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Our Funding Partners

Fueling Science That Serves the World

Our Funding Partners

Fueling Science That Serves the World

The breakthroughs our fellows are building—across energy, infrastructure, computing hardware, and more—require bold, early investment.

We’re proud to partner with visionary government agencies and philanthropic funders who recognize the importance of impact investing and that hard tech innovation is key to solving the world’s most urgent challenges.

Together, we’re proving what’s possible when you invest in people—and the future they’re inventing.

 

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. 

Fellow Success Stories

Arbon (Cohort 2023, New York)
During the two year Activate Fellowship, Yang Shi and his team at Arbon not only built and validated their core CO2 removal technology, but also started scaling after they validated their 10 ton scale pilot system.

Read more >

294
Fellows supported

$4B+
follow-on funding raised by fellows

~3,000
jobs created

Government Funders

Our government partners provide critical support to advance science entrepreneurship and hard tech innovation in areas that drive national competitiveness and societal benefit.

Their contributions empower Fellows to transform technologies—from energy to semiconductors—into solutions that bolster the economy, security, and public welfare.

Thanks to National Science Foundation and government representatives who champion innovation in their states and districts, Fellows drive impact not just in innovation hubs, but in the communities where they live and work, creating regional opportunities and strengthening local innovation and economic growth.

Philanthropic Funders

Philanthropic organizations play a vital role in shaping the future of science entrepreneurship. Their strategic investments fuel the development of leaders and technologies that drive social impact.

By supporting first-of-a-kind and high-risk innovations—such as sustainable cement, advanced energy storage, and novel chemical processes—philanthropic partners enable Activate Fellows to pioneer technologies that government programs are not yet able to fund. These investments turn bold ideas into real-world solutions and expand the frontiers of science.

By backing Fellows across regions and disciplines, these funders ensure that breakthrough innovations reach communities everywhere, creating local opportunities, advancing social impact, and strengthening the networks that support science-driven entrepreneurship.

Program Partners

Activate’s program partners are vital to advancing our mission of transforming scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact. Their support extends beyond the fellowship, strengthening Activate’s ability to build ecosystems that prioritize value-driven innovation, advocate for sustainable investment models, and foster collaboration across sectors. By contributing technical expertise, operational resources, and strategic guidance, partners help Activate scale its programs, expand its reach, and address critical challenges.

For Fellows, program partners provide direct access to specialized tools, mentorship, and professional networks that accelerate their entrepreneurial journeys. From industries such as engineering, finance, law, manufacturing, and scientific instrumentation, these partners empower Fellows to refine their technologies, adopt best practices, and navigate the complexities of commercialization. Together, these collaborations drive progress at both the individual and systemic levels, advancing a shared vision for a sustainable and equitable future.

 

Why Partner with Activate?

By partnering with Activate, you’re investing in more than just innovation—you’re fueling the future of transformative science.

Drive Science into Real-World Impact

Activate bridges the gap between groundbreaking research and transformative solutions. By partnering with us, you empower scientists and engineers to tackle global challenges like sustainability, equity, and resilience—turning ideas into technologies that make a measurable difference.

Learn more about our mission

Empower the Next Generation of Innovators

Our fellowship is the gold standard for hard tech innovation, providing Fellows with funding, mentorship, and access to a world-class network. Your partnership helps equip these leaders with the tools they need to create entirely new industries and technologies.

Discover the Activate Fellowship

Collaborate to Advance Innovation

Through our Innovation Labs, we’re expanding resources and opportunities for science entrepreneurs beyond the fellowship. From advocating for sustainable investment models to building networks that connect scientists with industry leaders, your support drives systemic change.

Explore Innovation Labs

Join us in driving change

Activate is always seeking forward-thinking partners who share our vision for a sustainable and equitable future. Whether you’re a government agency, philanthropic organization, corporation, or academic institution, your support can help us create lasting impact.

Bridging science with entrepreneurship

Where hard tech is transformed into real world impact