- Who can apply?
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.
- What is the Application Process and How Can I Apply?
- For teams that are interested in general entrepreneurship and innovation programming with Tsai CITY (Accelerator or Launchpad) in addition to SHI, you can apply on TSAI City’s website and opt-in to the SHI cohort.
- For teams interested in SHI’s Venture Development Program only, you can apply here.
- What’s the difference between applying directly to the SHI VDP and applying through Tsai CITY?
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.
- What is the benefit of joining the SHI Venture Development Program?
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.
- What is the time commitment?
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, February 7, 2025 from 2:00-4:00 pm EST via Zoom
- Friday, February 21, 2025 from 2:00-4:00 pm EST via Zoom
- Friday, March 7, 2025 from 2:00-4:00 pm EST via Zoom
- Friday, March 28, 2025 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm EST via Zoom - Kalyanpur-Maheshwari Grant for Global Health Innovation Pitch Event
- Can my startup be a non-profit organization or project?
Yes!
- Who can I contact to learn more?
Please schedule office hours with Fatema Basrai, Managing Director, to learn more.