Solutions leveraging technology to increase social and financial inclusion and close equity gaps in education, wealth, and accessibility. Sub-sectors include:

• EdTech: Solutions that leverage digital tools and technology to improve teaching and learning outcomes, enhance accessibility and educational access, and remove financial barriers to education.
  • EdTech solutions span K-12, higher education, corporate training, and lifelong learning, integrating AI, data analytics, and immersive technologies to enrich educational experiences.
• Future of Work: Technological solutions that expand job market access for all communities and technologies that enable individuals of all abilities to thrive in the workplace.
  • Future of Work solutions include upskilling and reskilling tech, as well as technologies and business models that enhance workforce analytics, collaboration, and well-being, often leveraging AI, automation, and digital platforms.

  • Benefits

    • $10K in Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS) credits
    • $6K equity-free stipend per venture
    • Workshops with experts in product-market fit, capital strategy, and leadership
    • Professional advisors
    • Networking with investors and varied stakeholders in EquityTech
    • Access to Halcyon’s global community of 600+ founders
    • Continued benefits after your program—see our Alumni page for more.

    Program Structure & Timeline

    The final cohort is selected from 10 ventures across the world. The program is delivered in a hybrid modality through a virtual kickoff meeting, two one-week, in-person residencies in the US, and four additional virtual programming days.

    Founders receive training in Halcyon’s methodology on product-market fit, capital strategy, and leadership, as well as access to critical resources and connections to accelerate their ventures.

    Timeline:

    • October 31st, 2025: Application window opens
    • November 20th, 2025: Last chance to submit your eligibility application to be considered for this application window! Halcyon team begins reviewing eligibility applications
    • November 24th, 2025: Halcyon team sends out invitational applications to select candidates
    • December 4th, 2025: Invitational application deadline
    • Late December, 2025: Finalists invited to a virtual pitch
    • Mid-Late January, 2026: Selected founders notified
    • February 18th, 2026: Virtual Program Kickoff
    • March 6th-March 13th, 2026: Residency Week #1 in Washington, DC
    • April 2nd, 2026: Virtual Meeting #2
    • April 15th, 2026: Virtual Meeting #3
    • May 13rd, 2026: Virtual Meeting #4
    • May 27th, 2026: Virtual Meeting #5
    • June 5th-June 12th, 2026: Residency Week #2 in Pittsburgh, PA

    Eligibility

    We’re looking for for-profit startups building scalable solutions tackling pressing EdTech and Future of Work challenges worldwide.

    • Location: Global
    • Stage: Must have a working Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and a realistic potential to scale. Applicants must demonstrate early user feedback or evidence of early commercial validation, such as pilots, LOIs, or revenue.
    • Team:
      • May apply with up to one Co-Founder.
      • Applicant must be the CEO or hold primary decision-making power.
      • Must be fluent in English (programming will be in English).
      • Must be at least 21 years of age by the start of the program.
    • Program Engagement: Applicant(s) must commit to participating in all residencies, program activities, events, and in-person and virtual sessions.
    • Impact: Must be developing a product and venture which contributes towards one or more of the UN’s 17 SDGs.