About the opportunity
New_ Public is offering a virtual residency program designed to support solo founders with bold ideas for building a new information ecosystem online. The pilot program supports two focused, driven entrepreneurs exploring humans connecting to humans (such as forums, messaging apps, and community groups) or local and civic information environments. Participants receive hands-on support, access to five years of original research, connections to a world-class network, and a structured environment to prototype ideas, test assumptions, and engage with go-to-market and sustainability questions over three months.
Funding and benefits
- $22,500 stipend paid in three monthly installments
- $1,500 toward an AI tool of choice for coding, prototyping, or design
- Hands-on support and close collaboration with senior New_ Public staff and outside experts
- Access to New_ Public's five years of research on moderation, governance, community stewardship, and platform design
- Direct introductions from New_ Public's network spanning major platforms, startups, university researchers, and funders
- An in-person kickoff retreat in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Who can apply?
- Open to solo founders and entrepreneurs based in the United States or Canada
- Founders exploring ideas in humans connecting to humans or local and civic information environments
- Individuals with a track record of, or a clear drive toward, work that builds social trust, connection, and belonging
- Strong product thinkers with good judgment, user focus, openness to coaching, and the ability to demonstrate speed and momentum
Required documents
- Written online application
- Short video introduction and pitch (if shortlisted)
- Form W-9 or Form W-8BEN (upon selection to receive the stipend)
When to apply
- Applications are due by 11:59 pm PT on Wednesday, September 9, 2026
- Shortlisted applicants must submit a short video by Friday, September 18, 2026
- Offers will be made in early October 2026
- The pilot program runs from October 19, 2026, to January 29, 2027
How to apply
- Submit the written application online before the deadline
- If shortlisted, submit a short video introducing yourself, your background, why you want to join, and a pitch for your idea by September 18, 2026
- Applications are reviewed by the New_ Public team and advisory board, with final offers issued in early October 2026
Additional information
- This is a pilot version of the program featuring two residents.
- The program is primarily virtual, but kicks off with a mandatory in-person retreat in Philadelphia from October 19 to October 22, 2026.
- Part-time or flexible commitments are acceptable for this pilot cohort, though applicants are asked about their time allocation.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Solo founders with bold, early-stage ideas for online information ecosystems.
- Entrepreneurs focused on community-building, forums, or civic information tools.
- Product-focused individuals who value coaching and rapid prototyping.
- Founders based in the United States or Canada.
What should you think carefully about?
- The program requires a mandatory in-person kickoff retreat in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Applicants must be prepared to demonstrate momentum and openness to senior-level feedback.
- The residency is a short-term, three-month commitment, which may require balancing other professional obligations.
- The stipend is paid in three installments, so financial planning for the duration of the pilot is recommended.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This residency is ideal for a founder seeking a structured environment to stress-test a product idea before a full-scale launch. With access to five years of proprietary research and a network of experts, it provides a unique opportunity to refine a go-to-market strategy and build social trust into the core of a new digital platform.
Our take
Solo founders with a clear vision for improving online connection should apply. Those seeking long-term institutional employment rather than a high-intensity, short-term entrepreneurial sprint may find this less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
