O'Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants

• Individual creators and founders with unconventional, high-impact ideas at any stage.

About this scheme

The O'Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants is a one-year, equity-free program by O'Shaughnessy Ventures (OSV) supporting bold individuals advancing civilization across science, technology, arts, and entrepreneurship.

Each year, 10 Fellows receive $100,000 for 12 months to pursue ambitious projects with full ownership and no equity dilution. Alongside the Fellowships, up to 20 additional individuals receive grants of at least $10,000. Every applicant is automatically considered for both opportunities through a single application process.

The program is open globally and is remote-friendly, allowing participants to work from anywhere in the world. Fellows and Grantees join a network of founders, researchers, creatives, investors, and mentors across 160+ countries.

The initiative supports a wide range of domains including quantum computing, documentary filmmaking, endangered language preservation, prosthetic engineering, synthetic biology, AI tools, genome engineering, manufacturing innovation, arts, and cultural media. The focus is on self-directed individuals building transformative projects rather than fitting into predefined sectors.

The Fellowship is designed to give participants freedom to tinker, experiment, and execute without corporate oversight, thesis requirements, or committee constraints. The capital is fully equity-free, and participants retain 100% ownership of their work.

Who can apply

• Open to individuals worldwide (adults from any country)
• Applicants can be researchers, builders, creatives, or independent innovators
• No requirement to start a company, though it is encouraged if relevant
• Projects can be in any domain including science, technology, arts, or social innovation
• Applicants should demonstrate strong initiative, resourcefulness, and a history of building or solving meaningful problems
• Preference for individuals willing to dedicate significant time (ideally 40+ hours per week) during the Fellowship year
• Venture-backed startup founders are advised to apply via OSV's venture capital arm if raising outside investment

Eligible entity types: Individual Innovator

Benefits & funding

• Fellows receive $100,000 for 12 months equity-free, with full ownership.
• Grants of at least $10,000 are also available.
• Benefits include global remote work flexibility, a network of founders, investors, and mentors, plus freedom to experiment without oversight.
• All capital is equity-free, ensuring 100% ownership.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with O'Shaughnessy Ventures (OSV), in your own name.

1. 1

   Online application submission, followed by rolling review.

2. 2

   Shortlisted applicants have introductory calls, then deeper conversations with the OSV team and network.

3. 3

   Final selections are announced by June 1, 2026.

4. 4

   All applicants are considered for both Fellowships and Grants.

Frequently asked questions