Activate Fellowship 2027: $100,000 Annual Stipend and $100,000 R&D Support for Hard-Tech Founders
The Activate U.S. Fellowship Cohort 2027 supports scientists, engineers, and technology professionals transitioning hard-tech innovations from research into commercialization.
Overview
The Activate Fellowship is designed for technical founders developing hardware-based technologies within the physical sciences, biological sciences, and related engineering disciplines. The program equips participants with financial resources, entrepreneurship education, mentorship, professional development, and community programming to help bridge the gap between scientific innovation and commercial viability.
Benefits
- Annual Living Stipend: A $100,000 living stipend per year to support full-time dedication to the project or company.
- R&D Support: $100,000 in research and development funding for experimentation, prototyping, and testing.
- Travel & Professional Development: $12,000 annually to expand professional networks and leadership capabilities.
- Additional Support: Includes a health insurance stipend and a relocation allowance.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet specific individual and project-level requirements to qualify for the fellowship:
- Must possess a bachelor’s degree.
- Must have a minimum of four years of post-baccalaureate experience in scientific research, engineering, or technology development.
- Must be leading the commercial development of a hardware-based technology innovation for the first time (not a repeat hard-tech founder).
- Must be able to commit full-time to the project or company if selected.
- Must have U.S. work authorization for the duration of the fellowship and communicate proficiently in English.
- Proposed projects must be in development (not yet at full-scale product sales) and must not have raised more than $2 million in non-governmental debt or equity funding.
How to Apply
Prospective applicants should begin by visiting the official application page, completing the application interest form, and submitting all required materials demonstrating their technical expertise, development stage, and leadership potential.
Deadline
Applications for the Activate U.S. Fellowship Cohort 2027 close on October 30 at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time.