Specialised Mentors Network · SYNAPSE Ideathon 1.0
Join the Specialised Mentors Network
AION Synapse Foundation invites researchers, academics, professionals, and specialists to apply to join the Specialised Mentors Network of the SYNAPSE Ideathon 1.0.
Purpose of the Programme
The SYNAPSE Ideathon is a micro-grants programme aimed at identifying and strengthening research and innovation projects with the potential to generate scientific, technological, social, and environmental solutions in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Support
Support beneficiary teams through a process of technical and strategic mentorship.
Strengthen
Contribute to the strengthening of projects with the potential to generate scientific, technological, social, and environmental solutions.
Develop
Contribute to the development of capacities and the consolidation of solutions with potential for impact.
Connect
Become part of the International Experts Network of AION Synapse Foundation — a community of professionals committed to research, innovation, international cooperation, and sustainable development.
Candidate Profile
AION Synapse Foundation invites applications from individuals with a strong academic, scientific, technological or professional background who are interested in supporting the development of research and innovation projects. Candidates must meet, as a minimum, the following profile.
Academic Background
Hold a Master's or Doctoral degree (MA, M.Sc., Ph.D. or equivalent) in areas related to the themes of the call.
Professional Experience
Demonstrate experience in research, innovation, technological development, entrepreneurship, international cooperation, sustainability or related disciplines.
Mentoring Experience
Have experience in mentoring, advisory work, technical support or the strengthening of projects, organisations, research teams or innovation initiatives.
Demonstrable Track Record
Demonstrate an academic or professional track record supported by projects, publications, innovation, knowledge transfer, institutional leadership, entrepreneurship or relevant contributions in their area of specialisation.
Commitment and Ethics
Act with commitment, ethics, confidentiality, a spirit of service and a willingness to share knowledge and experience with beneficiary teams.
AION Synapse Foundation will endeavour to build a multidisciplinary and international Specialised Mentors Network, comprising specialists from different disciplines, institutions and countries, promoting diversity of knowledge, experience and approaches to strengthen the development of the selected projects.
Role of Selected Individuals
Selected individuals will join the Specialised Mentors Network of the SYNAPSE Ideathon 1.0 and will support the development of beneficiary projects through a process of technical, strategic, and methodological mentoring. Each mentor will be assigned to one of the selected projects, ensuring the closest possible alignment between their experience, area of specialisation, and the specific needs of the beneficiary team.
Technical and Strategic Guidance
Provide technical and strategic guidance to strengthen the development of the project.
Knowledge Sharing
Share knowledge, tools, methodologies, and best practices applicable to the initiative.
Identifying Opportunities
Support the beneficiary team in identifying opportunities, challenges, and possible alternative solutions.
Capacity Building
Contribute to strengthening the technical and management capacities of participating individuals.
Collaborative Innovation
Promote the exchange of knowledge, responsible innovation, and collaborative working.
Confidentiality and Ethics
Maintain the confidentiality of all information obtained during the mentoring process. Act with professionalism, ethics, respect, and independence throughout the engagement.
Benefits of Joining the Specialised Mentors Network
Selected individuals will have the opportunity to become part of an international community of specialists committed to strengthening research, innovation, and sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Specialised Mentors Network
Join the Specialised Mentors Network of the SYNAPSE Ideathon 1.0, accompanying projects with high potential for scientific, technological, social, and environmental impact.
International Experts Network
Become a member of the International Experts Network of AION Synapse Foundation, a community of specialists that promotes scientific cooperation, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration.
Collaboration Networks
Establish collaboration networks with researchers, universities, research centres, international organisations, cooperation bodies, innovation ecosystems, and other specialists across the region.
Participation in Future Initiatives
Mentors may be considered for future mentoring, evaluation, technical consultation, scientific committee, or working group activities, in accordance with their experience and the needs of each programme.
Sustainable Impact
Contribute to capacity building, knowledge transfer, and the development of innovative solutions aimed at addressing the challenges of sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Recognition and Certification
Selected mentors receive verifiable, professional evidence of their contribution to science, innovation, and international cooperation.
Official Certificate of Recognition
Receive an Official Certificate of Recognition issued by AION Synapse Foundation in acknowledgement of your participation as a Specialised Mentor of the SYNAPSE Ideathon 1.0.
Digital Badge
Obtain a Digital Badge certifying your participation as a Specialised Mentor, which may be displayed on professional profiles, academic networks, and digital platforms.
Official Programme Report
Be included, subject to prior authorisation, in the Official Programme Report of the SYNAPSE Ideathon 1.0 and in other institutional publications.
Professional Remuneration
With the purpose of ensuring close, personalised, and high-quality support, AION Synapse Foundation will select up to five (5) Specialised Mentors, assigning one mentor to each of the beneficiary projects of the SYNAPSE Ideathon 1.0.
per Specialised Mentor
Payment Method
International bank transfer or another mechanism agreed between the parties.
Payment Condition
Completion of the assigned mentoring activities and submission of the progress reports or deliverables required by AION Synapse Foundation.
Nature
Participation in the Specialised Mentors Network is of a professional and independent nature and does not constitute an employment, labour, or representation relationship with AION Synapse Foundation.
Each mentor will accompany exclusively one project throughout the entire execution period of the programme. Selected individuals will receive, prior to the commencement of their activities, all the documentation, guidelines, and tools necessary for the proper development of the mentoring process.
Call Duration
This call will be open from 17 July 2026 and will remain active until AION Synapse Foundation determines that it has the number of profiles required to form the Specialised Mentors Network. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received.
Receipt of Applications
Applications are received and logged as they arrive.
Initial Review
AION Synapse Foundation reviews applications against the required profile.
Contact with Shortlisted Candidates
Shortlisted candidates may be contacted to verify credentials or arrange an interview.
Formation of the Network
The Specialised Mentors Network is formed once the required profiles have been secured.
Profile Requirements
Fulfilment of the profile established in this call for applications.
Thematic Alignment
Alignment between the candidate's experience and the thematic areas of the projects supported by SYNAPSE Ideathon 1.0.
Diversity and Internationality
Disciplinary, institutional, and international diversity of the Specialised Mentors Network.
The submission of an application does not guarantee the selection of the candidate. The decision of AION Synapse Foundation regarding the composition of the Specialised Mentors Network shall be final.
How to Apply
Those interested in joining the Specialised Mentors Network must complete the following Official Electronic Form and attach the required documentation.
For administrative inquiries or technical problems with the form: grantsaionsynapse.org.
Personal Data Protection
The personal data provided by applicants will be processed by AION Synapse Foundation in accordance with its Privacy and Personal Data Protection Policy, and used exclusively for the management of this call, the selection process, and, where applicable, the formation of the International Experts Network.
Exclusive Use
The information received will be treated with strict confidentiality and used exclusively for the management of this call, the selection process, and the formation of the International Experts Network.
Strict Confidentiality
Information will only be accessible to authorised personnel of AION Synapse Foundation or those individuals required to participate in the selection process.
Informed Consent
By submitting an application, candidates declare that they have read the Privacy Policy of AION Synapse Foundation and authorise the processing of their personal data for the management of this call and of the selection process.
Contact Information
For enquiries related to this call, interested persons may get in touch through the following official channels of AION Synapse Foundation.
grantsaionsynapse.org
Enquiries will be addressed solely regarding administrative aspects or those related to the application process.
www.aionsynapse.org
Official website of AION Synapse Foundation.
“AION Synapse Foundation is grateful for the interest of all candidates in becoming part of the Specialised Mentors Network of the SYNAPSE Ideathon 1.0 and recognises their willingness to contribute to the strengthening of research, innovation, knowledge transfer, and international scientific cooperation.”