Blackbird Foundry Fellowship

Blackbird Foundry is Blackbird's 8-week hybrid fellowship / launchpad for ambitious researchers, scientists, engineers, inventors, and early science-led founding teams who want to test a startup idea and move from research into company-building.

The Blackbird Foundry Fellowship aims to support researchers in transforming their science-led startup ideas into viable commercial ventures. By providing funding, mentorship, and a structured curriculum, the program addresses the gap between academic research and entrepreneurship, fostering innovation in various scientific domains.

Applicants should clearly articulate their startup ideas and demonstrate their connection to research.

Participants must meet the following requirements:
- At least one team member enrolled or employed at a university
- At least one team member with strong Australia or New Zealand connection
- Preliminary startup idea (not necessarily fully formed business plan)
- Ability to commit 4+ hours weekly for 8 weeks

Participants must meet the following requirements:
- At least one team member enrolled or employed at a university
- At least one team member with strong Australia or New Zealand connection
- Preliminary startup idea (not necessarily fully formed business plan)
- Ability to commit 4+ hours weekly for 8 weeks

• $1,000 non-dilutive funding per team to support early development activities
• $5,000 final pitch prize for winning team upon cohort completion
• Weekly seminar curriculum covering startup mechanics, commercialization, and venture creation
• Biweekly cohort dinners for community building
• Biweekly mentor meetings with experienced operators and founders
• Access to 200+ person builder community
• Side quests and skill development activities (1-2 hours/week)

The program lasts for 8 weeks, with participants expected to commit approximately 4 hours weekly consisting of:
- 2 hours per week in seminars
- 2 hours biweekly for cohort dinners
- 1 hour biweekly for mentor meetings
- 1-2 hours per week for side quests

Blackbird Foundry alumni have collectively raised $72M+ in subsequent funding, demonstrating successful transition from research ideas to funded startups. Alumni companies represent diverse scientific domains including biotech, frontier materials, climate tech, and advanced computing.