DraperU Ventures Manufacturing Fellowship

DraperU Ventures Engineering Manufacturing Fellowship

The Draper University Engineering Fellowship (manufacturing) is a 5-week immersive experience designed to accelerate the next generation of manufacturing 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.

We're not just another fellowship. We’re building a launchpad for diverse talent with bold ideas. Our mission: to foster diverse leadership in manufacturing by investing in creative engineers who are looking to become the next innovators of their generation. We’re here to increase inclusivity in STEM and empower the leaders who will shape the future of manufacturing — 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 innovation is everywhere, and isn't defined by the degree you hold or your geographical background. We encourage everyone who considers themselves an "innovator" to apply for this fellowship.

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

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

• Unfiltered access – Meet leading manufacturing founders, VCs, and manufacturing 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.

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 manufacturing 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 your educational or geographical background looks like. We’re looking for people who are capable of overcoming traditional barriers and are ready to innovate. 

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.

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 the manufacturing industry 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 manufacturing 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.