Applications are now open for Conception X 2026, and they are hosting an online Discovery Session on 30 October, 12-1pm, for post graduate researchers and early-career researchers interested in commercialising their research.

Conception X supports researchers in STEM fields who are interested in turning academic research into real-world impact. Whether you’re starting to explore entrepreneurship or already building a company and looking to move quickly, Conception X is designed to meet researchers where they are.

The programme is free for researchers. 

Participants can expect:

• Part-time, flexible entrepreneurship training designed for scientists and engineers
• Access to Europe’s largest community of academic founders
• Top mentorship, coaching and direct access to industry decision-makers
• No cost to scientists & no equity taken – they are a not-for-profit
• Free legal advice and support from their partner Orrick
• A chance to be considered for up to £250k in founder-friendly investment through the Conception X Angel Syndicate and our partner XTX Ventures
• Join as individual founders or teams of researchers

They are recruiting researchers from all scientific and engineering backgrounds, but have three specialised opportunities they're launching with select partners this year: 

• In collaboration with the Henry Royce Institute, they’re offering 10 spots to PhD researchers working on materials technology challenges for hydrogen production, distribution, end use or sensing. Successful teams will benefit from the guidance of hydrogen industry experts and technical advisors, and could get the exclusive opportunity to pitch to the Royce Hydrogen Accelerator network of Industry Partners and Investors for additional investment and scale-up support.
• The Grantham Foundation is sponsoring 7 researchers developing technologies that reduce reliance on toxic chemicals in agriculture (e.g. biopesticides or RNAi/gene silencing), non-toxic alternatives to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and methods for removing toxins from the human body.
• They are also collaborating with TUM Venture Lab, BioInnovation Institute Quantum Lab, Quantum Launchpad, Quantum Delta NL and IX Campus to ease the path for quantum researchers to build startups – sharing resources, connections, mentors and support.
  
  

Apply via the Conception X website. Applications close on 16 December 2025.

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