FELLOWSHIP · NON-DILUTIVE
Thiel Foundation
Thiel Fellowship
Independent editorial profile; DNA Future is not affiliated with or endorsed by this institution unless expressly stated. A two-year fellowship for people aged 22 or younger who want to build outside university.
Source checked · Year-roundView application ↗
01
THE INSTITUTION
What is Thiel Foundation?
The Thiel Foundation supports science, technology and long-term thinking. Peter Thiel created the fellowship in 2011.
The fellowship backs young people pursuing companies, research and ambitious independent work.
Peter Thiel launched the fellowship in 2011 through the Thiel Foundation to let unusually ambitious young people spend two years building outside a degree program.
The foundation does not publish an AUM figure because this is a philanthropic fellowship, not a venture fund. The relevant scale is the two-year, $250,000 non-dilutive award per fellow.
Alumni have built companies and research projects across software, science, biotechnology and hardware. Alumni outcomes are useful context, but selection is based on the applicant and project now.
Applications remain year-round. The official FAQ still requires fellows to be 22 or younger and not enrolled in a university degree during the fellowship.
02
THE PEOPLE
Who leads Thiel Foundation and this program?
Peter Thiel
Founder
Technology entrepreneur and investor; founder of the Thiel Foundation and creator of the fellowship.
The current public fellowship pages do not identify a separate program director.
03
THE PROGRAM
What is Thiel Fellowship?
Fellows receive $250,000 over two years and access to the foundation’s network. The funding is non-dilutive.
04
WHO IT IS FOR
Who should consider it?
- Age 22 or younger
- Ready to stop or remain outside university during the fellowship
- Working on an ambitious project or company
05
SUPPORT
What do you get?
- $250,000 paid over two years
- Mentors and founder community
- No equity taken by the fellowship
Do not misread this
You cannot remain enrolled in a university degree during the fellowship.
06
PUBLIC EVIDENCE
What does the public record show?
Alumni have built companies and research projects across software, science, biotechnology and hardware. Alumni outcomes are useful context, but selection is based on the applicant and project now.
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?
- Submit the year-round application
- Explain what you are building and why now
- Interview if invited
- Leave school or remain unenrolled if selected
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