Cohort 2024 Activate Fellowship Application Webinar

Introduction and Overview

In this section, Brenna Teigler introduces herself as the Chief Fellowship Officer at Activate and welcomes participants to the informational webinar about the Activate Fellowship. She mentions that there will be time for questions and answers throughout the session.

Introduction to Activate Fellowship

• Activate is an organization that supports scientists in bringing their innovations from the laboratory into the marketplace.

• The fellowship empowers scientists and engineers who want to make a broader impact by commercializing their research and creating companies.

• The fellowship provides financial support without asking for fees or equity in return.

• Activate focuses on supporting individuals who are working on physical products, particularly in hard tech entrepreneurship.

• The fellowship aims to address global challenges such as climate change, food accessibility, and secure infrastructure.

• Diversity and inclusivity are prioritized in building a strong community of fellows.

What is Activate?

This section provides more details about what Activate does and how it supports fellows.

Key Points

• Activate exists to empower scientists to bring their research to market and make a positive impact on the world through science and technology.

• Fellows receive financial support, guidance, and resources during the two-year fellowship period.

• The fellowship is open to individuals working on physical products but also works with software-based projects to some extent.

• The goal is to help fellows succeed in building companies that address global challenges.

Building a Strong Community

This section emphasizes the importance of building a diverse and inclusive community within the fellowship.

Key Points

• A strong community of fellows is being built with a shared mission of taking science to product.

• Diversity in backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enriches the community's ability to create innovative products and systems.

• Activate prioritizes creating a psychologically safe environment for all individuals to succeed.

• The fellowship aims to bring together people from different backgrounds to collaborate and build a better future.

Fellowship Application and Mission Alignment

This section discusses the fellowship application process and the importance of mission alignment.

Key Points

• The fellowship is open to individuals who want to make a positive impact on the world through their research or innovation.

• There is no one ideal person or global challenge that the fellowship focuses on. It welcomes diverse applicants with various missions.

• The more diverse and inclusive the fellowship community, the better it can address different challenges and create impactful solutions.

• Applicants are encouraged to keep diversity in mind when applying, as Activate aims to support all individuals in building a better future together.

Success Stories of Fellows

This section highlights two success stories of fellows who have benefited from the Activate Fellowship.

Key Points

• Tasha Cave, a fellow from the first cohort in 2015, founded a company called 12 along with two co-founders. They received early funding after building a prototype during their two-year fellowship period. Today, they have grown their company significantly.

• Miguel worked on a new combustion system at UC Berkeley. Through the fellowship, he was able to develop his innovative technology for transitioning off fossil fuels.

Timestamps beyond this point were not provided in the transcript.

The Value of the Fellowship

In this section, the speaker discusses the value of the fellowship and how it benefits scientists and engineers in their career development.

Fellowship Benefits

• The fellowship provides a two-year opportunity for scientists and engineers to develop early-stage technologies.

• Fellows have the chance to work on their own projects, explore potential pathways to market, and engage with potential customers.

• Funding is provided during the fellowship to support fellows' exploration and experimentation.

• Flexibility is given to fellows to pivot their projects if needed before seeking significant capital investment.

• Access to networks, capital, and expert communities is offered through the fellowship program.

Fellowship Details

This section provides details about the financial support and resources provided during the fellowship.

Financial Support

• Fellows receive a living stipend based on their years of experience.

• An annual travel allowance, health insurance stipend, and relocation assistance are also provided if necessary.

• Companies associated with fellows receive $100K in research and development funds in the form of a recoverable grant.

• Additional flexible capital can be accessed through partner organizations when needed.

Entrepreneurial Education

• A dedicated team develops educational resources tailored for scientists transitioning into entrepreneurship.

• A custom mentorship program supports fellows' growth as they navigate their journey from science to entrepreneurship.

Research Facilities and IP Rights

• Assistance is available for accessing research facilities through partnerships with in-residence communities.

• Fellows retain intellectual property rights for their research work.

Community Engagement

This section highlights community engagement activities that take place during the fellowship.

Weekly Cadence

• Weekly meetings provide opportunities for education, professional development, and guest speakers relevant to science entrepreneurship.

• Fellows have the chance to ask questions, seek advice, and discuss topics such as hiring, funding landscape, and templates.

Monthly Check-ins with Managing Directors

• Fellows have regular check-ins with managing directors who provide guidance and troubleshoot specific challenges.

• Managing directors are experienced individuals who have gone through a similar journey.

Quarterly Advisory Board Meetings

• Fellows hold advisory board meetings where managing directors join to provide further insights and support.

• These meetings allow fellows to step back and gain perspective on their progress.

The transcript provided does not cover the entire video.

Annual Mentorship Meeting

The fellowship provides an annual mentorship meeting to reflect on professional development and set goals for the upcoming year.

Annual Mentorship Meeting

• The fellowship includes an annual mentorship meeting to review accomplishments, personal growth, and future aspirations.

• It is an opportunity for fellows to take a step back and evaluate their progress.

• The meeting focuses on professional development and goal setting for the next year.

Engaging with the Community

Fellows have various ways to engage with the community, including retreats, reunions, and access to a network of directors.

Engaging with the Community

• New fellow retreats bring together new and current fellows for reflection, learning, and networking.

• Alumni reunions provide opportunities to connect with the broader activate community.

• Activate has dedicated managing directors in each community who have gone through entrepreneurial journeys themselves.

• These managing directors serve as mentors and guides for fellows in their respective communities.

• Each managing director has a fellowship team that provides guidance and support throughout the program.

• A national partnership team facilitates access to corporate partners, investors, government officials, etc.

Activate Communities

Activate has communities in Berkeley, Boston, New York, Houston (newest), as well as a distributed "Activate Anywhere" community.

Activate Communities

• Activate started in Berkeley and expanded to Boston and New York.

• They also have an "Activate Anywhere" community that supports fellows outside of specific communities across the U.S.

• Houston is their newest community where they are currently hiring a managing director.

Impact of Fellows

Activate fellows have collectively achieved significant milestones, including raising funds and creating innovative products.

Impact of Fellows

• Since 2015, Activate has had 188 fellows working in 145 different companies.

• Collectively, these fellows have raised $1.3 billion in follow-on funding.

• The fellowship has enabled the creation of new jobs and revenue generation.

• Examples of companies supported by Activate include Umaro (seaweed bacon), Gradient (efficient AC unit), and Melinda (carbon fiber composite material).

Support for Personal Growth

The fellowship not only supports the development of companies but also focuses on personal growth and skills development.

Support for Personal Growth

• Activate aims to support individuals as they embark on their entrepreneurial journey.

• Sarah Richardson's testimonial highlights how the fellowship supported her as a person to start her company and develop entrepreneurial skills.

• The focus is on understanding fellows as individuals and their aspirations to make a positive impact on the world.

Fellowship Timeline

Information about the timeline for applying to become an Activate fellow.

Fellowship Timeline

• Applications for cohort 2024 will open on September 19th in the fall.

• Rigorous down-select process follows the application period.

New Section

This section discusses the selection process and criteria for the fellowship program.

Fellowship Selection Process

• Finalists present their ideas to a community of venture capitalists, corporates, and subject matter experts in late February or early March.

• Fellow selections are made in early spring to start the fellowship soon after. A retreat is held in mid-June to kick off the fellowship.

Criteria for Fellowship Applicants

• Looking for scientists and engineers who want to learn how to be entrepreneurs. The fellowship is designed to support their growth and learning journey.

• Applicants should have credible technology with proof of concept or some form of techno-economic modeling underlying it. The technology should be differentiated and have potential for impact.

• The fellowship aims to make a difference in the world, so applicants should demonstrate how receiving the fellowship support would have a transformative impact on them and their technology.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants should have a baseline level of technical expertise with a bachelor's degree and at least four years of post-bachelor scientific experience. They should be leading the commercial development of a hardware-based innovation for the first time.

• Commitment to work full-time on the project or company during the two-year duration of the fellowship, giving up any other jobs they may have had.

• Foreign nationals are welcome but must legally work in the US for the duration of the fellowship. Fluency in English is required as well.

Project/Company Requirements

• Projects or companies should be science-based, rooted in physical or biological sciences, or related engineering disciplines with an underlying scientific innovation as its basis.

• The fellowship accepts earlier stage projects that are still in development, but not full-scale products or those generating significant revenue. Applicants who have raised over $2 million in private capital are also considered too advanced for the fellowship.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Foreign nationals can apply, but the fellowship does not sponsor visas. Applicants must be able to legally work in the US for the two-year duration of the fellowship.

• Co-founders are encouraged to apply together, and up to two applicants per team/company are accepted.

• Early-stage concepts are welcome, as long as there is some proof of concept or application. Full products or prototypes that already work well may be too advanced for the fellowship.

• The fellowship takes no stake in intellectual property ownership and supports negotiations if it is owned by a university or other partners.

Healthcare and Biomedical Innovations

The speaker discusses the focus of their company on technical work and addresses common questions regarding healthcare and biomedical innovations. They mention that they have taken in many people working in the biology space and encourage viewers to visit their website to learn more about the fellows and companies they have supported.

Focus on Non-Traditional Pharmaceuticals

• The company does not take traditional pharmaceuticals as there is already an established pathway for such innovations through FDA processes, research funding, and venture capital.

• However, if a project has the potential to impact other industries, they are open to considering it.

• Specific use cases can be discussed individually.

What to Do While Waiting to Apply

• It is encouraged to start talking to people outside of academia, potential customers, and experts in the field.

• Engage with i-core programs.

• Conduct market research and identify potential customers.

• Start techno-economic modeling to understand cost drivers of the end product.

• Build a team by searching for co-founders and advisors.

• Utilize entrepreneurial education resources available online.

Next Steps and Resources

The speaker provides information on upcoming events, office hours, resources available on their website, and considerations for future applications.

Upcoming Events

• A webinar is scheduled for August 2nd where current and alumni fellows will share their experiences with the program.

• Office hours will be held on August 23rd for addressing specific questions related to fit for the fellowship or visa status.

Resources Available

• The website contains valuable information about the fellowship program, frequently asked questions (FAQs), as well as profiles of fellows and alumni supported by Activate.

• Applicants are encouraged to explore these resources before applying.

Considerations for Future Applications

• Think about the fellowship community you want to be a part of.

• Clearly articulate your vision and the product or company you want to build.

• Identify potential co-applicants and build a strong team before applying.

• Highlight how the fellowship will positively impact your trajectory and project.

Q&A Session

The speaker addresses specific questions from viewers regarding international students, comparison with SBIR and NSF programs, eligibility criteria for scientists, availability of webinar recordings, focus on decarbonization, and carbon capture or sequestration.

International Students

• For specific questions related to visa situations, it is recommended to email apply@activate.org or attend office hours.

Comparison with SBIR and NSF Programs

• Many companies that participate in Activate also apply for and receive funding from SBIR and NSF programs.

• If an applicant is a good fit for those programs, they are likely a good fit for Activate as well.

Eligibility Criteria for Scientists

• Activate is looking for individuals with a bachelor's degree and at least four years of post-baccalaureate experience in science, engineering, or technical fields.

• Specific background-related questions can be addressed through office hours or by emailing apply@activate.org.

Webinar Recording Availability

• A recording of the webinar will be sent out to participants and made available on YouTube as well as the Activate website.

Focus on Decarbonization vs. Carbon Capture/Sequestration

• Activate supports both decarbonization efforts and carbon capture/sequestration projects based on the applications received.

Conclusion

The transcript covers various topics related to healthcare and biomedical innovations, including the focus areas of the company, suggestions for applicants while waiting to apply, upcoming events and resources provided by Activate. The Q&A session addresses inquiries about international student eligibility, comparisons with other funding programs like SBIR and NSF, eligibility criteria for scientists, availability of webinar recordings, and the focus on decarbonization and carbon capture/sequestration.

[t=0:31:30s] Restrictions on Innovation

The speaker explains that the only restrictions on innovation are in the pharmaceutical and pure software sectors. Pure software innovations are excluded because they can be brought to market faster and at a lower cost.

Restrictions on Innovations

• Pharmaceuticals and pure software innovations are off-limits.

• Pure software innovations can be brought to market faster and at a lower cost.

[t=0:31:49s] Not Needed for Pure Software Innovations

The speaker mentions that individuals working on pure software innovations usually do not need their support.

Support for Pure Software Innovations

• Individuals working on pure software innovations generally do not require support from the organization.

[t=0:31:54s] Applying with Scientific Research

The speaker clarifies that applicants can apply with a specific idea or project, including hard-tech entrepreneurs with a specific problem space business. They encourage applicants to work on their proposed idea during the fellowship, but note that pivoting is also possible if necessary.

Applying with Specific Ideas or Projects

• Applicants can apply with a specific idea or project.

• Hard-tech entrepreneurs with a specific problem space business are welcome to apply.

• Fellows have the flexibility to pivot if needed during the fellowship.

[t=0:32:35s] Reapplying and Showing Progress

The speaker addresses reapplicants and advises them to highlight progress made since their last application. They emphasize the importance of demonstrating what has changed or improved over time.

Reapplying and Demonstrating Progress

• Reapplicants should showcase progress made since their last application.

• Highlight what has changed or improved in your project or idea.

• Questions about reapplication can be discussed during office hours.

[t=0:33:18s] Pathway to Success and Ownership of Research

The speaker discusses the importance of having a pathway to success and clarifies that if a professor's intellectual property (IP) has already been licensed out, it may be challenging to participate in the fellowship. However, if the IP is owned by the university and negotiations for a license are needed, they can provide assistance.

Pathway to Success and Ownership of Research

• Having a clear pathway to success is crucial for acceptance into the fellowship.

• If a professor's IP has already been licensed out, it may be difficult to participate.

• Assistance can be provided for negotiating licenses with universities.

[t=0:34:00s] Acceptance Rate and University Labs

The speaker mentions that the acceptance rate is approximately 5-10% for fellows. They clarify that university labs are not included in their program as they focus on individuals starting their own startups or corporate ventures.

Acceptance Rate and University Labs

• The acceptance rate for fellows is around 5-10%.

• University labs are not included in the program.

• The organization focuses on individuals starting their own startups or corporate ventures.

[t=0:34:50s] Location Requirement and Community Building

The speaker explains that participation in person at a U.S. location is required due to being a U.S.-based company. They emphasize building community and networking opportunities as reasons for this requirement.

Location Requirement and Community Building

• Participation at a U.S. location is required.

• Being a U.S.-based company, they prioritize impact within the country.

• Building community and networking opportunities are important aspects of the fellowship.

[t=0:35:35s] Funding Partnerships

The speaker mentions that information about funding partners can be found on their website. They encourage checking their website for specific details.

Funding Partnerships

• Information about funding partners can be found on the organization's website.

• Specific details can be accessed by visiting their website.

[t=0:35:56s] Support for Medical Technologies

The speaker explains that while they have supported some medical devices, they are cautious in this area due to a less extensive network in the medical and biomedical space. They encourage individuals with specific medical technologies to reach out via email for further discussion.

Support for Medical Technologies

• Some support has been provided for medical devices.

• Caution is exercised due to limited network in the medical and biomedical space.

• Individuals with specific medical technologies are encouraged to contact them via email.

[t=0:36:42s] Advantages of Being in Houston

The speaker highlights that being in Houston offers the opportunity to be part of a new community and contribute to its development. They also mention the strong energy and healthcare ecosystem present in Houston.

Advantages of Being in Houston

• Being part of a new community and contributing to its development.

• Strong energy and healthcare ecosystem present in Houston.

[t=0:37:04s] Commercialization Pathway and IP Ownership

The speaker addresses an individual who already has a commercialization pathway, owns 100% of their intellectual property (IP), and attracts investment. They suggest that the fellowship may still be beneficial but advise reaching out via email for further discussion.

Commercialization Pathway and IP Ownership

• Even if an individual already has a commercialization pathway, owns 100% of their IP, and attracts investment, the fellowship may still be beneficial.

• Email communication is encouraged for further discussion regarding specific cases.

[t=0:37:46s] Fellowship and Commercialization Journey

This section discusses the fellowship program and its focus on commercialization. It also addresses the importance of having a prototype or product before applying to the fellowship.

Fellowship Program for Commercialization

• The fellowship program aims to support entrepreneurs in their commercialization journey.

• If you already have a prototype or product, the fellowship can help you take steps towards commercializing it.

• For those at an earlier stage, it is important to spend time figuring out your market, value proposition, and pathway.

• Strong hypotheses are also considered for admission into the fellowship.

Timing and Progress

• Don't wait until the fellowship starts to make progress; there is nearly a year between application and start date.

• Significant progress can be made during this time period.

• The current stage of your company when applying will likely be different from where you will be when starting the fellowship.

Activate in DC

• Activate does not have an in-residence location in DC due to its focus on other entrepreneurial ecosystems.

• However, if you are based in DC, you can still apply to Activate Anywhere community and work from there.

[t=0:38:44s] Moving to Activate Site and Lab Access

This section explains why some fellows choose to move to one of Activate's communities and how lab access works for fellows in different locations.

Moving to Activate Site

• Fellows may choose to work in one of Activate's communities (Berkeley, Boston, New York, Houston) for various benefits such as access to lab space, hiring staff, making connections with investors, etc.

• It is a personal choice based on what is best for their company.

• If outside these ecosystems or not willing to move, fellows can join the virtual community called "Activate Anywhere."

Lab Access for Activate Anywhere

• Activate Anywhere fellows do not have the same level of partner access as in the in-residence communities.

• Fellows can use their funding to access lab facilities and pay for them.

• Specific questions about lab access should be directed to the Apply inbox or office hours.

[t=0:42:41s] Entrepreneurial Courses and Community Learning

This section provides information about the entrepreneurial courses offered during the fellowship program and how community learning is facilitated.

Entrepreneurial Courses

• The fellowship program offers a light load of entrepreneurial courses that add value to fellows.

• The first three months include elements of entrepreneurship (EOE) sessions, where guidance is provided through flipped classroom-style learning.

• Topics covered include different types of funding, forming an advisory board, etc.

• Community discussions and shared learning are integral parts of these courses.

Community Learning

• The focus of courses is on developing key skills, mindsets, connections, and shared learning within the community.

• Fellows have opportunities to learn from each other and build bonds through in-person participation on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

• Activate Anywhere fellows meet virtually on a weekly basis and have quarterly in-person trips to one of Activate's communities for lab tours and community interactions.

Timestamps may vary slightly due to differences in video versions.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the requirements for legally being able to work and the need for an H-1B visa. They also mention the possibility of incorporating a company and developing open-source projects.

Legally Able to Work and H-1B Visa

• When applying, it is not necessary to have an approved H-1B visa, but applicants must explain how they plan to obtain approval by the start of the fellowship.

• Applicants are asked about their pathway to obtaining a visa that allows them to work during the fellowship.

Incorporating a Company and Open Source Projects

• Incorporating as a for-profit company is not a requirement, but most fellows end up incorporating in order to hold the grant provided and any intellectual property developed.

• Developing something open source is encouraged, and it can be considered as one's own version of impact.

• Different pathways other than for-profit venture capital funding are supported.

New Section

This section covers questions related to co-founders' qualifications, start date flexibility, leave during the fellowship, application availability, technical vision, grant milestones format, and eligibility based on location.

Co-founders' Qualifications

• The primary applicant needs to meet all eligibility requirements. However, there is some flexibility for co-founders.

• Co-founders who mostly meet the requirements can apply as co-applicants on the application.

Start Date Flexibility and Leave During Fellowship

• The preferred start date is June 1st when most activities begin. However, there is some flexibility regarding start dates until September 1st.

• Fellows can take leave during the fellowship while still receiving healthcare but without getting paid.

Application Availability and Technical Vision

• The application will be available online soon. An email notification will be sent to inform everyone.

• It is recommended to start working on a concise technical vision and have a resume ready as part of the application requirements.

Grant Milestones Format and Location Eligibility

• There are no strict grant milestones that need to be met for keeping the grant.

• The application deadline is September 19th, and applications will close approximately one month later on October 17th.

• The eligibility for location depends on being within a 70-mile radius of New Jersey, which allows for reasonable commuting distance without relocation.

New Section

This section addresses questions about non-first-time scientists as co-founders, traditional pharmaceuticals, and references a company called Hoopa.

Non-first-time Scientists as Co-founders

• There is more flexibility in the requirements for co-founders. They can apply with the primary applicant, and their eligibility will be determined through the application process.

Traditional Pharmaceuticals

• Traditional pharmaceuticals refer to products that follow the FDA pathway and are likely to be adopted by large pharmaceutical companies like Bayer.

Reference to Hoopa

• The speaker mentions Hoopa as one of the companies recently included in their Berkeley community. Further information about Hoopa can be found online.

Due to time constraints, not all questions could be answered during this session. Participants are encouraged to save their questions for future office hours or contact the organizers directly.

Encouraging Grant Applications

The speaker encourages individuals to apply for grants and not let the application process hinder their progress. They mention that university faculty members have become fellows in the past.

• Encouragement to apply for grants and not let the application process delay progress.

Becoming a Fellow

The speaker discusses the possibility of university faculty members becoming fellows. They mention that two individuals have already made this transition and highlight the commitment required for the fellowship.

• University faculty members can become fellows.

• Transitioning from being a faculty member to a fellow may require committing to a two-year fellowship.

• Discussion about specific cases and willingness to provide more information.

Co-founders with Academic Background

The speaker talks about co-founders who are professors and have left their universities to start a company called Banu Corbin. They encourage listeners to explore their profiles and reach out if interested.

• Banu Corbin is founded by two professors who left their universities.

• Encouragement to check out the co-founders' profiles and background.

• Suggestion to reach out to them for further discussion.

Applicability of Fellowship

The speaker clarifies that the fellowship is open not only to academia, but also industry professionals or those from national labs. However, it does not cover individuals currently working as postdocs or PhD students.

• Fellowship applies not only to academia but also industry professionals or those from national labs.

• Not applicable for current postdocs or PhD students in academia.

Accessing Slide Decks

The speaker mentions that the slide deck and recording will be shared with the audience, providing access to all the information discussed.

• Slide deck and recording will be shared with the audience.

• Opportunity for further engagement with Activate and the fellowship.