Conception X Venture Scientist 100: Spring 2027 fellowship
Conception X Venture Scientist 100 is a free nine month startup fellowship for PhD researchers in the UK and Europe. Apply by 6 December 2026.
Venture Scientist 100 is the flagship fellowship of Conception X, a UK not for profit that helps researchers turn their science into startups. Applications for the Spring 2027 cohort are open until 6 December 2026. About 100 researchers join each year.
The fellowship runs part time for nine months, from March to November, so fellows can keep working on their PhD. It includes 18 expert led sessions on customer discovery, business model design, IP strategy, hardware prototyping, team building and fundraising. Fellows also get access to a network of more than 1,500 founders, investors and mentors, and legal support through the law firm Orrick.
The fellowship is free and Conception X does not take equity. High performing teams get pitch training and coaching, and can access up to £300k in equity investment through partner XTX Ventures and the Conception X angel syndicate. The top 15 teams pitch to more than 200 investors at the 2027 Demo Day.
Applicants should be PhD students registered at a university in the UK or Europe, working on technology based on their own research. Exceptional recent PhD graduates, postdocs and early career researchers are also considered. Any PhD year and any technical field is welcome, and you do not need a team or a company. You need to give at least about 65 hours over the nine months and attend three in person events in London.
On 8 October 2026 Conception X also launched a Physical Innovation Lab with the pre seed fund Positron for hardware and wet lab startups. Researchers who apply to Venture Scientist 100 or Raise by 6 December 2026 are considered for the Lab automatically.
Quick answers
How much does it pay?
Free, no equity taken; top teams can access up to £300k in equity investment. It is an investment in exchange for equity.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is 6 December 2026.
Who can apply?
PhD students registered at a university in the UK or Europe with original research to commercialise. Exceptional recent PhD graduates, postdocs and early career researchers are also considered. Solo founders and teams are welcome. It is limited to applicants in United Kingdom, Europe.
Is it online or in person?
Online and in person, in London, United Kingdom.
How do I apply?
Through the official page at form.fillout.com. The link is at the top of this page.
Does Conception X take equity?
No. The fellowship is free for researchers, with no fees and no equity taken in the companies it helps create.
How much time does the fellowship take?
About 20 days over nine months, mostly online, plus three in person events, including a two day bootcamp in London.
Do I need a team or a company to apply?
No. Solo founders are welcome, and you can incorporate during the programme if you want to.