O'Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants

About this grant

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.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• 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

What the funding covers

• Grant amount: ₹1 to ₹9,000,000
• 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

How to apply

1. 1Submit the online application
2. 2Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with most applicants receiving an update within 30 days
3. 3Shortlisted applicants participate in introductory calls with the team
4. 4Selected candidates engage in deeper conversations with the OSV team and extended network
5. 5Final selections are announced by June 1, 2026
6. 6All applicants are automatically considered for both the $100,000 Fellowship and the $10,000 Grants

Application tips