Up to $5,000 Ikigai Science Grant
- Organization: Ikigai Grants (Alex S. Araki, with Renaissance Philanthropy and Fulcrum Science)
- Type: Grant
- Location: Global
- Deadline: November 9, 2026
- Age: 16 and over
- Funding: Fully Funded
Ikigai Grants is a microgrant programme run by scientist Alex S. Araki, which his page describes as an initiative of Renaissance Philanthropy with support from Fulcrum Science. Cohort 1 gives emerging scientists up to $5,000 each, with a matched mentor and a community, to pursue bold ideas in underfunded areas of science. Formal credentials matter less than your story and your idea. **What you get:** - A grant of up to $5,000 (about $5,000 on average, roughly 15 people in Cohort 1 from a $50,000 total) - No equity taken - A matched advisor or mentor from the Ikigai, Fulcrum Science and Renaissance Philanthropy network - Possible introductions to a larger microgrant, depending on progress - Editing help with the essay you publish **What you'll do:** - Work on your own scientific idea, in public - Publish one essay within four months of receiving the grant, which can be a guest essay on Araki's blog - Check in with the team around six to twelve months in **Key dates:** - Applications close 9 November 2026, 9:00 am Pacific time (as stated on the application form) **More information:** - The written part of the application is under two pages: your story, your idea, why it matters, and who you would call - Applications written with AI are automatically rejected - Applications are reviewed by Alex Araki alone
