SDEX Fellowship
Shastra Deep-tech Excellence Fellowship
A launchpad for researchers and deep-tech innovators to transform breakthrough science into applied, real-world solutions.
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Overview
Program Details
Eligibility
Who is it for?
We welcome applications from those eager to translate technical breakthroughs into practical solutions.
Choose Your Path
Fellowship Pathways
Challenge Track
This track provides industry-aligned deep-tech problem statements for applicants to apply their expertise through structured milestones, supported by hands-on mentorship and funding.
2026 applications closed
Open Track
This track welcomes open-ended submissions from researchers building in deep-tech innovation with the freedom to define the problem, milestones, and direction of execution.
2026 applications closed
Not sure which track? Contact us for guidance
Benefits
What's in it
for Fellows
Equity-Free Funding
Funding of up to $100K to run real experiments, build prototypes, and validate the core technical insight.
Structured Technical Guidance
Clear, focused milestone planning that helps you test assumptions quickly, track progress, and move from idea to validated discovery with discipline.
1:1 Expert Mentorship
Direct access to Shastra VC partners, portfolio founders, and deep-tech domain experts who guide your technical, research, and venture decisions.
Venture or Integration Pathways
If your milestone succeeds, you unlock a fast-track to company creation or potential integration with a Shastra portfolio company working in your domain.
Real-World Validation Access
Exposure to actual field conditions including labs, manufacturing inputs, data environments, testing setups, so your technology is proven under practical constraints.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Everything you need to know about the SDEX Fellowship program. Can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our team.
2026 Applications Closed
2026 applications are now closed
Our team is reviewing submissions and will reach out to shortlisted applicants directly by email. Want to hear when the next cohort opens? Let us know.
Questions? Reach out at investments@shastra.vc