We look for different applicants than many other leadership-oriented programs. Instead of business people, professionals, policy wonks and government officials, the TED Fellows program focuses on doers, makers, inventors, advocates, filmmakers and photographers, musicians and artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, NGO heads, and human rights activists.

In addition to impressive accomplishment, fine character and a good heart are two very important traits we look for in a every potential TED Fellow. More than anything, this focus on character has defined the success of the TED Fellows program.

The TED Fellowship program focuses on those who originate within its five target regions -- Africa, the Asia/Pacific region, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Middle East -- however, TED encourages individuals from all around the world to apply and does not discriminate based on country of origin.