Conception X Raise: Spring 2027 investment readiness programme
Conception X Raise is a 10 week programme that gets science founders ready to fundraise, with up to £300k for top teams. Apply by 6 December 2026.
Raise is a 10 week investment readiness programme from Conception X, a UK not for profit that helps scientists build companies from their research. Applications for Raise Spring 2027 are open until 6 December 2026.
The programme gives science teams one to one coaching from people who have built and backed science companies. Coaches help with the data room, pitch deck, financials and business model. Teams also get personal introductions to an investor network of more than 700 deeptech VCs and angels, optional workshops on topics such as IP strategy and hardware prototyping, and legal support through the law firm Orrick.
Top teams can pitch to the Conception X Angel Syndicate and partner XTX Ventures in June 2027, and can access up to £300k in funding by the end of the programme. The top 15 teams pitch at Demo Day.
Raise is built for PhD holders, postdocs and early career researchers who are in academia now or were recently. The company should be incorporated, or be incorporated by March 2027. The technology should be past basic research, for example a working MVP, a clear IP strategy or filed patents. Conception X also wants a clear product vision, a full time team and a plan to raise within 6 to 12 months.
Hardware and wet lab teams that apply to Raise by 6 December 2026 are also considered for the new Physical Innovation Lab, which Conception X launched with the pre seed fund Positron on 8 October 2026.
Quick answers
How much does it pay?
Up to £300k for top teams. It is an investment in exchange for equity.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is 6 December 2026.
Who can apply?
PhD holders, postdocs and early career researchers, currently or recently in academia, with a company that is incorporated or will be by March 2027, technology beyond basic research, and a full time team able to raise within 6 to 12 months. Applicants from anywhere in the world can enter, unless the eligibility rules say otherwise.
How do I apply?
Through the official page at form.fillout.com. The link is at the top of this page.
Does my company need to exist already?
It should be incorporated, or be incorporated by March 2027.
What if my startup is too early for Raise?
Conception X points earlier stage researchers to its Venture Scientist 100 fellowship instead.