DraperU Ventures Engineering Fellowship

DraperU Ventures Engineering Fellowship

The Draper University Engineering Fellowship (general track) is a 5-week immersive experience designed to accelerate the next generation of engineers who want to be leaders and founders. This is a hands-on, high-intensity program for ambitious engineers who are ready to build, grow, and lead — no educational degree required. Any type of engineer can apply to this track (mechanical, electrical, software, etc.). 

We're not just another fellowship. We’re building a launchpad for diverse talent with bold ideas. Our mission: to foster leadership in engineering by investing in creative engineers who are looking to become the next innovators of their generation. We’re here to increase the rate of innovation in STEM and empower the leaders who will shape the future of engineering — not just at Draper , but across the entire industry.

That's why we don't care what school you went to, or that you even went to school at all. We believe innovators are everywhere. We encourage anyone who considers themselves to be curious, tenacious, and skilled in some capacity to apply to this fellowship.

What You Get:

• Mentorship from top investors & founders – including Andy Tang (Partner at Draper Associates, early investor in SpaceX, Firehawk, Tesla, Rosotics, etc.).

• Workshops & leadership training – 5-week bootcamp designed to develop both technical and executive skills.

• Unfiltered access – Meet leading founders, VCs, and deeptech pioneers in small group settings.

• A place to build – Lodging covered in Silicon Valley for the duration of the program, chance to get 6 months of free housing to continue building at the conclusion of the program if you meet the requirements. Access to a workshop with all of the tools and space you need to build your big idea.

• A shot at funding – At the end of the program, 8 of 40 fellows will receive up to $50,000 in investment to continue building. 

Note: The $50,000 investment includes $25,000 in cash and $25,000 worth of living expenses and workshop access for up to 6 months to continue building in Silicon Valley.

Who We're Looking For:

We don't care if you have a degree. We care if you're ready to build the future.

We’re looking for:

• Builders with a prototype, MVP, or a bold idea in deeptech or hardtech

• Tenacious self-starters who are curious, coachable, and committed

• Future founders ready to turn an idea into a company

• People from all backgrounds. We don't care what country you're from or what your educational background is. That doesn't impress us.

If you’re the kind of person who’s always been building something in your garage, lab, or dorm — and if you’ve felt like traditional paths in tech weren’t built for you — this is your chance to be part of something different.

Be part of the inaugural Draper Engineering Fellowship and help define what engineering leadership looks like for the next decade.

Program Structure: 5 Weeks to Build the Future

This isn’t just about ideas — it’s about execution. Over five intense, high-impact weeks, you'll turn your concept into something real. Here's what to expect:

Week 1: Vision, Future & Orientation

Welcome to the Fellowship. You'll set ambitious goals, align with your cohort, and begin crafting the foundation of your project. You'll hear from top investors and founders about where deep/hardtech is headed — and where you fit into that future.

Week 2: Survival, Strength, Speed & Prototyping

A 4-day immersive leadership bootcamp designed to stretch your limits — physically, mentally, and creatively. Learn to think fast, work smart, and push through challenges. Start prototyping your project with speed and intention.

Week 3: Company Building & Business Fundamentals

Start thinking like a founder. You’ll learn how to identify product-market fit (PMF), develop go-to-market (GTM) strategies, manage teams, and navigate the fundamentals of building a scalable company — even if you’ve never taken a business class.

Week 4: Pitching & The Art of Storytelling

Great founders don’t just build — they inspire. You'll learn how to pitch with clarity, emotion, and confidence. Develop your narrative, communicate your vision, and prepare for the pitch that may even change your life. 

Week 5: Pitch Day, Graduation & Demo

This is your moment. Present your final project to a panel of top investors like Tim Draper & Andy Tang, founders, and industry leaders. Celebrate your growth, connect with the Draper network, and join the next wave of deeptech / hardtech trailblazers.

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Compensation

This is an UNPAID fellowship. The goal of this fellowship is to help you grow as an engineer, leader, and entrepreneur / business person. You will not be working for DraperU Ventures. You will be participating in a program designed to mentor you and help you grow in your respective field, here in the heart of innovation (Silicon Valley). At the end of the program, we will choose 8-10 students to invest $25-50k to help kickstart your project.

Housing is covered by us, but you are responsible for transportation and food costs during the duration of the program.