Project proposals needed for new PhD by Enterprise programme
05 Mar 2026
New doctoral pathway invites project proposals to shape the next generation of innovators
In an important step to realising our 2035 strategic ambitions, we are launching a new PhD by Enterprise Programme with an invitation to our academic community for project proposals from across our three faculties.
The new programme is a first for the Russell Group and one of only a few in the world. It is an innovative doctoral pathway dedicated to venture building and research-led innovation. Designed to complement traditional doctoral study, the programme equips postgraduate researchers with entrepreneurial skills and practical experience to translate their research into real-world solutions alongside their academic research. Participants engage with structured enterprise training and mentorship, supporting them to explore technology readiness, market need and venture development alongside their doctorate.
The programme is designed to foster ambition and entrepreneurship, offering mentorship, training, and access to resources that will help projects create impact and address urgent societal challenges including climate change, health, and inequality.
The PhD by Enterprise culminates in a doctoral thesis that combines the delivery of novel research with a robust business plan. This integrated approach supports the aspiration that new commercial or social enterprises may be launched during or following the PhD.
This is part of our strategic ambition to accelerate research impact to create a globally leading, inclusive innovation ecosystem that sets our university apart from other Russell Group institutions across the UK—and indeed, from most universities across the world.
The programme will commence with ten four-year studentships, with five projects launching in 2026/27 and five more in 2027/28. These opportunities are fully funded through new postgraduate research investment, ensuring that the brightest minds have the support they need to pursue ambitious, impact‑driven projects.
The programme is a joint initiative between the research and innovation teams within the University, working in partnership with the Doctoral Academies, the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre and the Innovation Factory. Doctoral researchers will be registered within, and supported by, their relevant Faculty Doctoral Academy, ensuring strong academic oversight and integration within existing doctoral structure.
Professor Aline Miller, Associate Vice-President (Enterprise), said:
“This new programme is something we’ve never done before and I’m enormously excited by the possibilities. With the research strengths we have at the University aligned to the innovation support that is available, this is a statement that we’re a place where great ideas are turned into impact economically, socially and culturally.
We are committed to working with supervisors to support them and their students, and I’d welcome a discussion with anyone who thinks they have an idea for a proposal.”
Call for project proposals
We are now inviting applications and project proposals from academic supervisors across our community eager to gain support to turn their ideas into impactful ventures.
Whether you already have an idea with venture potential or wish to work with academic supervisors on projects ripe for development we would be keen to hear from you.
The programme welcomes ideas addressing key global issues and provides the critical first steps to turn research into tangible, impactful solutions for society.
Click here to download further information on eligibility, application details, and how to submit your project, and take the first step towards shaping a better tomorrow/
The deadline for submissions is 5pm, Friday 27 March.
If you would like to discuss the programme or your ideas in more detail, you can contact aline.miller@manchester.ac.uk