Conception X is for scientists who can't stop thinking about what their research could become – and have the drive and ambition to find out. We call them Venture Scientists.
START WHERE YOU ARE
Researchers join us early, although at different stages. Our programmes are designed to complement your academic journey, and support progression from idea formation to first fundraise – and beyond.
Early PhD or postdoc, curious
You're early in your research, but curious about the founder path and ready to explore whether it's for you.
Mid-research, exploring
You’ve explored entrepreneurship through workshops or hackathons and want to define your vision, team and commercial framework.
Mid-research, gaining traction
You're forming a team, planning partnerships or pilots and starting to understand the investment landscape.
Ready to raise and go full-time
You have a team, have completed customer discovery, and are ready to launch with the right funding.
Two pathways, based on your stage and goals.
Choose the one that fits you.
Venture Scientist 100
Perfect for early-stage PhD researchers exploring commercial potential.
We’ll consider exceptional recent PhD graduates, postdocs and early-career researchers. The goal is company formation where appropriate or discovery of the right next step for your research.
Build the foundation of your science venture
Join 700+ community of entrepreneurial scientists
Gain commercial awareness and entrepreneurial skills
Your time with us changes how you see your work, and yourself.
Go behind the scenes with our founders, coaches and team to see how we help scientists build companies differently.
Click to watch the film
How our model works
Tested and refined over a decade with 700+ science founders.
01
Selection
We identify high-potential technical researchers across 90+ universities in Europe and beyond.
02
Exploration
Staged discovery to define your market, customer and what to build from your research.
03
Validation
Iterative testing and refinement of your prototype with potential customers, partners, advisers.
04
Launch
Prepare to raise – with our investor network and continued support behind you.
From our alumni
Novel AI to detect cyber threats hidden in software binaries.
The programme played an absolutely pivotal role. There wasn't a company when I joined Conception X, it was just myself. Today, RevEng.Al is a team of 18 and has raised £4.7 million from global investors – including Sands Capital, In-Q-Tel, IQ Capital and Episode 1.
Printing technology enabling biodegradable and customisable flexible electronics.
It's the most complete accelerator I've joined. We had access to domain experts tailored to our needs and built-in peer feedback. Thanks to the skills and knowledge gained with Conception X, we are now preparing for incorporation in Portugal and our first investment round.
AI-designed enzymes and modular reactors enabling scalable synthesis of high-value natural compounds.
Conception X played an important role in the early days of the company through their support and network. We ended up fundraising whilst completing the programme and secured £1.7 million from VCs and angel investors across Europe and the US.
Heat pump optimisation and demand response systems for electricity grids.
Conception X gave us an effective platform to develop from scratch and grow into a startup over nine months. The practical training and mentoring focused on working on our company, not just plotting ideas around.
Precision antigen discovery platform for next-generation cancer vaccines.
Conception X gave us the framework, contacts, access to funding and resources to move forward. Today we're a team of 38, have raised £27M and are running first-in-human Phase I/Ila clinical trials.
Propulsion systems enabling longer satellite operations closer to Earth.
The team at CX helped us scale as a fast-growing bootstrapped company through invaluable support, international events and investor exposure – including through their Deeptech Demo Day and Slush. We have secured £2.5M+ and are scaling globally through in-orbit demos and customer pilots.
Voice biomarkers for early mental health assessment.
Meeting top scientists who believe they can take their ideas out into the world and start their own companies without compromising on quality was key for me. What's also unique about Conception X is the flexibility you get – you're never pushed to commit more than you can, and that's invaluable.
