Program · Fellowship
Engine Ventures Tough Tech Fellowship
Engine Ventures Tough Tech Fellowship is Engine Ventures' fellowship offering paid, part-time experience for graduate students and postdocs in deep tech.
- Application state
- Accepting
Overview
What Engine Ventures Tough Tech Fellowship offers
What Engine Ventures Tough Tech Fellowship is
The Engine Ventures Fellowship bridges academic research and commercial venture creation. Fellows gain hands-on experience evaluating breakthrough science, conducting technical diligence, and supporting portfolio companies building deep tech solutions. Since 2021, over 50 fellows have emerged as founders, venture investors, and academic leaders.
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
- Engine Ventures
- Last reviewed
- March 16, 2026
Terms and economics
Published program terms
- Price
- Free
- Compensation
- Stipend
Compensation and economics
Fellows receive a paid stipend for their participation in the program.
Focus and fit
Who the program is for
Program thesis
The Engine Ventures Tough Tech Fellowship focuses on bridging the gap between academic research and commercial venture creation, targeting deep tech solutions in advanced systems, energy & climate, and human health.
Eligibility
PhD students in advanced stages or postdoctoral researchers with a commitment of 8 hours per week and a passion for translating scientific research into entrepreneurship.
Selection approach
Applications are open through the Engine Ventures careers portal. Interested candidates should apply directly.
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed
- Regions
- Global
- Audience
- Students
Format and cadence
How participation works
- Presence
- Remote
- Main location
- null
- Duration
- 20 weeks
- Cohorts per year
- 2
- Engagement
- Part Time
Delivery model
The program is designed to be part-time and can accommodate remote work.
Participation expectations
Fellows are expected to dedicate approximately 8 hours per week to the program.
Availability and engagement
Application timing and route
- Application state
- Accepting
- Admissions
- Open
Published timeline
The fellowship lasts for 5 months, with cohorts beginning in April and September each year.
Application considerations
Applicants should demonstrate strong communication skills and a self-motivated, analytically rigorous approach to their work.
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
Paid fellowship position Direct experience with venture capital operations Access to deep tech companies and founders Mentorship from investment team Exposure to commercialization workflows Network of peers and mentors across academic and VC communities
Outcomes and track record
What the public record shows
Historical activity and reported outcomes provide context, not a guarantee of future results.
Reported outcomes
Over 50 fellows have gone on to found companies, invest in ventures, or lead academic research programs.
Common questions
Program details at a glance
Engine Ventures Tough Tech Fellowship is published in Upseed as a fellowship program hosted by Engine Ventures. 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
March 16, 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.