About the Fellowship
The Rajeev Circle Fellowship (RCF) 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded international fellowship launched by the Motwani Jadeja Foundation (MJF). Founded by Asha Jadeja in memory of Professor Rajeev Motwani, the fellowship empowers India’s most promising technology entrepreneurs by connecting them with Silicon Valley’s innovation ecosystem.
The program is designed for startup founders who are building impactful technology solutions and are ready to expand globally. Selected fellows receive an immersive experience in San Francisco during SF Tech Week 2026, where they gain direct access to investors, founders, technology leaders, and startup communities.
By participating in the Rajeev Circle Fellowship, entrepreneurs can strengthen their global network, explore international markets, and accelerate the growth of their startups.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- Up to USD 3,500 reimbursement grant
- Round-trip airfare from India to San Francisco
- Accommodation during the fellowship
- Food and local expenses
- Entry tickets for SF Tech Week events
- Curated networking opportunities
- Mentorship from industry experts
- Exposure to the global startup ecosystem
- Long-term access to the Rajeev Circle alumni network
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | June 6, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | July 12, 2026 |
| Shortlisting | Mid July 2026 |
| Final Cohort Announcement | End of July / Early August 2026 |
| Online Orientation | August тАУ September 2026 |
| Silicon Valley Fellowship | October 7тАУ15, 2026 |
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship consists of two phases:
Virtual Preparation
- August тАУ September 2026
- Three to four online orientation and strategy sessions
In-Person Residency
- October 7 тАУ October 15, 2026
- Intensive one-week program during SF Tech Week in Silicon Valley
Fellowship Location
- San Francisco, California, USA
- Conducted alongside SF Tech Week 2026
Fellowship Highlights
- Fully funded Silicon Valley immersion program
- Equity-free grant of up to USD 3,500 per founder
- Participation in SF Tech Week 2026
- Visits to leading technology companies and startup hubs
- Networking with venture capitalists, angel investors, and founders
- Access to exclusive Rajeev Circle community events
- Personalized introductions to investors based on startup stage
- Cross-border collaboration opportunities between India and the United States
Priority Sectors
Applications are encouraged from founders working in:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Agentic AI Systems
- Defence Technology
- Deep Tech
- Advanced Materials
- Cybersecurity
- Drones
- Autonomous Systems
- Robotics
- Space Technology
- Other frontier technology domains
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a technology founder based in India.
- Be actively building a startup or technology product.
- Have progressed beyond the idea stage.
- Demonstrate readiness to engage with the US startup ecosystem.
- Be willing to participate in both online and offline sessions.
- Hold a valid US visa before travel. Applicants already possessing a valid US visa may receive preference.
Application Requirements
Applicants should keep the following information ready while applying:
- Personal details
- Startup information
- LinkedIn profile
- Startup website
- Product demo video
- Startup sector
- Funding status
- Revenue details
- US visa status
- Previous travel history to the United States (if applicable)
Selection Procedure
The selection process includes the following stages:
Step 1: Online Application
Eligible founders must submit the online application form before the deadline.
Step 2: Application Review
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Startup innovation
- Technology impact
- Founder potential
- Global scalability
- Market readiness
Step 3: Shortlisting
Selected candidates will be invited for further evaluation.
Step 4: Final Selection
The final cohort will be announced after the review process.
Successful applicants will then participate in virtual orientation sessions before traveling to Silicon Valley.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply by following these steps:
- Visit the official Rajeev Circle Fellowship application page.
- Complete the online application form.
- Provide accurate startup and founder details.
- Upload all required information and supporting links.
- Submit the application before July 12, 2026.