Call for Applications: Activate Fellowship Program (United States)

Applications are now open for the Activate Fellowship Program, designed for scientists aiming to transform their research into real-world impact.

Program Overview

Activate empowers scientists and engineers to become founders by bringing their research to market. This two-year fellowship provides early-stage science entrepreneurs with funding, technical resources, and support from a wide network of experts, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals.

What They Provide

Essential Funding: Fellows receive a yearly living stipend of $100K, along with travel allowance, health insurance, and relocation support, allowing them to focus fully on their project. Each project also receives $100K in R&D funds at zero cost and access to at least $75K in additional flexible capital.
A Community of Peers: Fellows join a supportive, dynamic community of scientists, engineers, and technologists. The Activate team, Managing Directors, and fellow alumni share knowledge and celebrate achievements together.
An Unrivaled Network: Activate connects fellows to industry executives, investors, philanthropists, and other experts from academia, industry, government, and finance, providing advisory and partnership opportunities.
Research Facilities: Fellows gain access to essential research tools, facilities, and expertise through a host laboratory, retaining ownership of any intellectual property developed during the fellowship.
Entrepreneurial Education: Tailored startup curriculum delivered weekly, focusing on business development, product development, and skill-building, with mentorship to support personal and professional growth.
Intensive Mentorship: Fellows receive personalized guidance from experienced mentors and connections to Activate's broad network of advisors, experts, and investors.

What They Look For

Technical Excellence: Applicants should demonstrate deep knowledge of their project field and be able to communicate complex technical concepts to a broader audience.
Leadership: Fellows are expected to grow professionally, manage conflict, and mobilize resources to advance their projects.
Participation: Commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse fellowship community and wider innovation ecosystem is essential.
Feasibility: The proposed project should be scientifically sound with a credible path to scale and differentiation from existing solutions.
Impact Potential: Projects must align with Activate's mission of using science for the greater good and provide significant professional development for the applicant.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Activate Fellowship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

A bachelor's degree and at least 4+ years of post-baccalaureate scientific research, engineering, or technology development experience.
First-time leaders of a hardware-based technology innovation if awarded the fellowship.
Commitment to working full-time on the project if selected.
Legal authorization to work in the U.S. during the fellowship.
Proficiency in English.

The proposed project or company must also meet these criteria:

Based in the physical or biological sciences or a related engineering discipline.
Still in development and not yet ready for full-scale product sales by the application deadline.
Must not have raised more than $2M in non-governmental debt or equity funding.