privacy.

We collect only what is useful to operate the site and Forge programs.

• Applications and forms. Your name, email, location, project or company information, links, work history, traction, availability, referral source, grant requests, and the answers you choose to submit.
• Communications. Messages, calls, interview notes, and information you share while applying to, participating in, or partnering with Forge.
• Subscriptions. Your name and email when you ask to receive Forge updates.
• Technical information. Basic request, browser, device, IP, security, and error logs generated when you use the site. Password-protected pages use a necessary access cookie.
• Public or referred information. Public profiles, portfolio links, and relevant information supplied by a referrer or partner where permitted.

• Review residency, fellowship, grant, and other program applications.
• Run selection, interviews, programs, events, grants, credits, and founder support.
• Send confirmations, application updates, operational messages, and requested newsletters.
• Understand and improve the site, our selection process, and our programs.
• Protect Forge, participants, and the site from abuse, fraud, or security incidents.
• Meet legal, tax, accounting, and regulatory obligations.

Depending on where you are and the context, we process information with your consent, to respond to your request or take steps toward an agreement, to perform an agreement with you, for legitimate operational and security purposes that do not override your rights, or to comply with law. You can withdraw consent at any time, although earlier lawful processing remains valid.

We do not sell personal information.

• Between Forge entities when needed to review an application or operate a global or India-based program.
• With service providers that host the site, store application data, deliver email, provide scheduling, or support secure operations. Our current stack includes Vercel, Supabase, Resend, and, when you choose to use a booking link, Cal.com.
• With program partners, investors, or advisers only where it is relevant and appropriate. Founder introductions and the sharing of non-public founder materials are made with founder consent.
• For legal or safety reasons where disclosure is required by law or reasonably necessary to protect rights, safety, or the integrity of Forge programs.
• In a corporate transaction such as a financing, restructuring, acquisition, or transfer, subject to appropriate confidentiality and legal safeguards.

Forge works across India and the United States, and our providers may process information in other countries. This means your information may be transferred outside the country where you submitted it. Where required, we use contractual, organisational, or other lawful safeguards for those transfers.

We keep information only for as long as it serves the purpose described here, supports an ongoing Forge relationship, or is required by law. Unsuccessful application records are generally retained for no longer than 24 months so we can understand repeat applications and improve selection, unless you request deletion sooner or law requires longer.

Participant, grant, partnership, financial, and legal records may be kept for the life of the relationship and the applicable statutory period. Newsletter details are retained until you unsubscribe.

Depending on applicable law, you may ask to access, correct, update, erase, restrict, or receive a copy of your personal information; withdraw consent; object to certain processing; or raise a grievance. You may also unsubscribe from non-essential email using the link in the message.

Send a request to adi@forgeresidency.com. We may need to verify your identity before acting. You may also complain to the relevant data-protection authority where that right applies.

We use reasonable technical and organisational measures designed to protect personal information. No internet service can guarantee absolute security, so please avoid sending passwords, private keys, or information we have not requested.

Some Forge applicants may be under the age of legal majority. Where law requires it, we will seek permission or participation from a parent or legal guardian before entering an agreement, issuing funds, or processing information that requires such consent.

We may update this policy as Forge, our providers, or applicable law changes. We will publish the revised version here and change the date above. If a change materially affects how we use information already collected, we will provide additional notice where required.