Apply for the Radical AI Founders Masterclass 2026 - a free, four-week virtual programme from Radical Ventures for AI researchers and early-stage technical founders. Join live sessions with pioneers such as Yann LeCun, Geoffrey Hinton, Fei-Fei Li, and leaders from top AI companies. Applications close 30 September 2026 (reviewed on a rolling basis).
The 2026 cohort runs in October 2026 - sessions are held twice weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 PM PT / 4:00 PM ET. Accepted participants may also apply to Radical's Compute Cohort for up to $250,000 in compute credits and mentorship.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on Radical Ventures' official Masterclass page. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Radical AI Founders Masterclass 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Radical Ventures AI Founders Masterclass 2026 |
| Organiser | Radical Ventures (Toronto-based AI venture fund) |
| Format | Free, virtual, four-week masterclass |
| Schedule | October 2026 - Wed & Thu, 1 PM PT / 4 PM ET |
| Program dates | 7 - 28 October 2026 (approx. four weeks) |
| Cost | Free - no tuition for the Masterclass |
| Compute Cohort | Separate application - up to $250,000 in credits for select participants |
| Who | AI researchers and early-stage technical founders |
| Deadline | 30 September 2026 (rolling review - apply early) |
| Official page | radical.vc/masterclass |
| Apply | Google Form - Apply for 2026 |
What You Will Learn
The Masterclass is built for people turning AI research into real companies. Radical Ventures brings together world-leading researchers, successful entrepreneurs, and executives from top AI firms to share frameworks on product development, company building, fundraising, and go-to-market strategy.
Past and announced 2026 speakers include Yann LeCun, Geoffrey Hinton, Fei-Fei Li, Raquel Urtasun (Waabi), Ion Stoica (Databricks), and Jim Fan (NVIDIA). Participants also join a peer community from Stanford, MIT, Oxford, Cambridge, Berkeley, Vector, Mila, and similar institutes.
Programme Benefits
- Free virtual access to all Masterclass sessions
- Live sessions twice weekly; recordings uploaded within about a week if you miss live
- Tactical workshops on building AI products and startups
- Network of AI researchers and founders globally
- Eligibility to apply for the Compute Cohort - up to $250,000 in compute credits plus industry mentorship
Who Should Apply
- AI researchers considering commercialisation or founding a company
- Early-stage technical founders already building in AI
- PhD students, postdocs, and lab researchers exploring startup paths
- Engineers and scientists with a technical AI project or idea
Spots are limited. Radical encourages attending live for the full experience, though recordings are available.
How to Apply
- Read the programme overview on radical.vc/masterclass.
- Complete the 2026 Masterclass application form.
- Apply early - applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through late September.
- If accepted, optionally apply separately to the Compute Cohort (details on the official site).
- Block Wed/Thu afternoons (PT/ET) in October for live sessions.
2025 Masterclass alumni may use a condensed application form linked from Radical's FAQ page.
Official Links
Apply - Radical AI Founders Masterclass 2026
Programme overview - Radical Ventures Masterclass
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- MATS Residency Program 2027
- Kenya AI Accelerator Programme 2026
- Agentrust Fellowship - Verifiable AI Agents 2026
- Standard Chartered Women in Tech Accelerator Egypt 2026
- Browse all fellowships
FAQs - Radical AI Founders Masterclass 2026
Is the Masterclass free?
Yes. Sessions are virtual and free for accepted participants.
When is the deadline?
30 September 2026. Applications are reviewed rolling - earlier is better.
When does the programme run?
October 2026, roughly 7 - 28 October, with sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1 PM PT / 4 PM ET.
Can I watch recordings if I miss live?
Yes. Sessions are recorded and typically posted within about a week, but live attendance is strongly encouraged.
What is the Compute Cohort?
A separate Radical programme for Masterclass participants offering up to $250,000 in compute credits and mentorship - apply via the official Compute Cluster form after reviewing Radical's site.
