

Conception X: Cohort 9 Discovery Session (Online)
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 185 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 sceince founder community - Join a vibrant, supportive network of like-minded researchers and entrepreneurs.
Warm introductions to early-stage investors - Potential to secure up to £290k 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.
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Newsletter