Program · Fellowship
Pillar VC Encode: AI for Science Fellowship
Pillar VC Encode: AI for Science Fellowship is Pillar VC's fellowship offering unique access to top AI talent for scientific breakthroughs.
- Application state
- Not currently accepting
Overview
What Pillar VC Encode: AI for Science Fellowship offers
What Pillar VC Encode: AI for Science Fellowship is
Encode: AI for Science Fellowship is an innovative one-year program launched by Pillar VC in February 2025, positioning top AI talent in leading UK research laboratories to accelerate scientific breakthroughs. The Fellowship represents a unique convergence of venture capital support, government research funding (through ARIA), and scientific leadership, embedding AI researchers directly within world-class research institutions. Fellows work alongside world-leading scientists and engineers addressing frontier challenges.
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
- Pillar VC
- Last reviewed
- March 16, 2026
Terms and economics
Published program terms
- Stipend
- $145,000
- Price
- Free
- Compensation
- Stipend
Compensation and economics
Salary: £115,000 annually Benefits: Comprehensive package including pension Computing Resources: Individual compute budget of £100,000 minimum Support Services: Office hours, pitch deck coaching, investor introductions Unique Access: Datasets, specialized tools, connections to academic and industry partners Equity Terms: Pillar takes no equity from fellows' work; equity interest only exists if Pillar leads a subsequent investment.
Focus and fit
Who the program is for
Program thesis
The Encode Fellowship aims to accelerate scientific breakthroughs by embedding AI researchers in leading UK research labs. It focuses on addressing humanity's most pressing challenges through collaboration with world-class scientists in various fields, including neurotechnologies, climate and energy, robotics, materials science, and biological sciences.
Eligibility
The fellowship is aimed at top AI researchers looking to work in leading UK research laboratories on pressing scientific challenges.
Selection approach
Applications for the Encode Fellowship open on March 20, 2026, and close on April 30, 2026. Expected announcement of selected fellows will be in Summer 2026.
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed
- Sectors
- AI · Healthcare · Energy · Climate · Robotics · Biotech · Materials Science
- Regions
- United Kingdom
Format and cadence
How participation works
- Presence
- In Person
- Main location
- United Kingdom
- Duration
- 52 weeks
- Cohort size
- 8
- Cohorts per year
- 1
- Engagement
- Full Time
Delivery model
The fellowship requires in-person participation, as fellows are embedded within research laboratories.
Participation expectations
The fellowship requires a full-time commitment over the course of 12 months.
Availability and engagement
Application timing and route
- Application state
- Not currently accepting
- Admissions
- Open
Published timeline
The Encode Fellowship spans 12 months of full-time work embedded within leading UK research laboratories, emphasizing direct collaboration and practical contribution.
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
Fellows receive a competitive salary, substantial computing resources, and unique access to datasets and industry connections, along with comprehensive support services.
Common questions
Program details at a glance
Pillar VC Encode: AI for Science Fellowship is published in Upseed as a fellowship program hosted by Pillar VC. 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.