Dojo Grants

DojoGrants is the first institution-agnostic, year-round life sciences research funding program for undergraduate researchers.

Applications for the 2024 cycle closed July 28th. Interested candidates can follow @dojogrants for announcements about the 2025 funding cycle.

⚡ Quick Facts

• Type: Non-dilutive research grant (up to $8,000 USD)
• Eligibility: U.S. and Canadian undergraduates
• Cycle: Annual summer funding program
• Process: Rolling review with interviews
• Contact: dojo@nucleate.xyz (Subject: "Dojo Grants Applicant")
• Impact: Supporting next-generation biotech researchers and founders

🎯 Mission

DojoGrants enables U.S. and Canadian undergraduates to pursue life sciences research opportunities in U.S.-based labs and institutes through comprehensive financial support and mentorship.

💰 What DojoGrants Funds

• Life sciences research projects at U.S.-based labs

• Part-time academic year research (~10-20 hrs/week)

• Full-time semester research (~40 hrs/week)

• Projects in:

  • Biophysics & Biomedical Technology
  • Genetics & Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology & Physiology
  • Computational Biosciences

Note: Priority goes to translational and applied research projects that can directly benefit human health or the bioeconomy.

🌟 2023-2024 Grant Recipients

Selected from 130+ applicants, the inaugural cohort represents diverse backgrounds and cutting-edge research. Read the full announcement post.

Demographics & Selection

• Diverse Representation: 65% women-identifying, 26% Black, 18% Latinx/Hispanic
• Selection Focus: Character, research aptitude, financial need
• Support: Funded by Intuitive Foundation

Current Scholars

• Ana Sofia Vargas Virella (Pontifical Catholic University) - Synaptic plasticity research at MIT Bear Lab
• Dianna Solis (CSU San Bernardino) - Endometriosis healthcare at Hassija Lab
• Eke Djibril (Howard University) - Cardiovascular disease in diabetic African Americans
• Min Joo Kim (Vanderbilt) - Type 1 diabetes research at Serezani Lab
• Vansh Sethi (Waterloo) - Protein engineering at MIT Shoulders Lab

Follow scholar updates on Twitter, Instagram, and Substack

📝 Application Guide

Before Applying

• Secure a research position at a U.S.-based lab
• Review past webinars
• Consider funding impact on research goals

Application Components

1. Personal Information

• Academic details
• Expected graduation
• Demographics

2. Host Lab Authorization Form

• Project goals
• Roles and responsibilities
• Time commitment
• Lab supervisor agreement

3. Written Response Questions (200-word limit each)

Question 1: How do you hope to make the most of the grant and how will it help you with your future goals in life science and/or biotech?

Question 2: What about your chosen research area excites you the most? What are you interested in learning the most?

Choose ONE of the following:

Question 3a: Think about a project, accomplishment, or anything you've worked on that you're really proud of. How did you get there? Walk us through your journey.

-OR-

Question 3b: What's something you're really proud of overcoming? Walk us through how you overcame it and what the outcome was.

Question 4: What is a recent risk you have taken? Why did this put you outside of your comfort zone?

Application Process

1. Submit complete application by deadline
2. Initial review notification
3. Finalist interviews
4. Final decisions
5. Fund distribution begins

✨ Post-Award Information

• 50% funding at project start
• 50% at midpoint check-in
• Industry engagement opportunities
• Journal club participation
• Mentorship access
• Network building activities
• Final project and reflection reports

📚 History & Structure

Founded within Nucleate's Dojo initiative, DojoGrants emerged from a 2022 survey of 80+ undergrads that revealed 37% faced financial barriers to research opportunities. The program eliminates traditional barriers by removing GPA requirements, previous experience requirements, and recommendation letters, focusing instead on student potential and curiosity.

🌟 What Makes a Strong Application?

• Clear research goals and motivation
• Secured lab position
• Demonstrated financial need
• Interest in biotech/life sciences
• Potential for research impact
• Commitment to scientific growth

📚 Additional Resources

Application Materials

• Host Lab Authorization Form
• Written Response Questions
• Full Application Preview

Lab Search Resources

• Weizmann Institute Guide
• 2024 Webinar
• 2023 Webinar

Related Nucleate Programs

DojoHouse

Summer co-living program for biotech innovators

• Locations: Boston and San Francisco
• Duration: June 1 - August 11, 2024
• Benefits: Full housing support, mentorship, networking
• Activities: Industry events, founder talks, lab visits
• Learn more

Activator Program

Biotech venture creation program

• Duration: November 2024 - May 2025
• Components: Team formation, strategy support, workshops
• Benefits: Expert mentorship, no equity taken
• Impact: 101 companies, $370M+ raised, 557 jobs created
• Applications due: October 15th (US chapters)
• Apply now

Get Involved

• Support DojoGrants: Partner/Sponsor Form
• Twitter: @thedojohouse
• Email: dojo@nucleate.xyz

Support Opportunities

• Fund undergraduate research grants
• Partner with our mission
• Join our community of supporters
• Current supporter: Intuitive Foundation
• Submit support interest⁠

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Application Materials

• Host Lab Authorization Form
• Written Response Questions
• Full Application Preview

Lab Search Resources

• Weizmann Institute Guide
• 2024 Webinar Recording
• 2023 Webinar Recording

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