Turning Research Into Impact: Conception X at the Crick Science Entrepreneur Network (CSEN)
*The session is organised in partnership with Crick Science Entrepreneur Network (CSEN).
Established in 2021, the Crick Science Entrepreneur Network (CSEN) works to promote and develop entrepreneurship within the Crick and the wider scientific community. CSEN aims to bring together researchers at all career stages to learn about the translation and commercialisation potential of their research.
Conception X helps researchers and scientists translate academic work into real-world ventures that can improve lives, transform industries and tackle global challenges.
We run the UK and Europe’s leading cross-university deeptech venture programme. Since launching in 2018, we’ve supported more than 600 scientists to launch deeptech ventures based on their research, creating 191 companies that have raised £145+ million in early-stage investments and grants.
As a not-for-profit, we take no equity in the companies we help build, and offer the programme at no cost to students.
What to Expect in the Session:
Programme Overview - Learn about key dates, the structure of the programme, and who’s eligible to apply.
Alumni Insights - Hear directly from alumni who’ve completed the programme and how they launched impactful ventures from their academic work
Application Walkthrough - Get a clear, step-by-step guide to the application process and what we’re looking for
Live Q&A - Ask your questions directly to Olivia Ash, Programme & Portfolio Manager
Why Conception X?
At Conception X, we offer a unique pathway to impact and venture creation for researchers and scientists. The programme is designed to work with your academic journey, not against it. Here’s what sets us apart:
Specialised deeptech venture training - Designed specifically for scientists to turn research into real-world applications.
Your academic journey comes first - We don’t ask you to quit your research. The programme is fully flexible and designed to support you alongside your studies.
1:1 coaching and mentorship - Work directly with experienced founders and industry experts to translate your research and refine your startup idea.
The UK’s largest science founder community - Join a vibrant, supportive network of like-minded researchers and entrepreneurs.
Warm introductions to early-stage investors - Potential to secure up to £250k in funding through our partner XTX Ventures and the Conception X Angel Syndicate.
What Our PhD Founders Have Built:
The first quantum ML platform for faster drug discovery
Affordable vaccines to stop life-threatening cancer recurrence
Open-source infrastructure for secure, private GenAI deployment – and it all started out with quantum physics and satellites
An AI‑powered microfluidic chip for early disease detection
Lab-grown plants to clean polluted land and recycle heavy metals
And more – explore our portfolio here
What Our Alumni Say:
“We knew what we wanted to do but we weren't sure how to operationalise it. That’s what Conception X gave us – a framework, contacts, access to money and resources…”
Jonathan Kwok, Infinitopes
“The confidence I’ve gained over the past year has been unprecedented.”
Jana Stella, NeuWave Technologies
“Conception X helped me so much across different areas. All of a sudden, I was chatting to founders of large organisations, and had VCs reach out to me about my idea.”
Jakub Dziegielowski, Bactery
Please note this event will be recorded.