Activate Fellowship: Program, Focus & How to Get In

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Program Type

Fellowship

Headquarters

Berkeley, California

Focus

Hard Tech Research Translation

Overview

Activate addresses a specific gap: scientists with commercially promising research who cannot afford to leave a salaried position to test whether a company is viable.

The fellowship pays a stipend for two years and provides access to national laboratory facilities, removing both the financial risk and the equipment barrier.

Program Structure

Two-year fellowship with a living stipend
Access to national laboratory facilities and equipment
No equity taken by the programme
Mentorship from scientists and entrepreneurs
Cohorts in several US locations

What They Look For

Scientists and engineers with doctoral-level research
Technology addressing energy, climate, or advanced manufacturing
Research at the point where commercial viability can be tested
Commitment to building a company rather than returning to academia
Need for laboratory infrastructure to progress

Notable Portfolio

Companies they've backed.

Activate fellows have founded companies across energy storage, carbon management, advanced materials, and industrial decarbonisation.

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