Applications are now open for the Activate U.S. Fellowship Cohort 2027, a program for scientists, engineers and technology professionals trying to move hard-tech innovations from research and development toward commercialization. The fellowship includes a $100,000 annual living stipend and $100,000 in research and development support, with applications closing on October 30 at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Key facts
- The fellowship is aimed at technical founders working on hardware-based technologies in the physical sciences, biological sciences and related engineering disciplines.
- Selected fellows receive a $100,000 annual stipend and $100,000 in R&D support.
- Applications for the 2027 U.S. cohort close on October 30 at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, at least four years of post-baccalaureate technical experience and U.S. work authorization.
- The proposed project must still be in development and must not have raised more than $2 million in non-governmental debt or equity funding at the deadline.
What does this mean for applicants?
The fellowship is most relevant to scientists, engineers and researchers who are ready to lead a first-time hard-tech venture in the United States. It is designed for people with substantial technical experience who need support to shift into company building, commercialization and full-time leadership.
For eligible applicants, the practical value is a package that combines cash support, technical development funding and structured training. In addition to the annual stipend and R&D funds, fellows receive $12,000 a year for travel and professional development, plus a health insurance stipend and relocation allowance.
Applicants should confirm that their technology is based in the physical sciences, biological sciences or related engineering fields, that it is not yet ready for full-scale product sales, and that they can commit full time if selected. Activate also says it looks for early proof of concept, leadership readiness and clear evidence that the fellowship would materially accelerate the project.
- Deadline: October 30 at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
- Eligibility: bachelor’s degree, four years of post-baccalaureate experience, English proficiency and legal ability to work in the U.S.
- Funding cap: no more than $2 million in non-governmental debt or equity funding.
- Best fit: first-time hard-tech founders developing hardware-based technologies.
Who can apply to Activate Fellowship 2027?
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, at least four years of post-baccalaureate experience in scientific research, engineering or technology development, and legal authorization to work in the United States for the duration of the fellowship. They must also be able to communicate proficiently in English and be leading the commercial development of a hardware-based technology for the first time.
What support does the fellowship provide?
Activate says selected fellows receive a $100,000 annual living stipend, $100,000 in R&D support, $12,000 a year for travel and professional development, a health insurance stipend and a relocation allowance. Fellows also take part in community programming, mentorship, entrepreneurship education and quarterly advisory meetings.
What kind of projects are eligible?
The fellowship is focused on technologies in the physical sciences, biological sciences and related engineering disciplines. Projects must still be in development at the application deadline and must not yet be ready for full-scale product sales. At the same time, the project must not have raised more than $2 million in debt or equity from non-governmental sources.
How is the fellowship structured?
Activate describes a program built around more than financial support. Fellows take a weekly Elements of Entrepreneurship course during the first quarter, receive one-on-one mentorship with their community’s managing director, join community-based programming every two weeks and take part in retreats and reunions.
The organization also says fellows are expected to be full-time participants and that the fellowship is aimed at helping technical experts grow into company leaders.
Frequently asked questions
When is the application deadline?
Applications for the Activate U.S. Fellowship Cohort 2027 close on October 30 at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Does the fellowship require a finished product?
No. The project must still be in development and must not yet be ready for full-scale product sales.
