We were thrilled to meet with Dr Riam Kanso, founder and CEO of Conception X, which runs Europe’s leading cross-university venture programme designed to help PhD students launch deep tech startups. As we develop our own DT Launch Pad training programme, this meeting provided valuable insights into how a well-established initiative like Conception X empowers researchers to bring their innovations to market.
Founded in 2018, Conception X has supported over 450 PhD teams from 80+ universities and helped create 150 deep tech companies — an inspiring track record that speaks to the potential of combining research excellence with entrepreneurial drive. Dr. Kanso, herself a PhD in Neuroscience from Oxford with a background in computational science and medtech, shared how Conception X is creating a new generation of “venture scientists” by embedding startup development within the PhD journey.
Like DT Launch Pad, Conception X focuses on helping researchers turn groundbreaking ideas into scalable ventures. Their nine-month programme is designed to complement academic life, allowing students to pursue their PhD studies while developing startups. It’s delivered mostly online with key events in London, creating accessibility across institutions and disciplines. Similarly, DT Launch Pad aims to support researchers in parallel with their academic careers from September 2025, allowing for innovation without compromising their studies.
One of the most compelling aspects of Conception X is its zero-equity model. Funded through strategic partnerships with organisations and universities the programme offers its resources and network without taking a stake in the startups it helps build. This mirrors DT Launch Pad’s commitment to founder-first support and inclusive innovation.
Both programmes champion interdisciplinary impact welcoming participants from all STEM fields and putting a strong emphasis on tech-for-good — ventures that create measurable social or environmental benefits and meaningful change.
Conception X runs a two-track model: Project X is designed for researchers who want to develop commercial and business skills without committing to a venture right away; Startup X supports those ready to launch a startup, with intensive coaching and mentorship.
This flexible structure aligns with DT Launch Pad’s approach of meeting participants where they are — whether they’re exploring entrepreneurship for the first time or already pursuing a venture. What also resonated with our partners is the emphasis Conception X places on real-world preparation. Their curriculum spans business fundamentals, fundraising, IP strategy, and team building — all essential to successful tech transfer. Their Demo Day offers a platform to investors and industry, a practice we admire and hope to echo through our DT LaunchPad.
As we build out DT Launch Pad and finalise our programme, we are excited to learn from successful models like Conception X and understand what’s possible with programmes like ours to shape a future where PhD-driven innovation solves real-world problems.
