Call for proposals – PhD by Enterprise
07 Oct 2026
Fully funded opportunities ensuring that the brightest minds have the support they need to pursue ambitious, impact driven projects.
Our first-of-its-kind programme, PhD by Enterprise – which seeks to shape the next generation of innovators and sees our postgraduate students helping to deliver Manchester 2035 – is inviting project proposals.
The 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. It 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.
It aims to foster ambition and entrepreneurship, generating projects that create impact and address urgent societal challenges including climate change, health, and inequality.
- These opportunities are fully funded, ensuring that the brightest minds have the support they need to pursue ambitious, impact‑driven projects.
- The call for proposals is open to academics across all Faculties.
- The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday, 6 November 2026.
Delivering Manchester 2035
PhD by Enterprise 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 is delivered through Unit M, in partnership with the Doctoral Academies 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.
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.
For further information on eligibility, application details, how to submit your project, and take the first step towards shaping a better tomorrow, visit:
The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday, 6 November 2026.
If you would like to discuss the programme or your ideas in more detail, you can contact aline.miller@manchester.ac.uk