Activate Fellowship US Cohort 2027
Activate pays a $100,000 yearly stipend, $100,000 in R&D support and travel funds for two years, with no equity, to first time US hard tech founders. Applications close October 30, 2026.
The Activate Fellowship is taking applications for its US Cohort 2027. Applications are open now and close on October 30, 2026 at 12 p.m. Pacific Time.
Fellows receive a $100,000 living stipend per year, $100,000 in R&D support, and $12,000 per year for travel and professional development, plus a health insurance stipend and a relocation allowance. Activate takes no equity. The programme lasts two years and starts on June 1 each year.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree and at least four years of scientific research, engineering or technology development after that degree. They must be leading a hardware based technology for the first time, still be in development and not yet ready for full scale product sales, and must not have raised more than $2 million in debt or equity from non governmental sources. They must be able to work legally in the United States for the duration of the fellowship and to work on the project full time if selected.
There are five US communities: Berkeley, Boston, Houston, New York, and Anywhere for people at least 70 miles from an in residence site. In residence communities expect relocation or a commute. Anywhere fellows stay in the United States and join quarterly sponsored trips. Participation includes biweekly local programming, weekly virtual education in the first year, an annual summer retreat, and regular meetings with a Managing Director.
Activate looks for technical experts who can lead the work, a path to scale, and projects rooted in the physical or biological sciences or related engineering. Pure software is usually out of scope unless the core work is scientific de risking or will become hardware. Healthcare only projects that need FDA approval are also out of scope.
Apply on the Activate site. Complete the interest form for US Cohort 2027 to receive the application link. Materials include a one page blinded resume, a three page project summary, a short technical slide deck, a 60 second unedited video of the proof of concept, and short written answers. Up to two people may apply together, but only the principal applicant receives fellowship pay.