From confused and overlooked to confident and credentialed—our Fellowship gives you the tools, training, and support to rise above the competition
Over 600+ Fellows Certified Last Year
We know how frustrating it is to do everything “right” and still feel like you’re falling short. If you’ve ever wondered why other students seem to have secret advantages—whether it’s mentors, credentials, or connections—you’re not alone. We understand how isolating it can be to question if you’re doing enough, especially when you’ve worked this hard already.
That’s exactly why the NIC Fellowship exists. With over 15,000 students coached, 600 Fellows certified just last year, and a presence on 50+ campuses, we’ve built a track record of helping ambitious students like you rise above the noise. You’ll gain innovation training, real-world consulting experience, expert mentorship, and a nationally recognized credential—all designed to help you take your next step with confidence.
Right here. This is how standout applicants are made.
Founded in 2023, the National Innovation Council (formerly CGHS) immerses students in a globally connected, hands-on learning environment designed to prepare them for an uncertain future. Our goal is to be the best accelerator for learners ready to transform their lives and the world.
Developed with CEOs and modeled on innovation hubs like Silicon Valley, Dubai, and London, the NIC Fellowship mirrors the learning cultures of Stanford, Google, NASA, MIT, and Harvard.
Whether you’re exploring AI in healthcare, rethinking education access, navigating housing policy, or engineering global infrastructure, NIC gives you a rigorous social innovation curriculum, real-world experience, and access to a network of mentors and changemakers.
You don’t need to guess your way forward anymore.
Select one of five high-impact disciplines where you’ll apply your learning to real employer challenges—through hands-on consulting projects that prepare you for your future.
Explore biotech, digital health, and precision medicine to shape equitable care systems worldwide.
Example Partner: Moderna
Project: Design an outreach strategy to increase vaccine trial participation in underserved communities.
Lead breakthroughs in space, AI, climate, and quantum technologies shaping the next decade.
Example Partner: Stoke Space
Project: Build a roadmap to adapt reusable rockets for humanitarian satellite launches.
Tackle real infrastructure challenges—from smart cities to sustainable energy innovation.
Example Partner: Tesla
Project: Propose new uses for Tesla battery tech in affordable housing and grid systems.
Develop legal systems that anticipate emerging tech—from AI ethics to digital privacy rights.
Example Partner: Color of Change
Project: Propose guidelines for ethical AI use in policing to ensure legal and racial equity.
Reimagine human learning through neuroscience, tech, and next-gen models for global education.
Example Partner: Girls Who Code
Project: Build a digital campaign to expand rural STEM access for high school girls.
We take a different approach to innovation and venture development. We combine frontline service with access to an expert network, skills training, real-world experience, and the platform to create your own ventures.
Investigate a fast-moving frontier topic and present your take in new and creative ways.
Solve a real-world challenge with a product, process, or policy proposal.
Partner with real companies to address pressing business or social problems.
Develop, pitch, and potentially launch your own venture.
Present your breakthrough ideas to investors, policymakers, and peers.
NIC (formerly CGHS) allowed me to collaborate with driven students from across the country challenged me to think bigger and lead with purpose. Through hands-on projects, I gained the confidence and skills I’ll carry into a future career in medicine.
What meant the most was connecting with people who shared that same drive to make a difference. Being surrounded by others who were equally passionate about helping others inspired me to keep pushing forward and reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this work.
“Including my NIC (formerly CGHS) credential on my resume made a huge difference during my grad school applications. Admissions asked about the Fellowship during interview and it gave me something unique to talk with real-world experience.”
No. Unlike typical pre-med or healthcare clubs, the NIC Fellowship is outcome-driven. You’ll work on real healthcare innovation projects, get expert mentorship, and earn a credential recognized by grad schools and healthcare employers nationwide.
Yes. Our Fellows demonstrate leadership, innovation, and real-world impact in healthcare—qualities admissions committees actively seek. Many have used their Fellowship experience to secure interviews and acceptances into competitive programs.
While volunteering is valuable, most healthcare students do it. The Fellowship adds distinctive experience—solving real problems with healthcare technology, presenting to industry leaders, and gaining national recognition—that sets you apart in competitive applications.
The NIC Fellowship is built for busy healthcare students. Most complete it in under 5 hours per week, with flexible scheduling so you can manage it alongside clinical shifts, labs, or coursework.
We partner with healthcare innovators, educators, and industry decision-makers. Fellows present at the National Symposium and graduate with a credential that signals initiative, problem-solving ability, and readiness for advanced healthcare training.
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