O’Shaughnessy Fellowships 2026: Get $100,000 to Build, Create, and Change the World

In 1623, philosopher Francis Bacon imagined a better future in his visionary work New Atlantis—a society driven by discovery, innovation, and bold thinkers he called “Merchants of Light.” Nearly four centuries later, that same spirit lives on through the O’Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants, a global initiative designed to empower the next generation of builders, researchers, and creatives.

If you’ve ever dreamed of working on a bold idea without limitations, this opportunity could redefine your path. Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open, with the deadline set for April 30, 2026.

A Fellowship Designed for Pure Possibility

The O’Shaughnessy Fellowship is not your typical academic or corporate program. It offers a unique proposition: one full year of uninterrupted focus and $100,000 in funding—without giving up equity, answering to corporate sponsors, or meeting rigid academic requirements.

There are no committees dictating your direction. No thesis deadlines. No bureaucratic hurdles.

Instead, the program gives you something rare: freedom.

You get to focus entirely on your vision—whether that’s building new technology, advancing scientific research, or creating groundbreaking art. The fellowship is built on the belief that transformative ideas often emerge when individuals are trusted to explore without constraints.

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A Truly Global Opportunity

Over the past three years, the fellowship has reached applicants from more than 160 countries, funding over 75 exceptional individuals. This global diversity is one of its strongest assets, bringing together thinkers and creators from vastly different backgrounds and disciplines.

Past fellows and grantees have worked on projects that span science, art, and social impact. These include:

• Developing synthetic biological systems
• Preserving endangered languages
• Building homes for homeless children
• Advancing anti-aging research
• Producing independent sci-fi films
• Designing entirely new plant species
• Creating viral music with global reach
• Engineering prosthetic devices for amputees
• Exploring data storage within living organisms

This diversity reflects the program’s core philosophy: innovation doesn’t belong to a single field—it thrives at the intersection of many.

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Real Stories, Real Impact

What truly sets the O’Shaughnessy Fellowship apart is the impact it has on individuals and their work.

Kiubon Kokko, a 2023 fellow, used the opportunity to direct a feature-length documentary about his father’s extraordinary seven-hour swim to freedom from China to Hong Kong. For him, the fellowship wasn’t just funding—it was validation and creative freedom.

In 2024, musician Justh reached a global milestone when his song became the number one viral track on Spotify worldwide. He credits the fellowship for enabling him to produce the music exactly as he envisioned it.

Ian Lavoi Davis developed an affordable, DIY mechanical prosthetic hand, aiming to improve accessibility for amputees. Meanwhile, Michelle Wang worked on innovative manufacturing methods using 3D-printed magnets to reduce waste and increase efficiency.

Other fellows have tackled ambitious “moonshot” ideas, such as reconstructing dreams into 3D environments using brainwave data, building nanodevices that connect biological cells to the internet, and advancing genome engineering technologies.

These stories demonstrate a common theme: when talented individuals are given resources and trust, they produce extraordinary outcomes.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is not limited to a specific academic background or industry. Instead, it seeks individuals with a particular mindset.

Self-Directed Builders

You don’t wait for permission—you create opportunities. You’ve already started projects on your own and taken initiative without external pressure.

Proven Problem Solvers

You’ve demonstrated your ability to build or solve something meaningful, whether it’s a research breakthrough, a creative project, or a community-driven solution.

Resourceful Thinkers

Even with limited resources, you find ways to move forward. You adapt, improvise, and push through challenges with determination.

If this sounds like you, then you’re exactly the kind of person the fellowship is looking for.

Application Process and Timeline

The selection process is designed to identify not just great ideas, but great thinkers.

• Stage 1: Application Submission (Jan 1 – Apr 30, 2026)
  Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and most candidates receive feedback within 30 days.
• Stage 2: Introductory Calls (Feb 1 – May 30, 2026)
  Shortlisted applicants are invited to speak with the team, sharing their vision and problem-solving approach.
• Stage 3: Deep-Dive Conversations (Through May 30, 2026)
  Finalists engage with the broader network before final selections are announced by June 1, 2026.

Applying early increases your chances of faster feedback.

Why This Fellowship Matters Now

We are living in a time where access to knowledge, tools, and global collaboration has never been easier. A teenager in a remote village can now work with leading experts across the world. The barriers that once limited innovation are rapidly disappearing.

At the same time, traditional systems—like rigid academic pathways and credential-based validation—are becoming less relevant. Today, what matters most is what you can build, create, or discover.

The O’Shaughnessy Fellowship embraces this shift. It doesn’t ask where you studied. It asks what you’ve done—and what you’re capable of doing next.

Financial Freedom to Innovate

One of the biggest barriers to innovation is financial pressure. Many talented individuals are forced to abandon bold ideas due to lack of funding or the need for stable income.

This fellowship removes that barrier.

Each fellow receives $100,000 with zero equity taken. That means you retain full ownership of your work and ideas. This structure encourages risk-taking, experimentation, and long-term thinking—essential ingredients for breakthrough innovation.

Beyond Funding: A Powerful Network

In addition to financial support, fellows gain access to a global network of investors, mentors, and fellow creators. This community can open doors to partnerships, collaborations, and future opportunities.

Being part of this network means surrounding yourself with people who are equally ambitious and driven—individuals who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in their respective fields.

The Grants Program: More Opportunities to Shine

Not every idea requires $100,000 to get started. That’s why the O’Shaughnessy program also offers a grants track.

Up to 20 individuals receive at least $10,000 along with access to the same powerful network. Importantly, all fellowship applicants are automatically considered for grants, giving you multiple chances to secure support.

Grant recipients have worked on projects ranging from creative media to community-building initiatives and experimental research.

Your Moment to Build the Future

The O’Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants program is more than just funding—it’s an invitation to step into a different trajectory.

It’s a chance to take your boldest idea and give it the time, resources, and support it deserves.

The question isn’t whether the opportunity is real. It is.

The real question is: what are you going to build?

With applications closing on April 30, 2026, now is the time to act. If you’re ready to challenge limits, explore the unknown, and create something meaningful, this could be the turning point you’ve been waiting for.