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Pioneer vs OpenAI Residency 2026: Which is Right for You?
Compare these opportunities side-by-side to find the best fit for you.
Pioneer
$20K for 1% equity (or advisory only); virtual startup contest with mentors.
Apply anytimeRolling
Rolling deadlineRolling
Global
accelerator
equity-based
accelerator
+3 more
OpenAI Residency 2026
The OpenAI Residency is a six-month research program in San Francisco that embeds talented individuals within OpenAI’s research teams to work on frontier AI problems with mentorship and real project contributions.
45 days left45d left
Closes 2/15/2026Feb 15
North America
research
ai-research
residency
+3 more
Side-by-Side Comparison
Funding
20000 USD (1% equity) - 1% equity for top participants
18300 USD
Location Restrictions
Not specified
San Francisco
Industry Focus
Not specified
software engineering, research, mathematics, physics, neuroscience
Financial Benefits
$20,000 investment for top participants
~$18,300/month, relocation assistance
Mentorship
Remote mentorship
direct mentorship from experienced AI researchers and engineers
Networking
Access to Pioneer alumni network
Not specified
Program Location
remote
hybrid
Program Structure
Multi-week 'tournament'
Not specified
Selection Criteria
Not specified
originality, rapid learning, strong technical foundations
Type
accelerator
research
Region
Global
North America