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The S&G Entrepreneurship Fellowship

Investing in Bold, Purpose-Driven Future Entrepreneurs

The S&G Entrepreneurship Fellowship at International House is intended to support individuals who are driven not only by ideas but by purpose, and who want to make a meaningful difference in communities and the lives of others. We seek Fellows who feel deeply connected to their work, whose business or social ventures reflect their values, lived experience, and desire to shape the world as they believe it should be. The Fellowship is committed not only to investing in the venture, but the development of the person’s purpose and direction.

The S&G Fellowship intentionally creates a true cohort, bringing together aspiring founders at different stages and from diverse backgrounds to live, learn, and grow together at I-House. Fellows benefit from real-world leadership development through leadership development, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs (including one of the Fellowship’s founders) and the opportunity to live in a globally diverse, values-driven community.

International graduate students studying in the New York City area with a strong interest in entrepreneurship who are interested in remaining in the United States after graduation to launch a business or social venture are encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Components

Monthly Lunch-and-Learns

Fellows lead and participate in monthly meetings to exchange ideas and experiences. Guided by the Senior Fellowship Advisor, each fellow is expected to plan and organize at least one lunch-and-learn with an invited guest speaker. Lunches are open to all I-House residents so the community can:

  • Discuss business ideas, funding opportunities, cultural barriers, local challenges, share experiences, and expertise.
  • Interact with invited speakers who are successful entrepreneurs, faculty, industry leaders, and/or subject matter experts.
  • Network with I-House alumni, trustees, and invited guests.
  • Reflect on I-House learnings and how to integrate them into their business plans and personal advancement.
Ongoing Mentorship

Mentorship is provided on a day-to-day basis by the Senior Fellowship Advisor who liaises with Gautam Shirhattikar and Sunitha Lakshminarayanan.

  • Receive guidance, encouragement, and specialized advice from the Senior Fellowship Advisor during check-in meetings as they prepare and plan to launch a new venture.
  • Meet individually with Gautam and/or Sunitha two to three times per year for mentoring sessions focused on strategy, leadership development, and progress against goals set with the Senior Fellowship Advisor.
  • Receive introductions to additional mentors identified by Gautam and Sunitha from their personal and professional networks as appropriate, aligned with each Fellow’s specific needs.
Special Events

The S&G Fellowship includes a series of structured touchpoints designed to support Fellows’ growth, foster meaningful mentorship, and celebrate progress over time. These moments bring Fellows, mentors, and the I-House community together to reflect, connect, and accelerate each Fellow’s entrepreneurial journey.

  • Mid-Year Check-In: Midway through the first year, Gautam  and Sunitha will hold an informal check-in with the Senior Fellowship Advisor and all Fellows to have a structured conversation to share progress, challenges, and areas where they need support. Insights will guide the matching of mentors for the year-end event.
  • End of Year One Mentorship Event: At the endo f the first academic year, Fellows will host an in-person event in which they share updates on their journey, including presentations about their business concept. Gautam and Sunitha will invite a curated group of potential mentors and the event will facilitate introductions and relationship-building. The Senior Fellowship Advisor will help establish mentor relationships for the second year of the fellowship.
  • End of Year Two Event and Ceremony: At the end of the second academic year, the Fellows will share their journey with the larger I-House community and pitch their business ideas. The I-House Board of Trustees will be invited to attend, along with Gautam, Sunitha, and their guests. The event will be an entertaining and energetic showcase of entrepreneurial stories to foster an environment of learning and inspiration. To conclude, a brief graduation-like ceremony will recognize and celebrate the Fellows’ accomplishments.
Engagement in the I-House Community

Fellows are fully engaged members of the I-House community throughout the year-long fellowship. The Senior Fellowship Advisor ensures engagement from all fellows with House activities.

  • Fellows participate in regular check-ins and conversations with the Senior Fellowship Advisor.
  • The advisor maintains regular communication with I-House leadership and provides periodic updates to Gautam Shirhattikar and Sunitha Lakshminarayanan on the cohort’s progress and learning experience.

Eligibility and Support

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for this fellowship opportunity applicants must be
  • International graduate students accepted to an accredited academic institution in the New York City metro area, with a program completion date no earlier than June 2028.
  • Committed to launching a new business venture in the United States after graduation.
  • Able to demonstrate grit and follow-through, passion, strong leadership potential, and an openness to mentoring and community-based learning.

      Support

      In addition to unparalleled professional development, fellows receive:
      • Full cost of a room with a sink in I-House South for 10 months (August 1 – May 31).
      • Full cost of I-House Dining Plan B for 10 months (August 1 – May 31), equal to $3,230 to spend in the dining hall.

      How to Apply

      Application Requirements

      The S&G Entrepreneurship Fellowship is a transformative opportunity to develop the purpose, skills, and relationships needed to turn bold ideas into meaningful impact.
      1. Complete I-House admission application for the 2026-27 academic year
      2. Complete fellowship application which consists of:
        • Resume or CV
        • Letter of recommendation
        • Two written statements (250 words each):
          • Describe your business idea and how it will have a positive impact on the world
          • Describe any previous entrepreneurial experience, including early or informal efforts to start or grow a venture
        • One video submission (5 minutes total):
          • How do you think your time and experience at I-House will help you become a successful entrepreneur?
          • Why do you want to be part of the S&G Fellowship?
          • Why should be selected as an S&G Fellow

      Finalists will be invited after the deadline via email to participate in a Zoom interview before final selections are made.

      Please note:

      The initial fellowship is for one year only. To return for a second year, fellows must submit the standard reapplication for admission to I-House and a short statement on why they wish to continue with the fellowship. Only those who will potentially be eligible for the fellowship for two years will be considered.

      When to Apply

      Apply By:

      Receive Interview Invitation By:
      May 15, 2025 May 30, 2025
      All finalists invited to interview will receive final notifications by June 15
      You will receive an update regarding the status of your application within 3 business days of receipt.
      Apply today
      Apply through the financial aid portal when applications open February 4th.

      About Gautam Shirhattikar & Sunitha Lakshminarayanan

      Gautam Shirhattikar & Sunitha Lakshminarayanan ’05

      Gautam Shirhattikar and Sunitha Lakshminarayanan are entrepreneurs and mentors who are passionate about helping people turn ideas into meaningful, real-world impact. Gautam is a Columbia Business School alumnus with experience in entrepreneurship and leadership, and Sunitha brings a strong focus on mentorship, values-based leadership, and community building. Together, they are committed to supporting emerging founders through guidance, reflection, and practical learning—helping individuals grow not only as entrepreneurs, but as people.

      I-House alumni from 2005, Gautam recently joined the Board of Trustees prior to launching the S&G Fellowship in 2026. They are passionate about investing in shaping purpose in people, mentoring, and giving back to the next generation.

      “All progress depends on the unreasonable man” – George Bernard Shaw