AI Explorers Program 2026: Global Research and Mentorship Opportunity for Future AI Researchers
The AI Explorers Program is an international research and mentorship initiative designed to help talented pre-doctoral students build the skills, research experience, and academic profile needed to gain admission into leading PhD programs worldwide. Through expert mentorship, structured research training, and graduate application support, participants receive valuable guidance to advance their academic careers.
Interested candidates can apply as either mentees or mentors and become part of a global community dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence research.
For inquiries, contact: aiexplorers@umich.edu
About the AI Explorers Program
The AI Explorers Program is a global mentorship and research program created to support promising students who aspire to pursue doctoral studies in artificial intelligence and related fields. The program connects participants with experienced researchers and mentors, providing an environment that encourages learning, collaboration, and academic growth.
Participants work closely with mentors while developing research skills and preparing competitive graduate school applications.
Program Mission
The mission of the AI Explorers Program is to increase access to advanced AI research opportunities and help talented students become strong candidates for top PhD programs.
Through personalized mentorship, hands-on research experience, and professional development activities, participants receive the support needed to strengthen their academic and research profiles.
Program Duration
The program runs for approximately 6 to 9 months.
During this period, participants engage in sustained research activities under the guidance of experienced mentors. Alongside research work, fellows receive support in preparing graduate school application materials and developing essential academic skills.
Research and Academic Outcomes
Participants are expected to complete:
- One research paper suitable for submission to a workshop, conference, or academic journal, depending on the project’s scope and field.
- A complete graduate school application package.
The graduate application package includes:
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Academic Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research Statement
These deliverables help participants strengthen their applications for competitive PhD programs worldwide.
Program Structure
The AI Explorers Program follows a structured mentorship model that combines research training, collaboration, and professional development.
Participants will take part in:
- Weekly meetings with assigned mentors
- Monthly cohort meetings featuring research progress presentations
- Monthly or bi-monthly ACL mentorship sessions
These activities are designed to support research advancement, provide constructive feedback, and prepare participants for future academic opportunities.
Mentorship and Research Support
Each participant works closely with an assigned mentor throughout the program.
Mentors provide:
- Research supervision
- Academic guidance
- Feedback on research progress
- Support during the graduate application process
The mentorship structure helps participants build confidence, improve research skills, and gain valuable insights into academic careers in artificial intelligence.
Who Should Apply as a Mentee?
The program welcomes applicants who demonstrate a strong interest in artificial intelligence research and are prepared to contribute meaningfully to research projects.
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old by the program start date
- Demonstrate a strong interest in AI research
- Be committed to pursuing advanced academic studies
Preference will be given to candidates who are in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree or currently pursuing a Master’s degree.
While applications are accepted globally, the program particularly encourages applications from countries across Africa and Latin America in 2026.
Mentee Application Process
Eligible candidates interested in joining the program as mentees are encouraged to submit an application through the official application portal.
Applicants should prepare all required academic and research information before applying.
Who Can Become a Mentor?
The program welcomes experienced researchers who are interested in supporting the next generation of AI scholars.
Potential mentors include:
- Junior faculty members
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Senior PhD students
- Experienced industry researchers
Mentors typically supervise one or two participants and play an important role in guiding research projects and graduate school preparation.
Mentor Responsibilities
Mentors are expected to:
- Assist in selecting mentees
- Conduct weekly meetings
- Provide timely and constructive feedback
- Support participants during the PhD application process
- Guide research development and academic growth
Researchers interested in contributing to the program are encouraged to express their interest through the mentor application form.
Partnership and Fundraising Opportunities
Organizations, institutions, and individuals interested in partnering with or supporting the AI Explorers Program are welcome to get in touch.
For partnership and fundraising inquiries, contact:
Program Leadership
Rada Mihalcea
Director of the Michigan Artificial Intelligence Lab and Janice M. Jenkins Collegiate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan.
Zhijing Jin
Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, Research Scientist at the Max Planck Institute, CIFAR AI Chair, and ELLIS Advisor.
Angana Borah
PhD Candidate at the Michigan Artificial Intelligence Lab.
Why Join the AI Explorers Program?
The AI Explorers Program offers a unique opportunity for aspiring researchers to gain practical research experience, receive expert mentorship, and prepare competitive PhD applications.
By combining structured research projects, academic guidance, and graduate admissions support, the program helps participants develop the foundation needed for success in advanced AI research and doctoral studies.