Entrepreneurs with bold ideas for creating healthier digital communities have an exciting opportunity to turn early-stage concepts into real products through the New_ Public Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program 2026.
New_ Public is launching a pilot virtual residency for mission-driven entrepreneurs interested in building the future of human connection. The three-month programme provides selected participants with a $22,500 stipend, product and strategy support, access to research and an extensive professional network.
The pilot will select two Entrepreneur in Residence participants for the October 2026 to January 2027 cohort.
The New_ Public EIR programme is designed for entrepreneurs who have an early idea, product concept or “hunch” about how technology could improve the way people connect, participate in communities and access information.
Rather than requiring participants to arrive with a fully developed startup, the residency provides dedicated time and resources to help them explore an idea, test assumptions, build prototypes and determine whether the concept has the potential to progress.
The programme focuses particularly on technology that can strengthen social trust, agency, belonging and meaningful human connection, rather than contributing to online isolation, division or hostility.
Participants will work independently while receiving guidance from New_ Public staff, outside experts and other members of the cohort.
What Does the Programme Offer?
The selected entrepreneurs will receive substantial financial and professional support throughout the three-month residency.
$22,500 Stipend
Each Entrepreneur in Residence will receive a $22,500 stipend for the three-month programme.
Participants will also receive $1,500 toward an AI coding tool of their choice, providing additional support for entrepreneurs who want to prototype or develop technology during the residency.
Product and Strategy Support
Residents will have access to hands-on advice through office hours with senior New_ Public staff and external experts.
This support is intended to help participants think critically about their product, users, strategy and potential route to sustainability.
Access to Research
Residents will gain access to five years of New_ Public research covering areas including moderation, governance, community stewardship and platform design.
This provides entrepreneurs with research and insights that can inform the development of healthier digital products and communities.
Professional Network
Participants will also receive introductions to New_ Public’s network, which spans major technology platforms, startups, academic researchers and philanthropic partners.
These connections could help residents obtain early user feedback, establish community partnerships, improve their products and potentially explore future fundraising opportunities.
The pilot cohort will also begin with an in-person New_ Public retreat in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in October 2026, with travel expenses covered by New_ Public.
What Will Entrepreneurs Do During the Residency?
The central objective of the residency is straightforward: move from an early hunch to a clear idea and stronger conviction within three months.
Participants will have self-directed time to explore their ideas, prototype products and test assumptions with potential users.
They will also be expected to participate actively in the residency through regular check-ins, engagement with fellow residents and interaction with the wider New_ Public team.
A significant component of the programme will involve examining go-to-market questions. Entrepreneurs will need to consider who their users are, how they will reach them and what path could make the product sustainable.
Because this is the first EIR cohort, participants will also help shape the programme itself by providing feedback about what works, what does not and what could be improved.
By the end of the three months, residents are expected to have a much clearer understanding of their product’s strengths, weaknesses and potential next steps.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is aimed at mission-driven entrepreneurs who are exploring ideas related to healthier social technology and human connection.
Applicants may be interested in one or both of the programme’s focus areas:
- Humans connecting to humans
- Local and civic information environments
Applicants do not necessarily need to have a fully developed company or finished product. The programme is particularly suited to individuals with a compelling early-stage idea they want to investigate, prototype and validate.
However, applicants should be prepared to work seriously on their idea and engage with product, user and sustainability questions.
Eligibility Requirements
For the 2026 pilot, applicants must be based in the United States, Canada or Mexico.
New_ Public is limiting the initial cohort geographically so that participants can work within similar time zones and maintain close connections with its primarily West Coast-based team.
Applicants based in the UK or European Union are not eligible for this pilot, but New_ Public plans to open a subsequent cohort to the UK and EU beginning in Spring 2027, with further geographic expansion planned later.
Programme Details
Programme: New_ Public Entrepreneur in Residence 2026
Host Organisation: New_ Public
Format: Remote/Virtual Residency
Duration: October 19, 2026 – January 29, 2027
Cohort Size: 2 residents
Stipend: $22,500
Additional Support: $1,500 toward an AI coding tool
In-Person Onboarding: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 19–22, 2026
Travel: Covered by New_ Public
Eligible Countries: United States, Canada and Mexico
Application Deadline: September 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time
How to Apply
Applicants should be prepared to submit a resume, LinkedIn profile and one to three additional links demonstrating their background, interests or previous work. These may include a blog, newsletter, social media profile, GitHub account or passion project.
The application also asks candidates to explain a past project they are proud of, describe the idea they want to explore, identify their potential users and explain why building healthier social technology matters to them.
Applicants should also provide a concise description of their central “hunch” in 50 words or fewer, followed by a more detailed explanation of the idea and how they intend to explore it during the residency.
Interested entrepreneurs should submit their applications before the September 9, 2026 deadline.
For programme information and application details, visit New_ Public’s Entrepreneur in Residence programme page: https://newpublic.org/EIR
Questions about the programme can also be directed to hello@newpublic.org..
Why This Opportunity Matters
For entrepreneurs working at the intersection of technology, communities and social impact, the New_ Public EIR programme offers more than financial support. It provides protected time, expert guidance, research and connections that can help transform an early idea into a tested product concept.
With only two places available in the pilot cohort, applicants with a strong understanding of the problem they want to solve—and a willingness to test, learn and adapt—will have an opportunity to work closely with a network focused on creating a healthier digital future.
