The Flux Capacitor is an angel check program by 1517 Fund designed to provide an “off-ramp” for exceptional young researchers who want to leave or pause their academic careers to commercialize their work or jumpstart moonshot science experiments. The program addresses the institutional distrust of younger scientists by funding them 20 years earlier than traditional grants. Selected teams receive a significant investment and join a community of like-minded builders. Target Audience: Insanely exceptional young researchers, experimentalists, and builders (typically 20 years younger than average grant recipients) who are ready to build outside academia. Geographic Eligibility: Global (Finalists are invited to San Francisco for interviews). Tangible Benefits: ◦Investment: $100,000 investment to explore commercialization or further moonshot science. ◦Mentorship: Continued mentorship from the 1517 team. ◦Community: Access to a strong peer community of revolutionary scientists and builders. Application Deadline: April 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific. Event Date: Finalist interviews in San Francisco during the first week of June 2026.