Speculative Technologies Invites Applications for the Brains Fellowship 2027 – Apply By 26 October 2026
Overview
Speculative Technologies presents the Brains Fellowship, a four-month remote and part-time programme running from January to May 2027. The initiative is designed for technically skilled scientists and researchers who have ambitious ideas that could benefit from coordinated research models, such as government research agencies, established nonprofits, or new focused research organisations. The cohort consists of 16 fellows who spend approximately 10 hours per week in the programme. The schedule includes a two-day kickoff workshop from January 19 to 21, 2027, and concludes with a Brains Showcase in May 2027. There are no participation fees, no equity taken from fellows, and travel expenses for the kickoff workshop and showcase are reimbursed.
Who can apply
The programme is open to applicants from any scientific field who possess a deep technical background. Ideal candidates typically hold a Ph.D. or have equivalent Ph.D.-level research experience, combined with several years of professional experience and prior exposure to environments both inside and outside academia. Applicants should have one or more ambitious ideas that do not fit into traditional academic institutions, along with a strong bias toward action, comfort with uncertainty, and a desire to pursue their concepts through new professional roles or organisations. Exceptions to these criteria may be considered for candidates operating at the frontiers of scientific and technological capabilities.
What you get
Participants receive intensive training to help transform their early-stage research concepts into viable coordinated programmes, learning how to define project scope and communicate effectively with funders, collaborators, and end-users. Fellows benefit from one-on-one mentorship with experienced professionals from institutions like DARPA and ARPA-E, and gain access to a professional network of funders, peers, alumni, and research leaders. The experience also incorporates small-group sessions and closed-door discussions with philanthropists, Advanced Research Projects Agency leaders, and founders of focused research organisations. Furthermore, fellows prepare a written brief and presentation to deliver to potential funders and employers at the end-of-programme showcase.
Requirements
Applicants must submit an application consisting primarily of six short-answer questions regarding their proposed idea. These questions draw inspiration from the DARPA Heilmeier Catechism, requiring candidates to explain the problem, their proposed approach, the expected impact, and the key uncertainties of their project.
How to apply
Applications for the 2027 cohort are submitted online. Prospective applicants also have the option to attend online information sessions held on October 14 and October 20, 2026.
Key dates
Applications opened on October 5, 2026. The first online Q and A session takes place on October 14, 2026, followed by a second online Q and A session on October 20, 2026. The application deadline is October 26, 2026. Admission decisions are announced in December 2026. The programme runs from January to May 2027, beginning with a kickoff workshop from January 19 to 21, 2027, and ending with the Brains Showcase in May 2027.