Non-Trivial Research Fellows Program
by Non-Trivial
$1,000 Scholarship
Non-Trivial Research Fellows Program is a program by Non-Trivial for children aged 14 to 20, open to students across India. Registration closed 12 Jan 2026. It is free to take part.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Duration
8 weeks
Format
Individual · Teams of 5
Time needed
Minimum 10 hours per week, with a flexible schedule to accommodate other commitments.
Key dates
- Registration opens
- 1 Dec 2025
- Registration closed
- 12 Jan 2026
- Dates
- 15 Jun 2026 to 23 Aug 2026
Online · Discord and proprietary online learning tools
About this opportunity
The Non-Trivial Research Fellows Program is an intensive 8-week online fellowship designed for talented young individuals aged 14-20 who are passionate about solving pressing global problems. Operating under the Effective Ventures Group, this program provides participants with expert guidance and one-on-one mentorship from facilitators, often from top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Stanford. It aims to empower the next generation of leaders to make a significant difference in the world through impactful research, policy, or entrepreneurial projects.
Participants will engage in focused work, either individually or in teams, developing a comprehensive research toolkit, learning interdisciplinary academic concepts, and fostering critical thinking skills. The program emphasizes practical research experience, accelerating career prospects, and contributing to meaningful solutions for global challenges.
Fellows also benefit from a world-class community of like-minded peers and exclusive Q&A sessions with globally impactful speakers.
This fellowship is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to complete it part-time alongside their other academic commitments. The program is entirely online, making it accessible to students worldwide, including those across India. It offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience and make a real-world impact before entering university.
Eligibility
- Grade level
- Age range
- 14 to 20 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Applicants must be high school students and not yet enrolled in university or tertiary education. Students taking a gap year before university are eligible.
Prerequisites
- A strong foundation in academic subjects and a keen interest in research or problem-solving.
- To be eligible for the Non-Trivial Research Fellows Program, students must first complete the Research Foundations Program.
Additional requirements
- Demonstrate curiosity, critical thinking, and a drive to make a difference.
- Not currently enrolled in university.
- Not currently enrolled in university or tertiary education.
- Must not be based in a country subject to UK sanctions.
Open to high school students aged 14-20 globally, who have not yet started university. Key requirements include demonstrating curiosity, critical thinking, and a strong drive to make a positive impact on the world. The program is accessible to students from almost anywhere in the world, with exceptions for countries under UK sanctions.
Know in seconds if your child qualifies.
The app checks eligibility for you.
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The curriculum includes weekly step-by-step worksheets for project planning, one-on-one mentorship sessions, and a research toolkit for interdisciplinary academic concepts. Participants engage in active Discord discussions, introductory calls with other fellows, and exclusive Q&A sessions with expert speakers. The program guides participants from deep dives into problem identification to establishing a proof of concept for their projects, culminating in a final presentation at Demo Day.
Rewards and recognition
Award
$1,000 Scholarship
All accepted fellows in the 8-week summer program receive a $1,000 scholarship to support their project work. Additionally, top projects are eligible for significant grant awards up to $10,000.
Certificate
Certificate of Completion
A certificate of completion is provided, recognized for academic and professional pursuits, validating participation in a highly selective global program.
Opens doors to
Participation in this highly selective program enhances university applications. Over half of university-admitted alumni have received offers from top-tier institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Stanford.
Career pathways
Fellows gain a significant advantage in their career paths, with alumni going on to co-author reports for the UN and secure funding for impactful projects. The program accelerates professional development in high-impact areas like AI safety, biosecurity, and climate change.
Recognition
Prestigious International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Languages
What your child will do
- Individual or team-based research projects
- Weekly one-on-one mentorship sessions
- Guided worksheets for project development
- Learning interdisciplinary academic concepts
- Discord discussions with peers
- Introductory calls with other fellows
- Exclusive Q&A sessions with expert speakers
- Final project presentation (Demo Day)
Mentors & faculty
Facilitators from top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Stanford, along with expert speakers.
How to apply
- 1The application process involves an initial online application with brainteasers and problem-solving quizzes.
- 2Selected applicants are invited to a semi-finalist stage where they discuss their aspirations and answer critical thinking questions.
- 3The final stage includes a video interview to delve deeper into their thoughts on global problems and project ideas.
Fees & financial support
Financial support
All accepted fellows receive a $500 scholarship. Additionally, top projects are eligible for grant awards: First place receives $15,000, second place (awarded twice) receives $5,000, and third place (awarded five times) receives $1,000. These grants are awarded based on project progress, promise for impact, and presentation quality at Demo Day.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for Non-Trivial Research Fellows Program?
The registration deadline is 12 Jan 2026. Registration for this edition has closed.
Is Non-Trivial Research Fellows Program free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in Non-Trivial Research Fellows Program?
Children aged 14 to 20.
What will my child gain from Non-Trivial Research Fellows Program?
The Non-Trivial Research Fellows Program includes a $1,000 scholarship awarded to each participant upon acceptance into the 8-week summer research fellowship. Gain one-on-one mentorship from facilitators at leading universities.. Develop essential research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.. Receive a certificate of completion, recognized for academic and professional pursuits. Enhance your profile for competitive university admissions and future career prospects.. Accepted participants may be eligible for grants up to $10,000 for top projects.. One-on-one mentorship from facilitators from top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Stanford..
Is this the right fit for your child?
Your child is not a list entry. WiWit matches opportunities to who they already are.
Share with other parents
Categories
WiWit
Don't miss what your child actually qualifies for
WiWit checks 1,191 opportunities like this one. The app shows you only the ones that fit your child.
- Matched to your child's class, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related opportunities
INFINITY — Inter-School Mathematics Championship
by Aditya Birla Group
Prestigious annual inter-school math competition for grades 9-12 by Aditya Birla World Academy & BITS Pilani, fostering a love for mathematics.
What your child could gain:
National Analytical Brains (NAB) Competition - Mathematics & Logical Reasoning
by Analytical Brains Education Private Limited
The National Analytical Brains (NAB) Competition is an annual online event for students from Kindergarten to Class 12 across India, focusing on mathematics and logical reasoning skills.
What your child could gain:
Navaratri Navrang Music Competition - Instrumental
by Acharyanet
An online Carnatic music competition by Acharyanet, held during Navaratri, is open to instrumentalists across six age categories from 6 years to adults.
What your child could gain: