
Dojo Grants
Program Details
Funding Amount
$8k
Deadline
Rolling applications accepted
Location
Worldwide
Focus Areas
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Program Overview
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.
โก 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
๐ฏ 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.
๐ฐ 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.
๐ 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
๐ 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
- Personal Information
- Academic details
- Expected graduation
- Demographics
- Host Lab Authorization Form
- Project goals
- Roles and responsibilities
- Time commitment
- Lab supervisor agreement
- 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
- Submit complete application by deadline
- Initial review notification
- Finalist interviews
- Final decisions
- Fund distribution begins
โจ 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
๐ 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.
๐ 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
๐ Additional Resources
Application Materials
Lab Search Resources
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 interestโ
Application Materials
Lab Search Resources
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Last updated: January 22, 2025