Ignite Fellow for New Ventures
Cornell University's Ignite Fellow for New Ventures supports recent STEM graduates in turning Cornell research into technology startups through hands-on lab work, mentorship, and entrepreneurial training.
Funder: Cornell University
Due Dates: February 19, 2027 (Full application deadline for Fall 2026/Winter 2027 cohort)
Funding Amounts: ~$120,000 per project for 12 months (fellow salary, research, and travel); potential 6-month extension
Summary: An intensive fellowship supporting recent STEM graduates to commercialize Cornell research as technology startups through mentorship, funding, and business training.
Description
The Ignite Fellow for New Ventures program, run by Cornell University’s Center for Technology Licensing, is a year-long, full-time fellowship designed to help recent Ph.D. and master’s graduates transform Cornell-originated research into viable technology startups. Fellows are embedded in Cornell faculty labs and paired with faculty inventors, receiving hands-on mentorship from incubator directors and access to university entrepreneurial resources. The program emphasizes both rigorous scientific advancement and business development, with the goal of accelerating the commercialization of university innovations and fostering the next generation of academic entrepreneurs.
