O'Shaughnessy Ventures Supports Young Robotics Innovator Alexandros Petkos with $100K Fellowship

O'Shaughnessy Ventures Supports Young Robotics Innovator Alexandros Petkos

O'Shaughnessy Ventures LLC (OSV), a notable investment firm, has recently made headlines by awarding a $100,000 fellowship to a promising robotics engineer, Alexandros Petkos, based in Athens, Greece. This fellowship comes as part of the OSV's mission to empower creators and innovators in various fields, particularly in unlocking the potential of robotics to address current labor challenges.

Innovative Robotics Development

Petkos plans to utilize this generous grant to develop general-purpose autonomous robots that can undertake hazardous or repetitive tasks. This initiative is particularly pertinent, as many industries today face significant labor shortages. The robots will be designed with open-source frameworks, allowing for widespread adaptability and enhancement. By leveraging extensive datasets to train advanced AI models, these robots could revolutionize how specific tasks are performed in various sectors, from construction to manufacturing.

At just 20 years old, Alexandros Petkos has already demonstrated remarkable skills and experience in robotics. He previously developed a robot that could efficiently perform fundamental tasks such as lifting and placing cardboard boxes. Notably, he crafted most of the components himself and gathered datasets essential for training the AI system that powers his creation. His early accomplishments also include creating a four-legged robot at the age of 17, capable of walking independently, which earned him recognition on Forbes Greece's prestigious '30 Under 30' list in 2022. Additionally, Petkos served as a lead engineer at PNOĒ Inc., a health technology start-up backed by Y Combinator, further showcasing his talent and dedication in the field.

Support from O'Shaughnessy Ventures

Jim O'Shaughnessy, the founder and CEO of OSV, expressed his enthusiasm for Petkos's achievements, noting, "The fact that Alexandros has already built two functioning robots speaks volumes. We're here to give him the support he needs to take his work to the next level." This support not only provides financial backing but also connects Petkos with a vast network of founders, investors, and industry experts that can offer invaluable guidance and insight.

Petkos himself emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with driven individuals, stating, "Surrounding yourself with driven, ambitious people is essential for making real progress. I'm truly grateful to the OSV team for the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the exceptional individuals in this community."

The O'Shaughnessy Fellowship Program

Launched in 2023, the O'Shaughnessy Fellowships program aims to identify and empower the world's most groundbreaking creatives, builders, and researchers. Each fellow, like Petkos, receives a substantial grant of $100,000 and gains access to OSV's invaluable network, which can significantly enhance their projects' success. In 2025, OSV plans to award a total of 12 fellowships, with applicants also being eligible for additional $10,000 grants aimed at supporting emerging innovators.

As of now, Petkos is the eleventh fellow announced this year, with applications for the next cycle expected to reopen on January 1, 2026. Those interested in learning more about this impactful program can visit OSV's official website for additional details, including information about previous fellows and their projects.

O'Shaughnessy Ventures stands as a testament to the belief that innovative ideas can come from anywhere. Founded by Jim O'Shaughnessy, the firm blends a passion for art, science, and technology, placing a strong emphasis on encouraging creators to bring their visions to life regardless of their backgrounds. With initiatives like the fellowship program, OSV is paving the way for a new generation of innovators who may very well shape the future of technology and society.

For media inquiries about OSV and its fellows, Ena Gong can be contacted directly at 917-355-7420 or via email at email protected] Further details can also be found on [OSV's website.