The Basis Fellowship: $50,000 Funding and a Lifelong Network

The Basis Fellowship offers $50,000 and access to a lasting community for people pursuing work across different fields, including engineering, science and operations.

The programme’s founding cohort is 2026, and fellows are selected on a rolling basis. It is run by Mark Khrapko, Spencer Green and Steven Pang, with funding provided personally and through Orbit. 

Fellowship benefits

Selected fellows receive:

• $50,000 in funding.
• Access to the fellowship’s network and community.
• Freedom to use the money as they choose.
• Funding without equity requirements or reporting obligations.

The organisers may also award $3,000 for a strong application that does not result in fellowship selection. This additional award is discretionary and is not guaranteed to unsuccessful applicants. Official funding details

Who can apply?

The fellowship welcomes operators, engineers, scientists and people working in other fields.

The website does not publish a formal degree requirement, nationality restriction or age limit. Your work is central to the application. Official eligibility information

What to prepare

The application form asks for:

• Your name, age, email address, city and country.
• Organisations or schools you are associated with, if applicable.
• A LinkedIn or social profile.
• A portfolio, GitHub profile or website.
• Supporting files that help demonstrate your work.
• Responses about your achievements, beliefs, interests and future plans.

You can upload up to 10 files, each no larger than 25 MB. For larger materials, provide a link. A phone number and a separate personal introduction are optional. Official application form

How to apply

1. Visit the Basis Fellowship application page.
2. Select “New application” and enter your details.
3. Share examples of your work and answer the application questions.
4. Review your information and submit the form.

The organisers estimate that applying takes around 10 minutes and ask applicants not to spend more than 20 minutes.

Your application does not expire. When you have new progress to share, select “Update mine” and use the email address from your original submission. Replies come from @orbit.engineering, so check your spam folder. Application instructions

Application deadline

Applications are always open. There is no fixed closing date.

Fellows are announced on a rolling basis. Official application status

Selection and announcements

The organisers state that they personally read every application. No fixed interview schedule or response timetable is published.

Public identification as a fellow is optional; you can choose whether to be listed. Application and privacy information

Nominate someone

You can also nominate another person. If your nominee becomes a fellow, you receive $1,000.

The nomination form asks for your details, the nominee’s contact information or links, and an explanation of why you are recommending them. Official nomination form

Official information and application

• Programme information: The Basis Fellowship
• Apply or update your application: Application portal
• Nominate someone: Nomination portal
• Enquiries: basis@orbit.engineering, using [basis] as the email subject.