Adobe India
AI Research Fellowship

Applications are open for the Adobe India AI Research Fellowship

The Adobe India AI Research Fellowship is a one-year program that supports outstanding researchers based in India who are working on artificial intelligence in areas such as computer vision, natural language processing, human-centered design, and other related domains.

Program details

  • Duration: 12 months
  • Stipend: ₹12,00,000
  • Participants receive free access to Adobe tools
  • Receive mentorship from Adobe researchers

Key dates

  • Application submission: April 30, 2026 (11:59 PM IST)
  • Recommendation letters submission: April 30, 2026 (11:59 PM IST)
  • Fellowship announcement: May 31, 2026 (11:59 PM IST)

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Who this fellowship is for

Full-time PhD candidates enrolled at recognized universities in India who have a minimum of 12 months remaining before completion of their degree. Applicants should demonstrate a research record and an intention to pursue advanced work in the field of artificial intelligence.

Applicants should be conducting dissertation research in one or more of the following areas:

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Computer Vision
  • Natural Language Processing
  • Agent-based and Multi-agent Systems
  • Generative Models
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Databases and Systems Research

We are seeking PhD scholars who demonstrate strong academic excellence, a clear and promising research direction, and the ability to articulate the impact and relevance of their work to Adobe’s AI innovation efforts.

Selection criteria

Applications will be assessed using the following materials and considerations:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) documenting research outputs such as publications, preprints, patents, software or code artifacts, datasets, and related scholarly contributions
  • Research Statement describing dissertation focus and broader research context
  • Undergraduate and graduate academic transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation (one from the candidate’s PhD advisor and one additional referee)
  • Evidence of academic performance, originality of research, and relevance to Adobe’s research themes
  • Interviews with shortlisted candidates
  • An essay describing the anticipated contributions of the applicant’s research to creative technologies and digital systems

Why you should apply

The Adobe India AI Research Fellowship supports researchers in advancing their work and pursuing cutting-edge research in AI and their respective areas of study.

Recognition and support

Selection for the Adobe India AI Research Fellowship reflects participation in a research support initiative designed to foster collaboration between academic research and applied, industry-relevant contexts. Recipients may have the opportunity to seek mentorship from Adobe researchers, subject to mutual interest and alignment with the program’s research focus areas. Participation in mentorship activities is entirely voluntary and does not constitute, imply, or guarantee employment, future job opportunities, or preferential consideration for employment with Adobe.

Award amount

Each fellowship includes a stipend of ₹12,00,000 to support the recipient’s research activities. The amount is awarded upfront.

Free access to Adobe tools

Fellowship recipients receive one-year free access to selected Adobe software tools, including Express Premium, a Creative Cloud subscription, and Firefly usage credits. These resources are provided to support research, experimentation, and development related to creative and digital systems.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The Adobe India AI Research Fellowship is a one-year research support program for outstanding PhD researchers in India working in artificial intelligence and related areas. The fellowship aims to support advanced academic research while fostering connections between academic work and industry-relevant AI innovation.

The fellowship runs for 12 months.

Each selected Fellowship Recipient receives a stipend of ₹12,00,000, awarded upfront, to support their research activities during the fellowship period.

Applicants must be full-time PhD candidates enrolled at a recognized university in India, have at least 12 months remaining before completion of their PhD at the time of application, and demonstrate a strong research record and intent to pursue advanced work in artificial intelligence.

Applicants should be conducting dissertation research in one or more of the following areas: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, Agent-based and Multi-agent Systems, Generative Models, Human-Computer Interaction, and Databases and Systems Research. Related and interdisciplinary AI research areas may also be considered.

The program seeks PhD scholars who demonstrate strong academic excellence, originality and rigor in research, a clear and promising research direction, and the ability to articulate the relevance and impact of their work in the context of Adobe’s AI innovation efforts.

Applicants will be evaluated based on a curriculum vitae documenting research outputs, a research statement describing dissertation focus, undergraduate and graduate academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation (one from the PhD advisor and one additional referee), an essay describing anticipated research contributions to creative technologies and digital systems, and interviews with shortlisted candidates.

Applications are reviewed holistically, considering academic performance, originality and impact of research, alignment with the fellowship’s research themes, and the strength of supporting materials. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.

Selected researchers are designated as “Recipients of Adobe India AI Research Fellowship.” This recognition reflects participation in a research support program that connects academic research with applied and industry-relevant contexts.

Yes. Recipients may receive mentorship from Adobe researchers, subject to mutual interest and alignment with the program’s research themes. Participation in mentorship activities is voluntary.

No. The fellowship does not constitute, imply, or guarantee employment, future job opportunities, or preferential consideration for employment with Adobe.

Recipients receive one-year free access to selected Adobe software tools, including Express Premium, a Creative Cloud subscription, and Firefly usage credits, to support research, experimentation, and development related to creative and digital systems.

Yes. The fellowship is designed to support and complement the recipient’s ongoing PhD dissertation research.

Interested candidates can apply through the official application portal by clicking the Apply Now button on the fellowship webpage and submitting all required materials before the application deadline.

All official updates, deadlines, and announcements related to the Adobe India AI Research Fellowship will be shared on the program’s official webpage.

Adobe India AI Research Fellowship

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