A new fellowship program has been launched by Icehouse Ventures and Crimson Global Academy, offering a unique pathway for entrepreneurial high school students in New Zealand. This initiative is designed for ambitious and curious young individuals who demonstrate the conviction to build impactful ventures. The program aims to identify and support the next generation of founders before they have a fully formed idea or business plan, providing them with world-class education and resources at an early stage in their journey.
Program Overview
• Participants: Five Year 12 students will be selected for the fellowship cohort.
• Scholarship and Education: Fellows receive a fully funded scholarship for a Year 13 placement at Crimson Global Academy, valued at $30,000 per student. Students will be required to leave their current school to attend CGA, where they will complete a US High School Diploma or International A Levels over 12 months.
• Venture Support: The program includes a year-long engagement with Icehouse Ventures, featuring mentorship, interaction with investors, and support from other founders.
• Funding: Each fellow receives $10,000 in equity-free funding to be used toward launching and growing a business, which can also support program participation costs like travel, product development, or other startup expenses.
• Networking and Events: Fellows gain access to an expert network of founders, investors, and operators, and will attend Icehouse Ventures' flagship events, workshops, and founder sessions.
Eligibility and Ideal Candidates
• Student Status: The fellowship is open to Year 12 students across New Zealand. Applications from exceptional Year 11 students will also be considered, with CGA funding extending across two years for their Year 12 and Year 13 academic studies.
• Geographic Location: Applicants do not need to be based in Auckland; the program is open to students from all over New Zealand.
• Candidate Profile: The program seeks individuals who think bigger, question harder, and have the conviction to build something the world needs. A polished pitch or a formed business plan is not required. The focus is on the individual's drive, curiosity, and determination.
• Selection Qualities: Applicants are assessed on passion, ambition, leadership and vision, excellence, resilience, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Candidates are encouraged to provide specific examples that demonstrate these qualities.
Application and Selection Process
• Application Components: Applicants must complete a short profile outlining their passions, achievements, future goals, and vision. The submission includes basic academic information, a recent transcript, a personal statement, and an outline of future goals. A short video (1-2 minutes) is also required to bring the applicant's story to life.
• Selection Steps: The process involves several stages. First, candidates submit their application. Second, all submissions are reviewed, and shortlisted applicants are interviewed virtually. Third, all applicants are privately notified of the outcome. Finally, the selected recipients are publicly announced.
Key Dates
• Application Deadline: Applications close at 5:00 PM on 21 June 2026.
• Notification of Outcome: All applicants will be contacted regarding the outcome of their application by Friday, 31 July 2026.
Program Mentors
Fellows will have the opportunity to learn from some of New Zealand's most experienced founders, including:
• Brooke Roberts of Sharesies
• Craig Piggott of Halter
• Toby Hilliam of Appetise
• Stefan and James Powell of Dawn Aerospace
• Jamie Beaton of Crimson Education
This fellowship represents a significant opportunity for young New Zealanders to change their trajectory. The combination of Crimson Global Academy's world-class learning and development expertise with Icehouse Ventures' extensive startup networks and resources provides a unique and potentially life-changing platform for aspiring founders to unlock access and opportunities as early as possible in their entrepreneurial journey.