O'Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants
A one-year, equity-free program offering $100,000 fellowships and $10,000+ grants to bold individuals advancing civilization across science, tech, arts, and entrepreneurship.
- Funding amount
- ₹90L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- O'Shaughnessy Ventures (OSV) (VC/Investor)
- Application deadline
- Closed (30 Apr 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The O'Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants, run by O'Shaughnessy Ventures (OSV), is a one-year, equity-free program that backs bold individuals who are pushing the boundaries in science, technology, arts, and entrepreneurship. Each year, 10 Fellows receive $100,000 for 12 months, allowing them to pursue ambitious projects with full ownership and no equity dilution. Alongside these Fellowships, up to 20 additional individuals receive grants of at least $10,000, and every applicant is automatically considered for both tracks through a single application process.
Open globally and remote-friendly, the program lets participants work from anywhere in the world. Fellows and Grantees join a network spanning 160+ countries, including founders, researchers, creatives, investors, and mentors. The areas of focus are broad—quantum computing, documentary filmmaking, endangered language preservation, synthetic biology, AI, genome engineering, manufacturing, arts, and more. What matters is that the project is transformative and self-directed.
OSV designed the Fellowship to give individuals the freedom to experiment and execute without corporate oversight, thesis deadlines, or committee approvals. The capital comes with no strings attached—equity-free—and participants keep 100% ownership of their work.
Highlights
- ₹100,000 provided over one year with zero equity dilution and full intellectual-property ownership.
- Open globally – participants can work remotely from anywhere.
- Also provides grants of at least ₹10,000 to up to 20 individuals.
- Single application covers both Fellowships and Grants.
- Supports a wide spectrum: quantum computing, AI, synthetic biology, documentary film, historic language preservation, and many other disciplines.
- Rolling admissions with a final decision by June 1, 2026.
Who can apply
The program is open to individuals worldwide who are at least 18. Applicants can be researchers, builders, creatives, inventors, or independent innovators pursuing projects in any domain. You don't need to start a company, though it's welcome if relevant. Ideal candidates show strong initiative, resourcefulness, and a track record of building or solving meaty problems. Preference goes to those able to devote significant time—ideally 40+ hours a week—during the fellowship year. Venture-backed startup founders considering venture funding are advised to instead approach OSV's venture capital arm.
O'Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for O'Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants closed on 30 Apr 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Fellows receive ₹100,000 over 12 months as pure grant—equity-free and with full ownership of their work retained. In addition to the Fellowship, up to 20 people get a minimum ₹10,000 grant, also equity-free. The remote-friendly, fully flexible nature allows recipients to work from anywhere globally. Participants also get access to a network of founders, investors, and mentors active across 160+ countries, plus the independence to experiment without corporate oversight.
About the provider
O'Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants is offered by O'Shaughnessy Ventures (OSV), a venture-capital firm. It is delivered directly by O'Shaughnessy Ventures (OSV) as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applicants first submit an online application. These are reviewed on a rolling basis, and most applicants get an update within 30 days. Shortlisted candidates move on to an introductory call with the OSV team. Those who stand out then take part in deeper conversations involving both the OSV team and their extended network. Final selections are announced on June 1, 2026. All applicants are automatically evaluated for both the Fellowship prize and the smaller grants.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to O'Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
O'Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹90L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does the O'Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants offer?
Fellows receive ₹100,000 for a 12-month term. Additionally, up to 20 individuals can receive grants of at least ₹10,000 each.
What is the application deadline for this program?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but the final selections will be announced by June 1, 2026. It is advisable to apply as early as possible as most applicants get a decision within 30 days.
Who is eligible to apply (stage, sector, and geography)?
The program is open to individuals from any country who are at least 18 years old. It covers a wide range of domains including science, technology, arts, entrepreneurship, and social innovation. There is no minimum stage requirement – applicants can be at any stage from idea to existing project. Any type of bold, self-directed work that advances civilization is welcome.
Do applicants need to have DPIIT recognition, MSME certification, or a specific entity type?
No. This program is open to individuals, not companies. There is no requirement whatsoever for DPIIT or MSME status. In fact, you don't need to form a company to apply.
Is the O'Shaughnessy Fellowship a grant or an equity investment?
It is a 100% grant. The fellowship and the separate grants are equity-free – you retain full ownership of your project and all intellectual property is yours.
What documents or materials are needed to apply?
Applicants must submit an online application (form and questions via the OSV Fellowship website). There is no mention requiring business plans, pitch decks, recommendation letters, or tax proofs; the selection is based on the quality of your idea and background as expressed in the application.
How do I apply – and what does the application process look like?
All applications are submitted through the official fellowship portal at osvfellowship.com. The majority of candidates hear back within a month. Shortlisted applicants have an introductory phone call, then one or more deeper conversations with the OSV team and their external network. Reference check or additional verification may occur. All finalists are notified by June 1, 2026.
Can I apply for the grant and the fellowship separately or must I pick one?
You should submit only one application – every candidate is automatically evaluated for both the £1,00,800 Fellowship and the £5,04,112 Grants. There is no need to choose between the two.
Can a foreign national living in India apply? Can an Indian founder living abroad apply?
Yes, as long as you meet the age requirement (>18). The call is fully international and distance-neutral for admittance and participation.
Is there any campus or bricks-and-mortar space? Must fellows relocate?
There is no physical location to shift – the entire experience happens from anywhere in the world as an independent operator. No in-person attendance required; participants can focus on their project remotely.
Who offers O'Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants?
O'Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants is offered by O'Shaughnessy Ventures (OSV), a venture-capital firm. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to O'Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants
Not sure O'Shaughnessy Fellowships & Grants is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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