The Activate Fellowship 2027 is now accepting applications for its U.S. Fellowship Cohort, offering scientists, engineers and technology innovators an opportunity to develop hardware-based technologies and build companies around scientific discoveries. The fellowship is designed for technical experts transitioning into entrepreneurship and provides financial support, business education, mentorship and a collaborative community. Applications for the Activate U.S. Fellowship Cohort 2027 will close on 30 October 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Applicants should begin the process early because they must first complete the application interest form to receive the link to start the full application. Activate Fellowship 2027 Overview Activate supports scientists and engineers working to transform hard-tech innovations into real-world impact. Fellows receive resources intended to help them move technologies from research and development toward commercialisation while developing the leadership and entrepreneurial skills required to build companies. The fellowship provides a structured environment where technical experts can focus on their proposed projects while receiving guidance on entrepreneurship, strategy, leadership and company development. The programme is intended for individuals commercialising a hardware-based technology innovation for the first time. Applicants do not necessarily need to have an incorporated company or have already left their current employment when applying, but successful fellows must commit full-time to their proposed project or company. Fellowship Financial Support Selected Activate fellows receive substantial financial support during the fellowship. The package includes: US$100,000 annual living stipend US$100,000 in research and development support US$12,000 per year for travel and professional development Health insurance stipend Relocation allowance This support is designed to help fellows dedicate themselves to advancing their technology while managing personal, research and professional development expenses. Community, Mentorship and Entrepreneurship Support Beyond financial assistance, the Activate Fellowship provides opportunities for fellows to develop their entrepreneurial and leadership capabilities. Fellows participate in community-based programming every two weeks, including workshops, fellow presentations and networking opportunities. The programme also facilitates connections with inspiring individuals through activities known as “Collisions.” Participants receive education tailored to scientists becoming entrepreneurs, including a weekly Elements of Entrepreneurship course during the first quarter. Fellows also receive regular one-on-one mentorship with their community’s Managing Director and participate in quarterly advisory meetings focused on important company challenges. Annual retreats and reunions are also designed to support fellows’ personal development alongside their work as founders. Who Can Apply for the Activate Fellowship? Applicants for the 2027 U.S. Fellowship must meet several eligibility requirements. They must: Hold a bachelor’s degree. Have at least four years of post-baccalaureate scientific research, engineering or technology development experience. Be leading the commercial development of a hardware-based technology innovation for the first time. Commit to the proposed project or company on a full-time basis if selected. Be legally able to work in the United States for the duration of the fellowship. Demonstrate proficient English communication skills. Activate notes that many successful applicants have PhDs or postdoctoral experience, but applicants with technical or research-and-development experience in industry or equivalent settings are also considered. Project Eligibility The proposed technology must be based in the physical or biological sciences or a related engineering discipline. Projects should still be under development and must not yet be ready for full-scale product sales when the application deadline arrives. In addition, the project must not have raised more than US$2 million in debt or equity funding from non-governmental sources by the application deadline. What Activate Looks For Activate seeks applicants who combine technical expertise with leadership potential. Applicants should be capable of independently leading the technical work associated with their innovation and explaining complex scientific or technical concepts to broader audiences. Strong applications should demonstrate an ability to technically de-risk an innovation, with early proof of concept or a prototype supported by experimental evidence being common among successful applicants. The fellowship also considers leadership readiness and the potential impact of the proposed technology. Applicants should be prepared to develop business leadership skills, navigate uncertainty, manage challenges and mobilise resources to advance their projects. Another consideration is additionality—whether the fellowship could significantly accelerate the applicant’s professional development and the progress of the proposed project. How to Prepare the Application Applicants should carefully follow Activate’s application instructions and respect all stated page limits. Materials submitted outside the specified limits can result in an application being rejected without review. Each applicant must submit a one-page, blinded resume. The initial review process is blinded, so applicants must remove their name, photographs and other key personal identifying information. Activate recommends using its provided resume template. Applicants can also select and rank among the five U.S. Fellowship communities. For each selected community, applicants must explain their choice and ranking within the stated 250-word limit, including relevant personal or professional ties and how the community supports their proposed work. Activate Fellowship 2027 Application Deadline The application deadline is 30 October 2026 at 12:00 p.m. PT. Prospective applicants should review the official requirements carefully and complete the initial application interest form before starting the full application. 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