Activate Fellowship 2027 : Bourse Hard-Tech USA – 6 novembre 2026

Contexte

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 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.

Missions et responsabilités

• Commit to the proposed project or company on a full-time basis if selected.
• Be leading the commercial development of a hardware-based technology innovation for the first time.
• Participate in community-based programming every two weeks, including workshops, fellow presentations and networking opportunities.
• Engage in activities known as « Collisions » to facilitate connections with inspiring individuals.
• Complete a weekly Elements of Entrepreneurship course during the first quarter.
• Receive regular one-on-one mentorship with their community’s Managing Director and participate in quarterly advisory meetings focused on important company challenges.
• Attend annual retreats and reunions designed to support personal development alongside work as founders.

Profil recherché

• 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.
• Combine technical expertise with leadership potential, being capable of independently leading the technical work associated with their innovation and explaining complex scientific or technical concepts to broader audiences.
• Demonstrate an ability to technically de-risk an innovation, with early proof of concept or a prototype supported by experimental evidence.
• Show leadership readiness, potential impact of the proposed technology, and additionality.

Conditions et avantages

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. Project eligibility requires the proposed technology to be based in the physical or biological sciences or a related engineering discipline, still under development and not yet ready for full-scale product sales by the deadline. Furthermore, the project must not have raised more than US$2 million in debt or equity funding from non-governmental sources.

Dossier de candidature

• One-page, blinded resume (removing name, photographs and other key personal identifying information, preferably using Activate’s provided resume template).
• Explanation and ranking among the five U.S. Fellowship communities within the stated 250-word limit per community, including relevant personal or professional ties and how the community supports the proposed work.

Comment postuler

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. Prospective applicants should complete the initial application interest form before starting the full application.

Date limite : 30 October 2026 at 12:00 p.m. PT

Procédure : VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY