The Design Thinking Fellowship│ Application is open

Applications are now open for the 2026 cohort, a 6-month, practice-oriented fellowship running from April 1 to October 2026

If you’re someone who wants to move beyond ideas and actively engage with real-world social challenges, the Design Thinking Fellowship (DTF) offers a space to learn, experiment, and build—by doing.

Applications are now open for the 2026 cohort, a 6-month, practice-oriented fellowship running from April 1 to October 2026

What is the Design Thinking Fellowship?

The Design Thinking Fellowship is a semi-structured, practice-driven program designed for individuals who want to deeply engage with social problem-solving using design thinking methodologies.

This is not a conventional course. It is an evolving, co-created journey where fellows actively shape their learning experience while working on real challenges.

At its core, the fellowship emphasizes:

• Human-centered problem solving

• Iterative learning and experimentation

• Real-world engagement with social contexts

• Collaborative and self-driven learning

Fellowship Philosophy

DTF is built on a clear set of working principles:

• Learning by doing rather than passive consumption

• A people-first approach to understanding problems

• Continuous iteration: test → fail → refine → repeat

• Decentralized, democratic participation

• Focus on action over abstraction

This means you won’t just study frameworks—you’ll apply, question, and reshape them in context.

Fellowship Structure

The 6-month journey is divided into four immersive phases:

1. Co-Learn (45 Days)

• Explore design thinking concepts freely

• Engage in readings, discussions, and frameworks

• Build a foundational understanding of social issues and contexts

2. Co-Work (45 Days)

• Work alongside ongoing initiatives at The Ignite Foundation

• Apply learning in real operational environments

• Understand the realities of working in the social sector

3. Co-Create (45 Days)

• Develop ideas, early-stage concepts, and prototypes

• Experiment individually and collaboratively

• Turn insights into tangible outputs

4. Co-Design (45 Days)

• Design solutions for real challenges from your own community

• Work independently or with organizations

• Build toward a final project—this could even be designing your own initiative

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for individuals who:

• Are curious, proactive, and willing to engage deeply

• Want hands-on exposure to social impact work

• Are comfortable with ambiguity and experimentation

• Prefer learning through action rather than structured instruction

Formal degrees are not a barrier—intent, attitude, and practical intelligence matter more.

Important Details

• Duration: April 1 – October 2026 (6 months, part-time engagement)

• Application Deadline: February 28, 2026

• Selection Interviews: Mid-March 2026

• Final Selection Notification: March 29, 2026

The fellowship is unpaid by design, but essential expenses may be covered.

How to Apply

To apply, submit a minimalist CV and a short cover letter expressing your interest and intent.

📩 Send your application to: jaseelck@theigniteindia.com