Program · Fellowship
Fifty Years PhD Fellowship
Fifty Years PhD Fellowship is Fifty Years' fellowship offering free venture capital education for PhD students and researchers.
- Application state
- Accepting
Overview
What Fifty Years PhD Fellowship offers
What Fifty Years PhD Fellowship is
Fifty Years PhD Fellowship is a venture capital education program designed for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. The program, known as 'PhD to VC,' operates on nights and weekends, allowing participants to continue their research while learning about deep tech investing. With a focus on life sciences and technology, Fifty Years aims to support PhD founders and advanced researchers in transitioning into venture capital roles. The fellowship is backed by a network of successful founders and offers access to valuable resources and training.
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
- Fifty Years
- Last reviewed
- March 16, 2026
Terms and economics
Published program terms
- Price
- Free
- Compensation
- No Compensation
Compensation and economics
The program is fully sponsored by Fifty Years, making it free for participants. There is no stipend or financial compensation provided.
Focus and fit
Who the program is for
Program thesis
Fifty Years' investment thesis focuses on backing PhD founders and advanced researchers who leverage technology to tackle significant global challenges. The PhD to VC program is designed to transition these talented individuals into venture capital roles, emphasizing the importance of their expertise in deep tech and life sciences.
Eligibility
Eligible candidates include current PhD students in fields such as life sciences, physics, chemistry, and materials science, as well as postdoctoral researchers and advanced researchers interested in venture capital.
Selection approach
Applications are open to current PhD students and postdoctoral fellows with strong research backgrounds. The program is highly selective, with a 5% acceptance rate.
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed
- Regions
- United States
- Audience
- Researchers · Students
Format and cadence
How participation works
- Presence
- Remote
- Main location
- San Francisco, California, United States
- Cohort size
- 19
- Engagement
- Part Time
Delivery model
The program is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to engage in learning during nights and weekends while continuing their research.
Participation expectations
Participants are expected to engage in the program part-time, fitting it around their ongoing research commitments.
Availability and engagement
Application timing and route
- Application state
- Accepting
- Admissions
- Open
Published timeline
The program operates on a flexible schedule, with sessions held during nights and weekends to accommodate ongoing research commitments.
Application considerations
Applicants should highlight their research experience and interest in venture capital. Strong candidates will demonstrate a passion for technology and its potential to solve global challenges.
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
Free education in venture capital fundamentals Training in deep tech investment approaches Access to portfolio companies and founder networks Exposure to deal sourcing and due diligence processes Networking opportunities with founder-investors Pathway to venture capital internships or roles
Outcomes and track record
What the public record shows
Historical activity and reported outcomes provide context, not a guarantee of future results.
Reported outcomes
The program has successfully trained multiple cohorts of PhD students, many of whom have moved into venture roles. Fifty Years has backed 72 PhD founders and 33 PhD CEOs, showcasing the impact of their investment strategy.
Common questions
Program details at a glance
Fifty Years PhD Fellowship is published in Upseed as a fellowship program hosted by Fifty Years. 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.