Qualcomm Technologies sponsors the Europe competition of the Qualcomm Innovation Fellowship for PhD research in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and related engineering areas. The 2026 cycle was a single competition among students at invited European universities and research institutions.
Up to five students receive support for research during the 2026–27 academic year, together with a Qualcomm researcher as mentor. The 2026 application cycle is closed, so prospective applicants should monitor the official page for the next annual round.
Benefits & funding
- The academic department of each winner receives $40,000 for the 2026–27 academic year.
- Departments are encouraged to use the award for the student’s fellowship and related research expenses, but retain discretion over allocation.
- Qualcomm assigns a researcher as mentor.
- Winners may also be offered collaborative activities or internships with Qualcomm; these are possibilities, not guaranteed benefits.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be PhD students at a university or research institution listed for the Europe competition.
- Each applicant must remain enrolled in a PhD program throughout the 2026–27 academic year.
- The PhD must begin by Fall 2026, and graduation cannot occur before the end of the Spring 2027 term.
- The 2026 rules state no nationality or residency restriction; eligibility is tied to enrollment at a participating institution.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
PhD Enrolled
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Application process
- 1Confirm that the applicant’s institution is included on the official Europe program page.
- 2Complete all registration materials specified on the program page and accept the official rules.
- 3Submit the complete application through the stated method by 27 February 2026 at 23:59 CET.
- 4Shortlisted applicants present their proposals to a judging panel during May or June 2026.
Program timeline
Application deadline
27 February 2026, 23:59 CET
Finalists notified
April–May 2026
Finalist presentations
May–June 2026
Fellowship period
2026–27 academic year