_EIGHT FELLOWSHIP

One year. Four sprints. Real-world impact.

The Eight Fellowship is a one-year, full-time innovation program for ambitious graduates who want to solve real-world problems.
We match fellows with impactful projects in sectors like health, education, civics, and more to turn challenges into working prototypes.

What we offer

Fast track your career with the Eight Fellowship Program.
Learn the principles of human centred design, lead projects, create impact, gain experience and connection to industry. 

Structured Innovation

Over the course of a year, fellows engage in four 12-week sprints, each focused on identifying problems, developing solutions, and testing prototypes. 

Collaborative Learning

Work in interdisciplinary teams, gaining insights from peers with diverse backgrounds—developers, designers, social scientists, and more.

Professional development

Access a network of experienced mentors, industry experts, and institutional partners committed to guiding your journey

Real-World Impact

Develop solutions that address real needs in sectors like agriculture, health, and education, making tangible contributions to Ghana's development.


_innovation blog
_Who should apply?

We welcome recent graduates from all disciplines who are passionate about social impact and innovation.

Ideal candidates are:

1

Educational Background: Final-year students or recent graduates from tertiary institutions yet to do your national service.


2

Location: Based in Ho or willing to relocate for the duration of your service (please note that accommodation is not provided for those who relocate.)



3

You’re our person if you can:
Design or build prototypes
Code, write, or make magic in Figma
Research fast, think fast
Work in teams and bring vibes

_Innovation in Action

Our projects span Node Eight's priority areas: Health & Wellbeing, Food & sustainability, Education & Skills, Civic Innovation, Culture, Art & Tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions
1What is the Eight Fellowship?
The Eight Fellowship is a one-year, full-time innovation program based in Ghana that brings together recent graduates to solve real-world challenges. Fellows work in teams to design, prototype, and validate impactful solutions for partner organizations in sectors like education, health, agriculture, and finance.
2Who can apply for the fellowship?
The program is open to recent university graduates from all disciplines yet to do their national service. We're looking for developers, designers, engineers, social scientists, and aspiring entrepreneurs who are passionate about innovation, social impact, and collaborative problem-solving.
3Do I need to have a startup idea before applying?
No. You do not need to come with a pre-existing idea. The fellowship is structured to help you identify problems, design solutions, and build prototypes in collaboration with others.
4Is the Eight Fellowship a paid opportunity?
No. Fellows receive a modest monthly stipend from the National Service Secretariat to cover basic living expenses. In addition, professional development stipends are provided for certifications, training, and learning opportunities.
5What kind of projects will I work on?
You’ll work on high-impact projects sourced from real problems faced by our institutional partners. These range from building digital tools to improve education access to designing systems that solve healthcare, agriculture, or governance challenges.
6What support will I receive as a Fellow?
Fellows receive daily mentorship, project management support, access to technical experts, training workshops, and networking opportunities with professionals and potential employers.
7What happens after the fellowship?
Graduates of the Eight Fellowship pursue three main pathways: * Employment with partner organizations * Launching their own ventures * Joining other innovation, tech, or policy fellowships
8Where will I be based during the fellowship?
The program is headquartered in Ghana, with fellows working in Ho. You should be willing to relocate to Ho to be eligible.
9How competitive is the application process?
The Eight Fellowship is highly competitive, with hundreds of applicants each year. We’re looking for applicants who demonstrate originality, leadership potential, a collaborative spirit, and a deep commitment to social impact.
10When do applications open and close?
Applications for the 2025 cohort open in June 2024 and close in July 2024. The fellowship begins in October 2024.
Ready to turn bold ideas into real-world impact?

Join the Eight Fellowship and spend one year building innovative solutions that matter. Work in teams, gain mentorship, and launch your future in innovation. Applications are now open