Hard Tech For Good
Bridging the gap between breakthrough research and real-world impact
Hard Tech for Good
At Activate, we believe that groundbreaking science has the power to change the world—but only if it reaches the people and places that need it most. That’s why we’re creating a new model for innovation: one that empowers scientists and engineers to lead, connects them with the resources to succeed, and transforms bold ideas into real-world solutions.
By fostering collaboration and reshaping systems, we’re ensuring that the technologies of tomorrow address the challenges of today.
* The community that we are building are people united around the belief of hard tech for good and committed to act together
Our Mission:
We're building the community* that drives science into impact by:
- Growing the next generation of hard tech leaders.
- Creating demand for leaders who bridge science and business.
- Advocating for viable private investment and partnership models.
- Promoting consistent, impact-driven public sector support.
- Strengthening academic cultures that prioritize value-driven innovation.
Our Values
Our core values are the foundation of our culture and drive every aspect of our work:
- We Put People First: We prioritize well-being, inclusivity, and authentic collaboration.
- We Live in Trust: We hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
- We Create Value Through Connection: We believe in the power of community, partnership, and meaningful relationships.
- We Appreciate Experimentation: We embrace curiosity, adaptability, and learning from both successes and failures.
- We Are Guided by Intention: We remain purpose-driven, focusing on actions that create meaningful impact for society and the planet.
What Sets Us Apart
At Activate, we turn our values into action by investing in people—not just technology.
Our track record includes equipping fellows and now other science entrepreneurs to excel beyond the lab, launching companies that secure substantial follow-on funding, and advancing solutions dedicated to hard tech for good.
Flagship Fellowship Program:
A two-year program that equips science entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and a thriving network to navigate the path from lab to market.
Innovation Labs:
Beyond the fellowship, we offer initiatives that strengthen the hard tech ecosystem and empower leaders throughout their journey.
A Proven Track Record:
Activate Fellows have raised over $4 billion in follow-on funding, creating new industries and addressing global challenges.
History of Activate
Activate began in 2015 with a bold vision: helping scientists turn groundbreaking research into real-world impact. Founded alongside Cyclotron Road, a U.S. Department of Energy’s Lab Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (LEEP) at Berkeley Lab, Activate has grown beyond the fellowship to become a national hub for science entrepreneurship—while Cyclotron Road remains a close partner of the Berkeley fellowship community.
Today, we support five fellowship communities—Berkeley, New York, Boston, Houston, and Anywhere, a remote-centric program that connects top scientists from across the country.
Over the years, Activate has expanded its scope through partnerships with federal and state programs, including the National Science Foundation, DARPA, the NIST CHIPS Research and Development Office, NYSERDA, California Energy Commission, and MassCEC. This growth has been fueled by the generous support of philanthropic leaders such as the Winkel Family Charitable Trust, Woka Foundation, Schmidt Futures, Three Cairns, Bernard & Anne Spitzer Charitable Trust, Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation, Grantham Foundation, and many others.
Under the leadership of our new CEO and an experienced team of innovators, Activate continues to evolve, building a thriving community that bridges science, entrepreneurship, and impact. Together, we’re shaping the future by empowering the next generation of hard tech leaders.
Our Partners Make Impact Possible
Activate’s work is powered by the generosity and vision of our partners. Together, we’re advancing science entrepreneurship, fostering social impact, and creating pathways for value-driven innovation.
294
Fellows supported
$4B+
follow-on funding raised by fellows
~3,000
jobs created
