FellowshipEquity-freeby Thiel Foundation

Thiel Fellowship

$250K grant over two years for builders 22 or younger who skip or leave college. No equity taken.

Invests

$250K grant

Takes

No equity

Length

2 years

Where

Remote

The deal

A $250K grant paid over two years; the fellowship takes no equity, and fellows must work full-time on their project.

A two-year fellowship that pays young founders and researchers to build full-time instead of going to university. Fellows get the grant plus mentorship and access to the foundation's network of founders, investors and scientists. It is open to any field; there is no AI-specific track.

Invests: $250K grant
Takes: No equity
Length: 2 years
Format: Remote
Based in: Miami, US
Runs in: Remote
Stage: Idea to early stage
Focus: Any field: software, science, hard tech
Cohorts: One class per year (12 fellows in the 2026 class)
Perks: Mentorship and introductions to founders, investors and scientists; no relocation required

Notable alumni and portfolio

FigmaEthereumLuminar TechnologiesOYOScale AI

Apply ↗Website ↗Ask the room

Terms as published by the program; verified October 2026. Programs change their deal every year, the apply page is the source of truth.

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