FELLOWSHIP · ZERO EQUITY
Activate
Activate Fellowship
Independent editorial profile; DNA Future is not affiliated with or endorsed by this institution unless expressly stated. A two-year fellowship helping experienced scientists and engineers turn research into companies.
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01
THE INSTITUTION
What is Activate?
Activate is a nonprofit that supports scientist-entrepreneurs commercializing research.
It operates fellowship communities connected to laboratories, mentors and research ecosystems.
Activate began in 2015 from the Cyclotron Road model, giving scientists time, funding and laboratory access to turn research into independent companies.
Activate reports more than 275 companies, over $5.5 billion in follow-on funding and more than 3,000 jobs created across its fellowship network.
Companies span energy, advanced manufacturing, climate, computing, materials and biotechnology. Fervo Energy became the first Activate fellow company to enter the public markets.
The 2026 cohort included 50 fellows building 41 companies from more than 850 applications. Activate also announced its first international fellows in Singapore in September 2026.
02
THE PEOPLE
Who leads Activate and this program?
Cyrus Wadia
Chief Executive Officer
Leads Activate's national organization and expansion of the fellowship model.
Ilan Gur
Founder
Founded Activate and developed its original Cyclotron Road model.
Applications are managed nationally and by fellowship communities; no single public lead covers every location.
03
THE PROGRAM
What is Activate Fellowship?
Fellows build a company around hard-tech research while receiving living and research support without giving Activate equity.
04
WHO IT IS FOR
Who should consider it?
- Scientists and engineers with substantial technical experience
- Applicants meeting the degree or equivalent-experience rules
- Teams commercializing defensible hard technology
05
SUPPORT
What do you get?
- Living stipend and health support
- Research and travel funding
- Laboratory access, mentors and commercialization support
Do not misread this
This is not a general student fellowship or a VC investment. Detailed experience and eligibility rules apply.
06
PUBLIC EVIDENCE
What does the public record show?
Companies span energy, advanced manufacturing, climate, computing, materials and biotechnology. Fervo Energy became the first Activate fellow company to enter the public markets.
How to read this evidence
Examples show institutional or program history. They do not predict admission, funding, ownership terms or outcomes for a new applicant.
07
APPLICATION
How do you apply?
- Choose an eligible fellowship community
- Submit the technical and founder application
- Complete review and interviews
- Form and develop the company during the fellowship
DNA Future research note. This is an independent editorial profile based on official sources. Program terms and availability can change; the institution’s current materials take precedence.
Last reviewed · 13 October 2026