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Interplay Fellows

Application (NetID LOGIN required)

Work on your venture after graduation through an Interplay Fellows award 

The Interplay Fellows program, funded by a $1 million gift from Interplay, a NYC-based startup ecosystem, is a prestigious award offered by Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Duke I&E) that provides funding to a graduating student founder from any Duke degree program, with a preference for students with demonstrated financial need. Designed for high-potential ventures, this one-time, non-dilutive award of up to $40,000 empowers graduating student founders to dedicate themselves full time to their startups and provides a critical runway for recent graduate founders.  

Who is eligible for this award 

  • Graduating Duke students from any Duke degree program who are pursuing a for-profit or not-for-profit venture.
  • Preference for students with demonstrated financial need.
  • Preference for students who have who have demonstrated high engagement with Duke I&E (e.g., Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs, New Ventures courses). 
  • Able to collect funds in the US. Any international enterprise applicant must also have an established presence in the U.S., whereby they are a United States Taxpayer and hold a federal taxpayer identification number. This could include an organization recognized as an organization exempt from federal income tax under IRC section 501(c)3 status. 

Benefits of being an Interplay Fellow 

  • Up to $40,000 in funding (disbursed in two installments, 6 months apart)  
  • Support from Interplay team members and Duke I&E staff and faculty through coaching, access to industry expertise, and guidance in identifying additional funding opportunities, including scheduled quarterly check-ins 
  • A strong Duke entrepreneurial community to help navigate post-graduation challenges  

Expectations of Interplay Fellows 

  • Commit to spending at least 40 hours per week working on your venture for 12 months after graduation 
  • Provide quarterly updates to Duke I&E on your progress 
  • Submit an Annual Impact Report one year after graduation showcasing your progress to date and demonstrating how the Interplay Fellows award has impacted your venture
  • If you stop working on your venture before the 12-month period ends, you must return a pro-rated portion of the award.  

How to apply 

To be considered for the Interplay Fellows Award, you must complete an online application. The application requires uploading a slide deck or other document that articulates:  

  • The problem your venture is trying to solve
  • The solution your venture provides
  • Your go-to-market strategy and/or current traction 
  • Your plan for the next 6 and 12 months  

The Interplay Fellows Application is available here. (NetID login required to access application)

Application closes April 20, 2025.  Winners will be notified by April 30, 2025.  

Need more info? 

Have questions about the Interplay Fellows program or the application process? Contact Amy Linnane, Managing Director, Co-Curricular Programs, Duke I&E. 

Categories

Duke I&E Funding