1517 Medici Project

Program Overview

High school, college students, and dropouts to launch projects to make humanity better

Eligibility

• High school students
• College students
• Dropouts
• Project-focused

Application Guide

1. Which best describes you? (student, maker, founder)
2. What are you working on? Describe the project and current state.
3. Share links to work, prototypes, or documentation.

Quick Facts

• Type: Non-dilutive grant ($500–$50,000)
• Eligibility: Age 14+, global; especially for student founders, dropouts, and young rebels
• Process: Rolling applications, apply any time
• Contact: [email protected]

Mission

1517 Medici backs bold, contrarian thinkers and builders who refuse to follow the crowd. If you dream of changing the world outside the classroom, or have a project your school doesn’t get—this grant is made for you. Extra points for rule-breakers.

What’s Funded

Experimental tech, creative hacks, student startups, garage projects—if your big idea turns “why?” into “why not?!”, it’s welcome here. Moonshots and wild pivots encouraged.

Key Questions

• Personal Story: How did you get here and why are you building this?
• Contrarian View: Which mainstream idea do you disagree with—or a “normal” idea you’ll defend fiercely?
• Project Proposal: Problem, your novel solution, brief budget, real-world impact.

Tips: Speak plainly, show hustle, and be authentic.

Process

• Submit the online form (short, no long essays)
• Response in days to a couple of weeks; fast follow-ups welcome
• Casual video interview—hoodies and pets allowed
• Decision via email or DM, often right after the call

Tips From Recipients

Be honest, be bold, and highlight why your project can’t exist inside a traditional classroom. Show momentum and your drive to learn.

Examples

• Sydney: Built an open-source lab in her garage
• Max: Ran a hackathon from his bedroom, funded by 1517

Interview Prep

Read Paul Graham, watch stories about dropout founders, and be yourself—1517 loves seeing your unique vision shine.

Post-Award

Simple agreement, fast funding. Send annual updates (bonus points for memes). Use the funds boldly—aim for impact.