Apply for the New_ Public Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program 2026 - a pilot three-month virtual residency for mission-driven builders exploring healthier, more human digital public spaces.
New_ Public will select two residents to go from early hunch to product conviction, with a paid stipend, expert support, peer community, and a kickoff at the organisation’s in-person retreat in Philadelphia.
Quick Facts - New_ Public EIR 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Entrepreneur in Residence (pilot cohort) |
| Organisation | New_ Public |
| Format | Virtual residency + in-person kickoff retreat (Philadelphia, October) |
| Duration | About 3 months (≈ 19 Oct 2026 - 29 Jan 2027) |
| Cohort size | 2 residents |
| Stipend | USD $22,500 + $1,500 toward an AI coding tool |
| Focus areas | Humans connecting to humans · Local & civic information environments |
| Eligible locations | United States, Canada, or Mexico (pilot time-zone / team connectivity focus) |
| Deadline | 9 September 2026, 11:59pm PT |
| Apply | New_ Public EIR application |
What Residents Do
- Explore a product hunch for healthier social / civic technology (from “-1 to 0”)
- Prototype, test assumptions with users, and build conviction about what to create next
- Join regular check-ins, programming, office hours, and peer connection with New_ Public
- Kick off together at the New_ Public team retreat in Philadelphia in October
- Help shape the pilot programme itself based on your residency experience
You are not expected to ship a full-stack product in three months - the goal is multiple prototypes, clear learning, and a plan for the next stage.
Benefits
- $22,500 stipend for the residency term
- $1,500 credit toward an AI coding tool of your choice
- Expert sessions (public-space thinking, concept testing, go-to-market, and more)
- Access to New_ Public research and network introductions
- Office hours with the New_ Public team and connection with the other resident
- In-person retreat kickoff in Philadelphia
Who Should Apply
- Product-oriented builders (technical or non-technical) with a hunch about better social technology
- People interested in platforms that increase social trust, agency, and belonging
- Founders exploring AI-native or protocol-based approaches that still centre human-to-human connection
- Builders focused on local and civic information environments
- Applicants based in the United States, Canada, or Mexico who can participate fully in the residency
How to Apply
- Read the programme overview: newpublic.org/eir and the announcement on New_ Public’s Substack.
- Submit via the official portal: Entrepreneur in Residence application.
- Apply before 9 September 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.
Official Links
Apply - New_ Public Entrepreneur in Residence
Programme page - newpublic.org/eir
Announcement - New_ Public Substack
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FAQs - New_ Public EIR 2026
What is the deadline?
9 September 2026 at 11:59pm PT (Pacific Time).
How much is the stipend?
USD $22,500, plus $1,500 toward an AI coding tool.
Is it remote?
Yes - primarily a virtual residency, with an in-person kickoff retreat in Philadelphia in October.
Who can apply?
The pilot is open to applicants based in the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
How many residents will be selected?
Two entrepreneurs for this pilot cohort.
