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MESHY FELLOWSHIP 2026

Empowering the Next Generation of Multimodal AI Innovators

An annual award recognizing rising stars in the fields of multimodal AI and computer graphics research.
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Submit Application

The Courage to Define the Future

Nerdy to Meshy: An MIT Ph.D.'s Startup Story

When I pursued my Ph.D. at MIT, I managed a monthly stipend of $3,200, with half going towards rent in Cambridge, MA. Like many peers, I lived paycheck to paycheck, carefully budgeting each day. My research was supported by several fellowships—Edwin Webster, Snap, Adobe, Meta-that provided financial stability to focus on my work. This support enabled me to graduate in three and a half years, culminating in a thesis that earned Honorable Mention in the SIGGRAPH 2022 Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award. PS: Interestingly, Snap and Meta, who once supported my academic journey, are now among Meshy AI’s first Enterprise clients. It’s amazing how things come full circle!
Giving back is important. This core belief drives the Meshy AI Fellowship.
We are investing in scholars ready to move beyond publishing papers to creating influential work. We seek pioneers with the conviction to ask: "Is this the most important thing I can be doing right now?" This fellowship empowers you to pursue breakthroughs in Multimodal AI and Computer Graphics without financial constraints.
For 2026, we are looking for the next generation of pilots ready to make their own "leap of faith" and define the future of the field.
Our vision is to use AI and graphics to build radically new interactive entertainment experiences that bring joy to billions of people. We hope the Meshy fellowship can fuel the next generation of pioneers towards this mission.
We are setting up a flight to somewhere we have yet to explore. Everything is all set, the gate is about to close, and we welcome you on board, to be the pilot.

Yuanming (Ethan) Hu

Co-founder and CEO, Meshy AI

Ph.D., MIT EECS

Awards

Empowering the next generation of 3D GenAI innovators

2 Grand Prize

2 Grand Prize

We award 2 Grand Prizes of $10,000 each and a 1-year Meshy Studio subscription to the most outstanding students, one in the field of Multimodal AI and one in the field of Graphics.
8 Outstanding Prize Winners

8 Outstanding Prize Winners

Each selected fellow is awarded $5,000 along with a 1-year Meshy Studio subscription to support their research and development efforts.
10 Finalists

10 Finalists

Every finalist receives a 1-year Meshy Studio subscription to encourage their innovative efforts.

Exclusive Benefits for All Winners (Grand Prize & Outstanding Winners)

In addition to the monetary awards and Meshy Studio subscription, all Grand Prize and Outstanding Winners will receive the following support to maximize their professional and academic visibility:

Publicity and Showcase
Publicity and Showcase
Meshy will feature your research breakthroughs and profile on the official Meshy website and social media channels.
Publicity and Showcase
Academic Promotion Support
Meshy will actively assist in promoting candidates' academic work, helping to amplify visibility within the broader AI and Graphics community.
How to Apply

Submit your application today

Submit Application

Evaluation Criteria

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their high-impact research in multimodal AI (3D / video / image) and computer graphics, including top-tier conference and journal papers or significantly recognized open-source projects. Preprints and arXived papers are also acceptable.

Application Requirements

For a thorough assessment of your application, kindly provide the following details in your submission:

Eligibility
Eligibility

The recipient must remain an active, full-time student during the academic year of the award or forfeit the award.

Research Relevance
Research Relevance

The proposed research must be closely related to the research areas of multimodal AI and computer graphics.

Fellowship Exclusivity
Fellowship Exclusivity

A recipient of the Meshy AI Fellowship may not receive another fellowship from another technology company during the same academic year.

Application Timeline

To apply, candidates must submit their applications via our website, providing all required information and documentation. Following the submission period, the Meshy AI team will carefully review all applications and select 20 outstanding candidates for a brief interview.

Submit your application
Submit your application

Submit your application form before Mar 15, 2026 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Selection of Finalists
Selection of Finalists

Our team will review all applications and select 20 finalists for a brief interview.

Interviews
Interviews

Our team (including Ethan) talk to 20 finalists and pick the grand / outstanding prize winners.

Announce results
Announce results

Winners will be announced by April 20, 2026, 11:50 PM Pacific Time.

FAQ

Ignite Your Next Big Idea
Apply for the Meshy Fellowship to fuel your research in the field of 3D GenAI
Submit Application