Astera Institute Residency

Summary

Astera Institute's Residency Program supports bold, early-stage research projects that create public goods. Residents receive $125K–$250K annual salary (based on experience) plus a project budget of up to $1.5M covering lab infrastructure, compute, licenses, and personnel.

Compute access is exceptional: on-demand access to 24,000 NVIDIA HGX H100s and a reserved fleet of B200s/GB300s via Voltage Park. The Fall 2026 cohort focuses on two tracks: Neuroscience & AI, and Life Sciences & Open Science — though other projects aligned with Astera's mission are considered.

Residents work from Astera's hub in Emeryville, California with dedicated workspace and shared amenities. The general expectation is open-first publication — all work published openly and accessibly. Terms are negotiable for projects with commercial potential. The community brings together entrepreneurs testing theories of change in technology and life sciences.

Program Edge

One of the most generously funded research residencies available — combining a strong salary with massive project budgets and world-class compute.

$125K–$250K annual salary based on experience
Up to $1.5M project budget (lab, infra, compute, personnel)
On-demand access to 24,000 NVIDIA HGX H100s
Reserved fleet of B200s/GB300s via Voltage Park
Comprehensive benefits for residents and staff
12–18 month duration for meaningful research

Fall 2026 Tracks

Two primary research tracks, plus open consideration for mission-aligned projects.

Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence
Life Sciences and Open Science
Other projects aligned with Astera's public goods mission

What Makes It Different

Open-first research with real resources. Unlike academic labs with tight budgets, Astera provides startup-level funding and compute for public goods research. Projects must be early-stage, scoped for 12–18 months, and have real pathways to adoption.