Empowering the Next Generation of Innovation Leaders
The Young Innovation Leaders Fellowship
The Young Innovation Leaders (YIL) Fellowship is the flagship program of the Hutzpa Center for Innovation and Development. Established in 2018 in Nigeria, Hutzpa is a non-profit that focuses on developing Africa by fostering technology-driven innovation and leadership through experiential learning and skill development. The YIL Fellowship offers a rigorous 4-month immersion program to exceptional young Africans from over 20 countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, Malawi, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. The Fellowship empowers participants to develop impactful tech solutions—whether in the form of products or services—that address critical challenges in their communities and beyond.
Our Approach
We use the TIME Model
TRAIN
Intensive 4-Month Training Program: Participants engage in a comprehensive, four-month training program that covers practical applications of high-tech, innovation, and leadership. This includes hands-on workshops, innovation challenges, and skills development sessions.
The training runs hybrid, in-person boot camps and virtual collaborative projects and training sessions.
INSPIRE
Innovative Exposure: We provide exposure to groundbreaking ideas and successful tech leaders to spark creativity and ambition. Participants engage with thought leaders and industry pioneers through both virtual and physical tours, gaining insights from their experiences and visions for the future. These tours offer a deeper understanding of real-world applications and innovations in technology.
MENTOR
Personalized Guidance for All Paths: Whether participants choose to pursue a path as an entrepreneur or an intrapreneur, they receive tailored mentorship from experienced professionals. Our mentors provide strategic advice, constructive feedback, and support to help participants progress in their respective journeys, ensuring they gain the insights and direction needed to achieve their goals.
EQUIP
Practical Resources and Talent Access: We equip participants with the tools, resources, and networks needed to build, refine, and realize their ideas. This includes access to prototyping facilities, funding opportunities, and connections to potential collaborators and investors. Additionally, participants gain access to a pool of top talent, such as developers, engineers, and industry experts, who provide crucial support in developing and perfecting their projects.
YIL in Figures
Our Vision
To lead as the premier global platform for raising young leaders who can inspire, initiate, manage, and lead innovation within their spheres of influence.
About
The Y.I.L Fellowship stands as an annual four-month leadership immersion program in innovation management.
Strategy
To achieve sustainable economic progress, every nation must consciously empower its youth with a culture of excellence.
Structure
The Y.I.L Fellowship operates within three distinct tracks: the innovation leadership track, the innovation ecosystem
Training
Training is key. We provide training on life skills and innovation management to participants.
Mentor
Our strong mentorship programs helps fuel the passions and purpose of our fellows
Selection
We’re picky. We only select those who have the seed of excellence in them. Then we nurture it.
Our Mission
The marketplace is changing due to globalization, deregulation, and advancements in technology and knowledge work, requiring leaders who can drive change and innovation. The aim is to equip Fellows to become catalysts for transformation, whether as employees, entrepreneurs, or innovators, and to prepare them to lead with purpose and impact
Why Y.I.L?
The Y.I.L Fellowship revolves around the powerful theme of “Scaling Up Excellence.” This fellowship program is packed with dynamic lectures, engaging plenary sessions, hands-on workshops, and practical demonstrations. Key components of the training include the Challenge Phase, the Accelerator, the Internship, and our comprehensive Mentorship.
In our lectures, you’ll get insightful modules designed to equip you with the tools and strategies to excel.
Y.I.L: Scaling up Innovation
The Y.I.L Fellowship is a dynamic four-month scholarship program designed to push young professionals to their full potential.
Creative Problem Solving and Decision Making
Design Thinking for Innovation
Innovating with the Business Model Canvas
Managing Social and Human Capital
Our Partners
