Who can apply?
Q-Fellows is open to all Harvard and MIT students — undergraduate, graduate, and professional school. You do not need a team. You do not need an idea. You need a genuine pull toward the problems.
Do I need prior experience in critical minerals, energy, or supply chains?
No. You need curiosity and the willingness to go deep. The program is designed for people who are drawn to these problems but haven't yet found the path in. Prior technical knowledge in the specific domain is not required.
What is the time commitment?
Q-Fellows is a full-time, ten-week program running June 15 to August 21, 2026. Fellows are expected to be present and engaged full-time. This is not a part-time commitment.
What problem will I work on?
You are matched to a real problem set from governments, research institutions, or industry partners — in critical minerals, energy infrastructure, supply chains, or the physical systems that modern economies depend on. You don't search for the problem. The problem finds you. You may bring your own ideas and interests, and we will match accordingly.
What is the funded research trek?
During the program, every fellow takes a fully sponsored research trip to where the problem physically lives. Past destinations include a critical minerals mine in Australia, a government agency in Washington, and the data centers in Virginia powering a third of the world's internet traffic. The specific destination depends on your problem set.
Do I need a team to apply?
No. You can apply individually. Teams of two to three are formed during the program based on problem sets and complementary skills. Come alone. Leave with a team.
What does the $7,000 cover?
The $7,000 is an individual stipend to cover your summer. The funded research trek is covered separately by the program. There are no fees to participate.
What happens after the program?
Fellows leave with a research direction worth pursuing, a working prototype or MVP, a policy brief ready for deployment, or the early foundations of a company — and the network to take it further. The sponsors who brought the problem are the first source of support. That relationship does not end at week ten.
How selective is Q-Fellows?
Very. The first cohort is 15 fellows. We review applications on a rolling basis. Apply early. Shortlisted applicants are invited for a short conversation.