Welcome, Cohort 2021
We are excited and proud to introduce Cohort 2021. These 23 scientists are launching what promise to be hugely consequential businesses, across key industries and markets, that could speed society’s response to climate change and other urgent societal needs.
“The number of world-class scientists vying for these limited fellowship slots grows every year,” says Activate CEO Ilan Gur. “That we attracted this level of talent during a year of such uncertainty speaks both to these fellows’ drive for impact and the critical need for organizations like Activate that empower scientists to turn their research into new products and businesses that will improve our world.”
We selected these 23 fellows from 46 finalists and a pipeline that included nearly 400 applicants from 30 countries and 32 U.S. states.
While many are joining directly from academia, others have years of industry experience. All of them bring a wealth of scientific talent and ambition to turn their innovations—in everything from quantum computing and robotics to bio-based materials, ag-tech, and carbon-free energy systems—into much-needed products and services, with speed and at scale.
The two-year Activate Fellowship is a proven path for science entrepreneurs to move their breakthrough research into the market. It provides fellows the time, resources, and guidance to develop as leaders and mature their ideas. Unlike startup accelerators, the fellowship takes no equity stake in fellows’ companies.
More than 80 percent of Activate Fellows graduate with at least 12 months of financial runway to build their businesses. Current and alumni fellows have leveraged $26 million in fellowship support to raise nearly $330 million in additional research funding and initial private investments in their startups—a dollar-for-dollar leverage of more than 12x. They have created more than 300 jobs and are currently hiring for more than 80 positions.
We look forward to sharing deeper stories about Cohort 2021 fellows in the coming weeks, as well as celebrating Cohort 2019 fellows as they complete their two-year journeys, and launching Cohort 2022 recruitment. We are also continuing to analyze our efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable fellowship and will share updates on our progress.
Activate’s sponsors and partners make all of this possible through direct funding, and donations of time, money, equipment, or services. Without this dedicated and forward-thinking network, we could not provide fellows such comprehensive financial, scientific, and professional support.
At Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the Cyclotron Road Division, Activate’s founding partner, has hosted and provided vital laboratory access to 76 fellows and connected them with more than 70 Berkeley Lab collaborators.
MIT Lincoln Laboratory, anchor partner for Activate Boston, has been an important resource to 2020 fellows developing advanced computing products and will continue that key role for a number 2021 fellows.
The US Department of Energy’s Advanced Manufacturing Office has been a steadfast partner since the fellowship’s inception. DARPA is also a major partner, having funded fellowships since 2018.
Since 2016, the California Energy Commission has provided fellows with vital support—through fellowship funding as well as direct investments—while also supporting Activate’s operations. Likewise, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is a long-time supporter and one of Activate’s many philanthropic sponsors that provide crucial fellowship funding.
Editor’s note: Jimmy Rojas accepted a different opportunity that required him to decline the Activate Fellowship. We wish him and Origen Hydrogen the best.