Fellows Program
A 12-month residency for emerging technologists and researchers building at the intersection of blockchain, governance, and society.
The Program
The ARO Fellows Program is a 12-month residency designed for people doing serious work that does not yet have an institutional home. We select a small cohort each year: builders, researchers, and organizers who are thinking carefully about the systems shaping our digital future.
Fellows work independently on their own projects. We provide resources, community, and infrastructure. You provide the work.
What We Look For
Builders working at the intersection of blockchain, governance, and social infrastructure
Researchers with a track record of rigorous, open work
Technologists who think carefully about the social consequences of what they build
People who ship: working code, published papers, deployed experiments
Early-career talent overlooked by traditional institutions
What You Get
Monthly Stipend
A living stipend for the duration of the residency so you can focus on your work.
ARO Network Access
Direct access to the ARO ecosystem: infrastructure, tools, contracts, and team.
Mentorship
Regular sessions with experienced practitioners across protocol engineering, governance, and product.
Conference Travel
Budget for attending and presenting at relevant conferences and events.
Publication Support
Editorial guidance and formal publishing support for papers and technical reports.
Community
A cohort of peers doing serious work at the intersection of technology and society.
2026 Cohort
Applications Open
We are currently accepting applications for the 2026 cohort. We select 6 to 10 fellows per year. Deadline: June 30, 2026.
Apply to the ProgramHow to Apply
Send an email to fellows@aro.foundation with the subject line "Fellows Application 2026". Include:
- 01A brief bio (2 to 3 paragraphs): who you are, what you have built or published, and what drives your work
- 02Your project proposal: what you plan to work on during the residency, why it matters, and what you expect to produce
- 03Links to prior work: code, papers, publications, or any public output
- 04Two references who can speak to your work