Program · Fellowship
Blackbird Foundry Fellowship
Blackbird Foundry Fellowship is Blackbird Ventures' fellowship offering funding and mentorship for researchers to launch science-led startups.
- Application state
- Accepting
Overview
What Blackbird Foundry Fellowship offers
What Blackbird Foundry Fellowship is
Blackbird Foundry is Blackbird's 8-week hybrid fellowship / launchpad for ambitious researchers, scientists, engineers, inventors, and early science-led founding teams who want to test a startup idea and move from research into company-building.
Operational profile
Program status and context
Program status describes the program itself. Application availability and deadlines remain separate.
- Operational status
- Active
- Program type
- Fellowship
- Host organization
- Blackbird
- Last reviewed
- June 17, 2026
Terms and economics
Published program terms
- Stipend
- $1,000
- Price
- Free
- Compensation
- Stipend
Compensation and economics
$1,000 non-dilutive funding per team to support early development activities $5,000 final pitch prize for winning team upon cohort completion Weekly seminar curriculum covering startup mechanics, commercialization, and venture creation Biweekly cohort dinners for community building Biweekly mentor meetings with experienced operators and founders Access to 200+ person builder community Side quests and skill development activities (1-2 hours/week)
Focus and fit
Who the program is for
Program thesis
The Blackbird Foundry Fellowship aims to support researchers in transforming their science-led startup ideas into viable commercial ventures. By providing funding, mentorship, and a structured curriculum, the program addresses the gap between academic research and entrepreneurship, fostering innovation in various scientific domains.
Eligibility
Participants must meet the following requirements: At least one team member enrolled or employed at a university At least one team member with strong Australia or New Zealand connection Preliminary startup idea (not necessarily fully formed business plan) Ability to commit 4+ hours weekly for 8 weeks
Selection approach
Participants must meet the following requirements: At least one team member enrolled or employed at a university At least one team member with strong Australia or New Zealand connection Preliminary startup idea (not necessarily fully formed business plan) Ability to commit 4+ hours weekly for 8 weeks
- Stages
- Pre-seed
- Sectors
- Biotech & Life SciencesFrontier & Deep TechClimate & SustainabilityArtificial IntelligenceRobotics & Autonomous Systems
- Regions
- ANZ
- Audience
- Founders · Researchers · Builders · Students
- Geographic eligibility
- Anz
- Career stage
- Student · Early Career · Mid Career · Senior
Format and cadence
How participation works
- Presence
- Hybrid
- Main location
- Australia and New Zealand
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Cohort size
- 10
- Engagement
- Part Time
Delivery model
The program operates in a hybrid format, combining online and in-person sessions across Australia and New Zealand.
Participation expectations
Participants are expected to commit approximately 4 hours weekly for the duration of the 8-week program.
Availability and engagement
Application timing and route
- Application state
- Accepting
- Admissions
- Application Only
- Application materials
- Written Statement · Interview · Work Samples
Published timeline
The program lasts for 8 weeks, with participants expected to commit approximately 4 hours weekly consisting of: 2 hours per week in seminars 2 hours biweekly for cohort dinners 1 hour biweekly for mentor meetings 1-2 hours per week for side quests
Application considerations
Applicants should clearly articulate their startup ideas and demonstrate their connection to research.
Value and support
What participation may provide
Publicly described support is context, not a guarantee of current delivery or future benefit.
What participants may receive
$1,000 non-dilutive funding per team to support early development activities $5,000 final pitch prize for winning team upon cohort completion Weekly seminar curriculum covering startup mechanics, commercialization, and venture creation Biweekly cohort dinners for community building Biweekly mentor meetings with experienced operators and founders Access to 200+ person builder community Side quests and skill development activities (1-2 hours/week)
Outcomes and track record
What the public record shows
Historical activity and reported outcomes provide context, not a guarantee of future results.
- Last recorded cohort
- May 15, 2026
Reported outcomes
Blackbird Foundry alumni have collectively raised $72M+ in subsequent funding, demonstrating successful transition from research ideas to funded startups. Alumni companies represent diverse scientific domains including biotech, frontier materials, climate tech, and advanced computing.
Common questions
Program details at a glance
Blackbird Foundry Fellowship is published in Upseed as a fellowship program hosted by Blackbird. Upseed treats the Program and its host Organization as separate records so each can have its own status and sources.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
June 17, 2026
Known limits
Terms, deadlines, and application states can change. Confirm current details at the published destination before acting. Upseed does not yet classify every Program destination as official.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or the official representative of this program or its host.