Conception X

Conception X stands as a pioneering nonprofit organization that transforms academic scientists into successful entrepreneurs, creating alternative career trajectories for researchers while accelerating the commercialization of scientific discoveries. Established in 2018, it has grown to become Europe's largest cross-institutional deeptech venture program specifically designed for doctoral candidates. The organization bridges the gap between academic research and commercial application, enabling highly skilled scientists to translate their technical expertise into viable business ventures with real-world impact.

The impressive portfolio developed under Conception X's guidance now encompasses more than 150 deeptech enterprises collectively valued at approximately £500 million. These companies represent technical founders from an extensive network of 70 universities spanning 11 countries, demonstrating the program's international reach and effectiveness. The portfolio showcases breakthrough innovations across multiple scientific domains, including advanced healthcare solutions like cancer metastasis vaccines and sustainable technologies such as carbon-absorbing living building materials.

Conception X has already celebrated notable success stories within its relatively short operational history. The organization has facilitated two successful exits: Rahko, a quantum computing company focused on drug discovery that has revolutionized pharmaceutical research approaches, and Kapacity.io, an energy optimization startup developing cutting-edge solutions for resource efficiency. A third exit is reportedly imminent, further validating the organization's effective methodology for nurturing commercially viable scientific ventures and generating returns for stakeholders.

What distinguishes Conception X's approach is its focus on visionary science with transformative potential. The ventures emerging from its program aren't merely incremental innovations but rather represent fundamental solutions to significant global challenges. By empowering PhD researchers to develop entrepreneurial skills alongside their scientific expertise, Conception X creates a powerful pipeline of deeptech companies built on rigorous research foundations. This dual emphasis on scientific integrity and commercial viability positions these startups to create entirely new markets while addressing existential problems facing humanity and the planet.