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Pioneer vs Y Combinator Summer Fellows Grants 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
Y Combinator Summer Fellows Grants 2026
Y Combinator’s Summer Fellows Grants provide selected undergraduate students with cash and cloud credits to pursue their own technical projects over the summer rather than traditional internship work.
86 days left86d left
Closes 3/28/2026Mar 28
Global
grant
student-grant
technical-projects
+3 more
Side-by-Side Comparison
Funding
20000 USD (1% equity) - 1% equity for top participants
20000 USD
Education Level
Not specified
Undergraduate
Industry Focus
Not specified
Computer Science, Engineering, AI, Software Engineering
Financial Benefits
$20,000 investment for top participants
$20,000 cash grant
Mentorship
Remote mentorship
Access to advice and informal mentorship from YC partners
Networking
Access to Pioneer alumni network
Invitations to YC’s AI Startup School and special events, Co-working sessions at Y Combinator’s office during the summer, Opportunity to present your project at a group demo day
Program Location
remote
hybrid
Program Structure
Multi-week 'tournament'
Not specified
Type
accelerator
grant
Region
Global
Global