How to Apply

Cohort 2023 Applications Are Now Closed

Stay tuned for further updates about the application process for Cohort 2024.

Berkeley Lab's nonprofit partner Activate administers the fellowship application process. To apply directly to the Cyclotron Road Fellowship Program, please be sure to apply to the "Activate-Berkeley" fellowship on the registration form.

The first step is to register. Register today to get a head start on your application and get connected to additional resources, introductions to fellows and more.

Please visit activate.org/apply to receive application updates and information.

If you have questions about registration, please email apply@activate.org.

Learn more about Activate Berkeley: www.activate.org/berkeley

If you know an excellent candidate for the fellowship, you can nominate them for consideration.

Fellowship Timeline

Also check out our answers to:

In general, we select applicants annually each Spring/Summer for a two-year fellowship. We look for scientists and engineers who are entrepreneurial leaders in their field, those with the rare combination of exceptional technical skills, an impact-oriented mindset, and a commitment to solve commercially relevant problems.

It is best to start gathering pre-application materials as soon as possible. Applications for the fellowship program are accepted annually in October.

Below are details of the program:

Two Years of Funding

Fellows receive a yearly living stipend of $80,000 to $110,000, health insurance, a relocation stipend, and a travel allowance. This enables them to focus on their project full-time. Each project also receives $100,000 of research support at Berkeley Lab.

World Class Research Labs

Fellows access world-class research tools, equipment, facilities, and expertise through collaboration with Berkeley Lab. Fellows fully own or jointly own all intellectual property developed during their two-year fellowship term.

A Community of Peers

Bringing technology to market can be a long and lonely road. Our fellows take this journey together as part of a dynamic community of scientists, engineers, and technologists who share what they know and celebrate each other’s victories. In addition, the Cyclotron Road team at Berkeley Lab, led by Associate Professor at UC Berkeley Rachel Slaybaugh, works closely with fellows for networking opportunities, support, and mentorship.

Tailored for scientists and engineers and delivered weekly, our startup curriculum includes sessions on core business and product development concepts, VIP speakers, skill development workshops, and shared learning from other fellows and alumni.

Networking, Mentorship

Our experienced team meets with fellows one-on-one on a regular basis to help develop priorities, provide guidance, and make connections to our broader network of advisors, industry experts, and investors.

In addition, we facilitate connections between fellows and our broad network of industry executives, investors, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and other experts from academia, industry, government, and finance—any of whom can serve as advisors or partners.