Could your research become the next deeptech startup?
30 Sep 2026
PhD students can explore the commercial potential of their research with the fully funded Conception X Venture Scientist programme – turning their innovative work into impact.
Interested in turning research into a thriving deeptech startup, or know a PhD student who might be?
Applications are now open for the Conception X Venture Scientist programme, a fully funded opportunity sponsored by the University through the Turing Innovation Catalyst (TIC).
Whether you’re ready to launch a startup or simply interested in exploring research commercialisation, the nine-month programme offers training, personalised coaching and mentoring to help PhD students develop their entrepreneurial skills and explore how their research could become a deeptech venture.
You can be at any stage of your PhD and do not need to have an existing venture to apply.
What does the programme offer?
The programme fits around existing PhD commitments and gives participants the opportunity to:
- learn how to commercialise research and develop an entrepreneurial mindset
- receive dedicated training and personalised coaching
- make connections with leading members of the UK deeptech community
- learn about securing innovation grants and venture capital funding
- access mentors, advisers and wider support through the TIC community.
The programme begins in Spring 2027, with limited places available.
Supporting Manchester 2035
The opportunity supports our Manchester 2035 strategy leaps Accelerating research excellence to impact and An innovation powerhouse by helping researchers explore how ideas and discoveries can create impact beyond academia.
It also builds on the University's wider emphasis on entrepreneurial postgraduate research, including PhD by Enterprise, which addresses the commercialisation potential of research and aims to develop entrepreneurial researchers able to navigate the innovation ecosystem.
Supporting our students
Manchester Venture Scientist programme alumni have shared how it has supported them.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the startup world than through Conception X and TIC,” said Will.
“The people we’ve met and the connections we’ve built have been truly invaluable, playing a pivotal role in getting us to where we are today.”
“The Venture Programme from TIC has been incredibly valuable in shaping the direction of our business. The support we’ve received has been instrumental in connecting us with the right opportunities,” agreed Zainab.
“The ongoing support from the Conception X programme with TIC has been transformative for our business, especially in navigating the challenges of securing early-stage investment,” added Jana.
Find out more
PhD students can sign up for the in-person Scientist to Founder: Discovery Session on Monday, 5 October in the Renold Building, part of our Innovation Festival, or join an upcoming virtual discovery session to find out more.
Applications close on Sunday, 6 December.
If you supervise or work with PhD students, please share this opportunity with them and encourage anyone who may be interested to attend a discovery session.