Caitlin CutterChief of Staff
Field builder · Science policy · Est. 2015
Activate is a nonprofit that runs the Activate Fellowship—an intensive, two-year U.S. program designed to turn scientists and engineers into founders of hard-tech startups. The Fellowship pairs early-stage funding with technical resources, education (e.g., entrepreneurship curriculum), and ongoing mentorship from a community of advisors, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs, with five U.S. fellowship communities (Berkeley, Boston, New York, Houston, and Activate Anywhere) plus additional global programming.
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Discover how Activate Fellows are revolutionizing agriculture and textiles while shaping the future of science entrepreneurship. Join our journey today.
Year One to Year 10: Science Founders at Climate Week NYCExplore how Activate Fellows bridge the gap from lab research to market-ready solutions during Climate Week NYC, showcasing innovation and the path to commercialization.
From First Stage to First Pilot: A Week of Hard Tech in HoustonDiscover how Activate Fellows are transforming energy innovation in Houston, bridging lab breakthroughs to real-world applications during Houston Energy and Climate Startup Week.
Activate Fellow News: September 2026September 2026 marked a significant achievement for Activate Fellows, showcasing innovations, funding awards, and partnerships that drive technological advancements.
Meet Activate's First Global Fellows: SingaporeActivate expands its fellowship program to Singapore, empowering scientists to transform deep-tech innovations into global startups with vital support and resources.
Activate Updates: August 2026Explore the latest breakthroughs from Activate's community as they tackle global challenges and pave the way for the next wave of hard tech innovations.
Activate Fellow News: July 2026Discover the remarkable achievements of Activate Fellows in July 2026, showcasing innovations, funding successes, and collaborative partnerships in science and business.
Activate Welcomes 50 New Fellows to Cohort 2026Meet the 41 Hard Tech Companies Across 5 Activate Communities
Meet the Managing DirectorsFive seasoned hard-tech leaders serve as fellows' closest advisors throughout the two-year Activate Fellowship.
Activate Updates June 2026Moments That Matter Praios Nature Inspired Protocells Offer A New Vision For BiomanufacturingMoments That Matter Root Applied Sciences Helps More And More Farmers See Invisible ThreatsThe text says the European Central Bank is expected to remain inactive during a French debt sell-off but may still prepare contingency plans for emergency measures.
Skydance–Paramount Merger, Streaming Economics and AI Reshaping Corporate AmericaMichael J. Wolf, co-founder and CEO of Activate, discussed the $110 billion Skydance–Paramount merger, how cable supports streaming economics, and how AI is changing costs, jobs and growth across corporate America.
Activate Updates: August 2026Activate’s monthly update describes international exchanges (Seoul and Tokyo), progress toward announcing Activate Global Fellows, and multiple fellow/company milestones and awards.
Activate Updates: June 2026Activate’s monthly update covering wins around the retreat and alumni reunion, graduation of Cohort 2024, and upcoming milestones for Cohort 2026.
Activate BRIDGE Japan Program: Connecting Science Across Global BordersActivate announces the Activate BRIDGE Japan Program, a nine-month entrepreneurial training curriculum for deep-tech founders, in partnership with UTokyo IPC, Japan’s Bureau of Science, Technology and Innovation, and Hakuhodo.
Activate Welcomes Three New Leaders to Deliver on Expanded Hard Tech For Good MissionActivate announces three leadership additions as part of an expanded mission and new chapter, including updated mission framing centered on “hard tech for good” community.