Fellowship
Applications are now open for the Activate Fellowship (U.S. Cohort 2027). This two-year fellowship supports early-stage hard-tech founders in the United States. Applications will close October 30 at 12 p.m. PT. Through this program, Activate supports founders working on hardware-based innovations in the physical or biological sciences. In addition, selected fellows receive funding, mentorship, educational programming, and access to a national community designed to help accelerate technical commercialization. Key Details:Application Deadline: Applications will close October 30 at 12 p.m.
A quick overview based on the listing. Review the full details below before applying.
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Applications are now open for the Activate Fellowship (U.S. Cohort 2027). This two-year fellowship supports early-stage hard-tech founders in the United States. Applications will close October 30 at 12 p.m. PT.
Through this program, Activate supports founders working on hardware-based innovations in the physical or biological sciences. In addition, selected fellows receive funding, mentorship, educational programming, and access to a national community designed to help accelerate technical commercialization.
Key Details:Application Deadline: Applications will close October 30 at 12 p.m. PTEligible Countries: United StatesProgram Duration: Two years (cohort-based elements run through May 31 of the second year)Program Location: U.S.-based applicants. Five U.S. fellowship communities (Berkeley/Cyclotron Road, Boston, Houston, New York, and an "Anywhere" option). Anywhere fellows must be located in the U.S. and at least 70 miles from an in-residence community; some communities require relocation or regular in-person attendance.Funding/Benefits: $100K living stipend per year; $100K in R&D support; $12K in travel and professional development funds per year; health insurance stipend; relocation allowance.Award Provider: Activate
The Activate Fellowship is built for founders who are leading the commercial development of a hard-tech innovation for the first time. Specifically, the program focuses on projects in physical or biological sciences or related engineering disciplines.
Fellows join one of Activate’s U.S. communities or the Anywhere option, depending on location and program fit. Throughout the fellowship, participants engage in community programming, mentorship, and structured education. As a result, the program aims to help researchers and engineers turn technical breakthroughs into scalable ventures.
Must have a bachelor’s degree and 4+ years post-baccalaureate scientific research, engineering, or technology development experience
Must be leading the commercial development of a hardware-based technology innovation for the first time (not a repeat hard-tech founder)
Must be legally able to work in the United States for the duration of the fellowship
Project must be in development and not yet ready for full-scale product sales at application deadline
Project/company must not have raised more than $2M in debt or equity from non-governmental sources at the time of application
What Fellows Receive: $100,000 living stipend per year; $100,000 in R&D support for the project/company; $12,000 per year for travel and professional development; health insurance stipend; relocation allowance; bi-weekly community programming and networking; weekly educational course (Elements of Entrepreneurship) in first quarter; regular one-on-one mentorship with Managing Director; quarterly advisory meetings; annual retreats and reunions.
Program Components: Fellows are expected to work full-time on the proposed project or company. They also attend bi-weekly local programming, weekly virtual national educational programming in Year 1, the annual week-long summer retreat, and regular meetings with their Managing Director. In addition, fellows lead quarterly advisory meetings and contribute to the broader Activate community.
Applicants should prepare the required materials before starting the application. These include:
Before you apply, review the location expectations and full eligibility requirements carefully. Then submit your application through the official program page.
This two-year fellowship supports early-stage hard-tech founders in the United States.
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