$250,000 for Young Entrepreneurs and Innovators – Thiel Fellowship

The Thiel Fellowship is offering $250,000 in funding over two years to ambitious young entrepreneurs aged 22 or younger who want to build innovative businesses, develop new technologies or bring ambitious ideas to life.

Founded by technology entrepreneur and investor Peter Thiel, the fellowship supports young people who want to pursue entrepreneurship and innovation outside traditional university education.

Selected fellows receive financial support alongside access to a network of experienced founders, investors, scientists and industry professionals.

Applications are open year-round, with no fixed deadline.

Here's what you can expect:

• $250,000 in funding over two years

• No equity or ownership surrendered

• Access to experienced entrepreneurs and investors

• Mentorship and professional connections

• Opportunities to develop innovative businesses and technologies

• Support for founders working across different industries

• No requirement to relocate to Silicon Valley

• Applications accepted internationally, including from the UK

• Rolling applications throughout the year

What projects can be supported?

The fellowship supports ambitious young people developing ideas across a variety of industries.

1. Technology and Software

Founders developing software platforms, digital products, artificial intelligence applications or innovative technologies.

2. Science and Engineering

Entrepreneurs working on scientific discoveries, advanced engineering, hardware or emerging technologies.

3. Consumer Products and Businesses

Young founders creating new products, services or businesses with the potential to grow.

4. Social Impact and Nonprofits

Individuals building organisations or initiatives that address important social challenges.

5. Media and Creative Innovation

Entrepreneurs developing innovative media companies, creative businesses or new ways of delivering content.

These are examples rather than a restricted list. The fellowship considers ambitious projects across many sectors.

Who can apply?

Applicants must:

• Be aged 22 or younger.

• Not already hold a university degree.

• Be developing a concrete business, product or innovative project.

• Demonstrate meaningful progress towards their vision.

• Be willing to pursue their project outside formal university education.

• Apply as an individual.

Applicants do not need to have incorporated a company or completed a fully developed product.

However, an idea alone is not sufficient. Applicants must demonstrate meaningful progress towards bringing their vision to life.

Can UK entrepreneurs apply?

Yes.

The Thiel Fellowship accepts applications from young people around the world, including the United Kingdom.

Selected fellows are not required to relocate to San Francisco.

Important education requirements

The fellowship is specifically designed for young people pursuing opportunities outside traditional university education.

Applicants currently attending school or university can apply.

However, successful applicants must leave their educational programme to accept the fellowship.

Applicants who have already completed a university degree are not eligible.

Prospective applicants should carefully consider the educational and financial implications before accepting an award.

How much funding is available?

Funding Amount: $250,000 USD

Funding Duration: Two years

Funding Type: Fellowship grant

Equity Requirement: None

Age Limit: 22 or younger

Geographic Eligibility: International, including the UK

Application Deadline: Rolling

Funding is distributed over the two-year fellowship period rather than paid entirely upfront.

What additional support is available?

Alongside financial funding, fellows gain access to the Thiel Foundation's professional network.

This can include connections with:

• Experienced startup founders

• Investors

• Scientists

• Technology professionals

• Potential business partners

• Prospective customers

• Other Thiel Fellows

The fellowship aims to help participants develop their ideas, build relationships and access opportunities that support long-term growth.

How does the application process work?

Step 1 – Check Eligibility

Confirm that you meet the age and education requirements.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Project

Explain what you are building, why it matters and what progress you have already made.

Step 3 – Complete the Online Application

Submit your application through the official Thiel Fellowship website.

Step 4 – Application Review

The fellowship team reviews applications and identifies promising candidates.

Step 5 – Further Assessment

Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for additional information or discussions.

Step 6 – Fellowship Selection

Successful candidates are invited to join the two-year fellowship and pursue their projects with financial and network support.

Funding information

Funder: Thiel Foundation

Programme: Thiel Fellowship

Funding Amount: $250,000 USD

Funding Duration: Two years

Funding Type: Non-equity fellowship grant

Eligible Applicants: Individuals aged 22 or younger without a university degree

Eligible Sectors: Technology, science, entrepreneurship, innovation, media and social impact

Geographic Eligibility: International, including the United Kingdom

Education Requirement: Fellows must not be enrolled in formal education while participating

Application Deadline: No fixed deadline

Application Status: OPEN – Rolling Applications