Conception X — PhD Spin-out Programme

#funding #priority/high #stream/E #accelerator

Conception X

Top accelerator match for a UK PhD researcher

Equity-free, no-cost, 9-month programme designed for PhD researchers commercialising research.

Why it fits RAIDT

Conception X is the single best-fit accelerator for current career stage. Designed exactly for UK PhDs commercialising research. Free, no equity, ~20 days over 9 months. Top startups eligible for up to £250k via XTX Ventures partnership.

Key parameters

Field	Value
Cost / equity	Equity-free, no fees
Funding	Programme-based; up to £250k follow-on via XTX Ventures
Duration	9 months
Time commitment	~20 days
Eligibility	PhDs from any UK / Europe university
Closing date	Cohort 9 ran March–November 2026 (closed); Cohort 10 expected late 2026

Action plan

Phase 1 Week 4 (already): set monthly recurring check on cohort openings
Phase 2/3: when cohort 10 opens, apply
Application: short-form, mostly research summary + commercial intent

Realistic competitiveness

Highly selective but within reach for a researcher with peer-reviewed papers and demonstrable commercial intent. Application should reference: trilogy of papers, sector playbooks, customer-discovery findings (from ICURe Explore by then), partnership signals.

Why this matters

Conception X graduates have raised ~$250m collectively
Mentorship and network exposure equal in value to any cash funding
Excellent positioning for subsequent VC raises (EIS/SEIS-friendly investor base)

Notes

Apply at https://www.conceptionx.org/apply
Newsletter signup at programme page
Engage with Conception X angel syndicate post-cohort