Researcher Launchpad

Where discovery meets opportunity…

Completed Get Started? Now join Researcher Launchpad, an 8-week pre-accelerator programme for final year PhD students and Postdoctoral researchers from across all faculties with ambitions to develop commercial ventures.

 

How Researcher Launchpad Will Help You Succeed

• Problem-First Thinking – Identify real-world problems your research can solve and genuine market need
• Connect with Stakeholders – Gain hands-on experience in market research to validate your idea.
• Practical Business Skills – Learn from experts, mentors, and peers to gain confidence navigating the entrepreneurial world

What You’ll Gain 

• Lean business model – build a venture concept grounded in evidence
• Pitch-ready deck – communicate your idea with clarity and confidence
• Actionable plan – take your next steps toward innovation and venture creation
• Personal growth – reflect on your founder potential and build your network 

Designed For You 

• Hybrid Format – combines in-person boot camps and online sessions to fit around your research commitments
• Customer Discovery Phase – test your assumptions with real users and stakeholders
• Expert-Led Sessions – IP, finance, business modelling and more
• Hands-On Tools – use canvases, AI tools and templates tailored for researchers to map problems, personas, markets and business models 
• Supportive Community – join a cohort of like-minded researchers with opportunities for peer learning and networking with experienced founders 

Eligibility

To apply for this programme, you must:

• Be a final year PhD student (Years 3-4) or a Postdoctoral Researcher (within 2 years of graduation)
• Have an entrepreneurial idea that you’ve been developing and are ready to take forward
• Have completed the compulsory Get Started programme
• Be able to attend all sessions of the programme
• Be committed to continuing to develop your venture through Venture Builder after the programme ends

 

Key Dates

Activity	Date
Information Sessions	11:00-12:00, Friday 17th October (Online) 12:00-13:00, Friday 24th October (Online) Register to find out more
Applications Open	Monday 29th September 2025 Apply Now
Deadline to apply	23:59, Tuesday 4th November 2025
Selection Announcement	Friday 7th November 2025
Boot Camp Dates	Tuesday 11th November & Friday 28th November 2025
Full Programme	Tuesday 11th November 2025 - Wednesday 4th February 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translate your research discoveries into impactful enterprises, supported by tools and expertise to bridge research and reality.