Emergent Ventures grants from the Mercatus Center

Emergent Ventures is a grant program run by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. It awards grants to thinkers and doers around the world. The program page does not state a grant amount.

Anyone aged 13 or older can apply. Mercatus says it looks for entrepreneurs and innovators with highly scalable, zero to one ideas for meaningfully improving society. There is dedicated support for projects with a focus on India, Africa and the Caribbean, or Ukraine.

Applications are open all year through an online form. There is no deadline. Because of the number of applications, the program does not give feedback, advice on individual applications or updates on application status.

The program is active. On September 7, 2026 Tyler Cowen announced the 59th cohort of winners. Several of the projects in that cohort work with software and AI, such as AI agents, AI for meta analyses and AI and macroeconomics, next to work in biomedicine, policy and writing.

Quick answers

How much does it pay?

The official page does not state an amount. It is a grant and takes no equity.

When is the deadline?

There is no fixed deadline. Applications are reviewed as they arrive.

Who can apply?

Thinkers and doers anywhere in the world aged 13 or older with a highly scalable, zero to one idea for improving society. Applicants from anywhere in the world can enter, unless the eligibility rules say otherwise.

How do I apply?

Through the official page at mercatus.tfaforms.net. The link is at the top of this page.