Artificial intelligence researchers and builders looking to tackle some of the toughest evaluation challenges now have a fresh opportunity, with applications now open for the Vals AI Fellowship 2026.
- Artificial intelligence researchers and builders looking to tackle some of the toughest evaluation challenges now have a fresh opportunity, with...
- The programme offers funding, technical resources and mentorship for individuals interested in creating better benchmarks and evaluation methods for AI...
- The company focuses on AI evaluation across areas such as law, finance, science and other high-stakes sectors, giving fellows access...
- The fellowship welcomes applicants with strong ideas for AI benchmarks or evaluation techniques to improve the reliability and performance of...
Keep reading for the full breakdown on AI — everything you need to know is covered below.
The programme offers funding, technical resources and mentorship for individuals interested in creating better benchmarks and evaluation methods for AI systems. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with the current deadline set for 30 June 2026.
Funding for AI Evaluation Research
Vals AI is inviting researchers, engineers, and independent innovators to spend between three and six months working on projects that improve the assessment of artificial intelligence models. The company focuses on AI evaluation across areas such as law, finance, science and other high-stakes sectors, giving fellows access to real-world challenges and industry-grade infrastructure.
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Selected participants will receive a weekly stipend ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 US dollars. They will also gain unlimited API credits, computing support, including GPU resources, funding for human-generated datasets where required, and access to Vals AI’s evaluation platform. The fellowship is open to both remote participants and those who wish to work in person in San Francisco.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship welcomes applicants with strong ideas for AI benchmarks or evaluation techniques to improve the reliability and performance of modern AI systems. Vals AI encourages proposals from individuals who can identify gaps in current evaluation methods and develop practical solutions that advance AI testing.
Successful fellows will also join a network of AI evaluation researchers from frontier laboratories and academic institutions. This provides opportunities to exchange ideas, receive expert feedback and refine projects alongside others working at the forefront of AI evaluation research.
Application Process
Applications are reviewed as they are received, meaning early submissions may have an advantage before available fellowship places are filled. Candidates are expected to submit a proposal outlining the benchmark or evaluation approach they intend to build during the fellowship period.
As demand grows for more reliable methods of testing increasingly capable AI systems, initiatives such as the Vals AI Fellowship aim to encourage practical research that strengthens model evaluation. By combining financial support with technical resources and access to experienced researchers, the programme helps innovators contribute to the next generation of AI assessment tools.
Interested applicants should click here to apply.