Enterprise Fellowship

The Royal Academy of Engineering’s Enterprise Fellowships offer a transformative, equity-free package—up to £75,000 grant plus bespoke coaching, training, mentoring, and workspace support (London/Belfast) to help entrepreneurial engineers develop and scale deep-tech ventures.

Key Criteria:

• Applicant Background: Open to UK/Ireland-based researchers (PhD to professor) working at HEIs or PSREs, or recent graduates (first degree earned after 1 Jan 2021)—PhD students must complete their viva before 31 May 2026.
• Technology Maturity: Innovation must be at TRL 4+ and applicant must have a substantial IP role. [
• Venture Stage: Spinouts must be backed by the host institution, with the applicant in a leading CEO/COO role and holding the largest personal equity share; recent graduates can propose startups.
• Funding History: Applicants must have raised less than £500,000 in equity to date.
• Commitment: The lead must work full-time on the venture; academics may continue essential research supervision but not teaching.

2026 Deadlines:

• Stage One (initial eligibility): 4 pm, 16 February 2026
• Stage Two (full submission):
  • Startups: 4 pm, 16 March 2026
  • Spinouts: 4 pm, 23 March 2026

With 12 months of funding, 15 days of training, mentorship from senior engineers, and a lifelong supportive Alumni Hub, these Fellowships serve as a springboard for engineering-driven entrepreneurial success.

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