About this role
Graduate students who possess a deep curiosity about how frontier technology transforms into commercial businesses will find this fellowship a natural fit. Samsung Next operates an investment and corporate development group focused on backing ambitious founders in areas like artificial intelligence, intelligent machines, and frontier technologies.
Participants in this part-time program collaborate closely with the managing director for AI and robotics alongside experienced investment team members. Fellows engage in live and practice deals, construct sector theses, and draft publication-ready investment memos while working roughly twenty hours per week for twelve to sixteen weeks starting in January 2027.
What you will do
- Develop a structured sector or forward-looking technology thesis focused on an area of deep personal expertise.
- Map markets and surface companies worth meeting by producing a comprehensive ecosystem map of key players, researchers, and trends.
- Perform rigorous technical evaluations on live and practice venture opportunities to assess what is genuinely novel.
- Produce concise, publication-ready investment memos and defend viewpoints in deal discussions.
- Participate in cohort learning including a kickoff intensive on investment evaluation, technical diligence, and memo writing.
- Engage in recurring office hours and peer reviews with other cohort members.
What you need
- Current enrollment in or recent graduation from a graduate degree program in computer science, engineering, or a related technical field with a strong research background.
- Deep expertise in a frontier technical area specifically covering AI, robotics, or edge and cloud infrastructure.
- Demonstrated evidence of building, researching, publishing, shipping, or founding technology projects.
- Strong analytical writing and communication skills to simplify complex topics and synthesize information.
- Genuine intellectual curiosity about company building, markets, and customers.
- Professional judgment and discretion with the ability to handle confidential information.
- Ability to work in an unstructured environment and take initiative without close supervision.
- Availability for an in-person kickoff in Mountain View and regular hybrid presence during the program.
Nice to have
- Commercial instincts to connect technology to customers and market timing
- Prior startup, research lab, or founding experience
- Involvement in technical communities, open source, or published research
Benefits
- $45-60 hourly pay
- Paid fellowship
Questions candidates ask
What is the remote policy and work arrangement?
The role is based in Mountain View, California with a hybrid setup. Occasional travel to the office as well as conferences and events will be required, including an in-person kickoff.
What is the compensation and time commitment?
This is a paid fellowship for twenty hours per week over twelve to sixteen weeks. The expected hiring range is $45 to $60 hourly as a nonexempt position.
What background is required to apply?
Candidates must be currently enrolled in or recent graduates of a graduate degree program in computer science, engineering, or a related technical field with a strong research background. Deep expertise in AI, robotics, or edge and cloud infrastructure is specifically needed.
What are the next steps after the fellowship ends?
Upon completion of the initial twelve to sixteen week fellowship, outstanding fellows will be considered for a continued summer residency and ultimately an investor role at Samsung Next.