Orientation

Don't expect an investment pitch—these are not (yet) startups. They are scientists on a mission, and you are here to engage and help.

You can best help Activate by evaluating each proposed project’s feasibility and potential for impact.

Guidelines for Participation

• Presence: Please keep video on and mic muted when not speaking, stay engaged, don’t multitask.

• Trust: Please don’t publicize or attribute opinions expressed here.

• Inclusion: Please allow the discussion to be moderated and “raise your hand” to add a thought. Identify yourself when you ask a question.

• Respect: No audience interruptions during presentations, avoid asking questions on potentially sensitive topics (intellectual property or corporate matters like cap tables), follow conflict of interest requirements and code of conduct (see below).

• Fairness: If you have personal concerns about the character of the candidate, please do not bring it into the public discussion. Share in the feedback form or reach out to the Activate team.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST REQUIREMENTS

Applied to any participant providing feedback

I certify that I am not aware of any matter which might reduce my ability to participate in the application evaluation in an objective and unbiased manner, or which might place me in a position of conflict, real or apparent, between my responsibilities as an evaluator and other interests.

In making this certification I have considered all my financial interests and employment arrangements (past, present, or under consideration, including those of my spouse or domestic partner, my children, and other members of my immediate household). I will notify Activate immediately as soon as I become aware of any circumstance that may result in me no longer being able to make this certification or this certification no longer remaining true, and thereafter until advised to the contrary by Activate, I will not participate further in any way in the evaluation process.  

I will not attribute or disclose any information from the discussions with or about the candidates.

I will not use any finalist presentation information except for the sole purpose of evaluating the candidates on behalf of Activate as instructed by Activate.

Neither I, my spouse or domestic partner, my children, nor members of my immediate household will accept anything of monetary value from any person, firm, or organization affiliated with an application, even seemingly trivial courtesies, which can present the appearance of impropriety or create a subtle sense of obligation and must be avoided.

FELLOWSHIP CRITERIA

We are ultimately seeking the best people for the fellowships, while evaluating each proposed project’s feasibility and potential for impact.

Technical Excellence

Are you deeply knowledgeable in the field of your proposed project to independently and safely lead the technical work involved? Can you communicate complicated, technical concepts to a general audience?

Leadership

Are you motivated to grow professionally through the leadership training the fellowship provides? Can you manage conflict and act with integrity through ambiguity to mobilize the resources needed to advance your proposed project?

Participation

Will you support an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment—in the fellowship community and the wider innovation ecosystem? Will you positively contribute to the fellowship community?

Feasibility

Is your proposed project rooted in sound scientific principles? Does it present a credible path to scale, including viable entry markets or the potential to pivot? Is it reasonably differentiated from existing solutions and commercial efforts?

Impact Potential

Is your project aligned with Activate’s mission of science for good? Will the fellowship meaningfully alter the trajectory of your professional development and your proposed project?

CODE OF CONDUCT

View the Activate Code of Conduct here.