Do you have a robotics-related business idea but aren’t sure where to start? The Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute Pathways Fellowship could ignite your entrepreneurial journey.
Now in its third year, the program is currently accepting applications for its 2026-2027 cohort through March 30.
The Pathways Fellowship was designed for entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups who have faced barriers of entry within technology and robotics, and you don’t need a degree to apply. The program’s inclusive environment provides financial support, academic opportunities, entrepreneurship workshops and hands-on mentorship to help founders succeed.
Need more inspiration? Here are insights from a few alumni of the program:
- Maximillian Obasiolu, founder of Lead In Records — “A lot of fellowship opportunities either give you money with no guidance or guidance with no support and this program had both. At the time, I was spinning my startup out because I had just recently graduated, and it was something that I wanted to pursue full-time, but I didn’t have the means economically to support myself during that transitional period.”
- Olivia Suchko, founder of Shop Olive — “With support from The Pathways Program, InnovatePGH, Carnegie Mellon, and so many others, Olive evolved into exactly what it was meant to be: not just clothing, but a new system. A system designed to celebrate women’s beautiful figures while modernizing one of the most complex industries in the world.”
- Georgia Crowther, founder of Reclamation Factory — “There’s a lot of pressure, especially in the robotics job markets in the United States, to work on things that you’re not stoked about, but you’re a high-demand person. Be brave and work on the things you want to work on. Insist on that. Stand your ground and be proud of the work you do.”
- Miles Mufuka Martin, cofounder of Relai — “I think in America, culturally, building businesses is not celebrated. Having built a business is celebrated. Having lots and lots of revenue is celebrated. Being on the cover of magazines is celebrated. But the steps one through 10, those are not celebrated at all…. You have to validate yourself. Build in your own wins.”
Ready to join a likeminded group of engineers, researchers and entrepreneurs and turn your business ideas into a scalable venture? Get more info on the Pathways Fellowship here and apply by March 30.
This article is underwritten by the Southwestern Pennsylvania (SWPA) New Economy Collaborative. Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial partners like this one.
