Applying to SIL

Calling all social innovators of Baltimore!

The Social Innovation Lab (SIL) at Johns Hopkins University accelerates emerging ventures and leaders that seek to change Baltimore and the world. SIL provides funding, advising and mentorship, training, technical assistance, office space, and network access to help these innovative mission-driven companies and disruptive technologies develop into thriving, sustainable ventures that make a measurable impact.

Since 2011, SIL has supported 113 ventures including B-360 Baltimore, Ballet After Dark, ClearMask, Clymb, Dyslexia Advocation, Inc., Fight Blight Bmore, Healthify (acquired by WellSky), Happy Teacher Revolution, Hosts for Humanity, Intelehealth, Le Mondo, Marigold Health, Mera Kitchen Collective, Mindstand Technologies, MOMCares, Parity, PIVOT Baltimore, Rose Health, SpreadKarma, Squadz, The Be. Org, The Portable Alternative Crib Initiative, Urban Pastoral, and WeGo Foundation.

View our Impact Reports to learn more about these ventures.

Applications are currently closed.

APPLICATION AND PROGRAM TIMELINES

August 1-October 31 2022: Applications open
November 2022: Virtual finalist interviews
November/December 2022: Finalists are notified if they have or have not been accepted the cohort.
December 2022 – May 2023: Program timeline

Who should apply

SIL seeks driven, thoughtful applicants who are:

Deliberate in developing a potential solution rooted in personal
experience or extensive research
Willing to exert extraordinary dedication to make the potential solution a reality
Enthusiastic about joining a learning community and sharing resources and open-minded in their approach

ELIGIBILITY

Working towards a solution with a stated social or environmental impact.
Applications may be submitted for ventures that are in the prototype/pilot phase (for at least six months) or already launched and operating. Ventures should be able to demonstrate accomplishments, traction, or impact.
Entrepreneurs should be currently based in, focusing on, or intending to engage/form partnerships in the greater Baltimore area.
Applications are welcome from Johns Hopkins students, staff, and faculty, as well as non-affiliates of Johns Hopkins University.
Ventures may be non-profit, for-profit, or not yet incorporated.
We welcome and encourage applications from diverse and traditionally underrepresented founders.
Applicants should be able to attend all sessions (at least one team member with decision making authority in the organization should be present). There will be a combination of weekly virtual sessions on Wednesday evenings from 5-7:30 p.m. and monthly in-person sessions on Saturdays, which will take place in Baltimore. A networking session and final Showcase event will also be held in-person.

How to Apply

Quick overview of the steps you take to apply.

Step 1: Submit name & email address

Register and create your account to receive a personalized application link via email. This link allows you to edit and save your application.

Step 2: Prepare online application

Fill out your application. Click below to review questions and instructions.

View application instructions

Step 3: Prepare video submission

Applicants also need to send a 2-minute video about their startup. Click below for video submission details and instructions.

view Video instructions

Step 4: Complete & submit application

Once your online application is submitted and video link is sent, you are done! Have questions along the way? Contact the SIL Program Director.

Email SIL Program Director

Application process

EVALUATION OF APPLICANTS

The leadership abilities of the applicant
The venture’s boldness, originality, and potential for impact as well as accomplishments to-date, feasibility, and potential for sustainability
Fit with SIL resources and offerings