Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowships

Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowships Overview

Are you a passionate researcher, recent graduate, or international PhD student with innovative engineering ideas? Here’s your chance to make your dreams a reality. The Royal Academy of Engineering offers Postdoctoral Enterprise Fellowships, a one-year program packed with opportunities to fuel your entrepreneurial journey in the world of engineering.

International students worldwide are eligible to apply for the Enterprise Fellowships to pursue PhD studies at the Royal Academy of Engineering UK.

This programme supports ambitious and innovative engineers who have envisioned a unique novelty in engineering that they wish to explore further.

The programme places a strong emphasis on ensuring that the recipient of the prize has the knowledge, contacts, and confidence necessary to develop their idea.

Enterprise Fellowships help three different groups: recent graduates who want to establish a business, academics who want to spin off a business from a university or research facility, and international PhD students in the UK who want to spin off or start a business.

Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowships Highlights

• Level of Study: Postdoctoral
• Institution: Royal Academy of Engineering, UK
• Opportunity Focus Areas: Engineering
• Program Period: One year

Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowships Coverage

Successful applicants of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Enterprise Fellowships will enjoy a range of incredible benefits, including:

• Up to £75,000 equity-free startup funding grant
• Expert business mentoring and coaching
• 15 days of business training
• Membership of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion toolkit
• Access to a vibrant community of Hub Members, Academy Fellows, investors, industry experts, and partners
• Flexible working space at the Taylor Centre, the physical hub
• Hub membership for life

Eligibility Criteria for Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowships

To qualify for the Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Required Language: English
• Eligible Countries: Open to applicants from all countries

We support:

• Researchers looking to spinout a company from a university
• Recent graduates aspiring to launch a startup
• International PhD students (already based in the UK) interested in spinout or startup ventures

You meet our key eligibility criteria if:

• Your solution’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is 4 or above
• Equity investment in your business is less than £500,000 GBP
• Your innovation is protectable, and you own or co-own the intellectual property (IP)
• Within the founding team, you own the highest equity stake in the company
• You are, or aspire to be, the CEO or COO of the business
• For startups: you are not a student or otherwise employed during our program
• In addition for startups: you have completed your very first university degree by 1 July 2018
• For spinouts: you are currently employed by the university
• If relevant, your PhD viva will be held no later than 30 November 2023

For the full list of eligibility criteria, please ensure you read the official guidelines before applying.

Application Procedure for Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowships

Ready to take the first step towards your entrepreneurial journey with the Royal Academy of Engineering? Follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the official website link provided at the end of this page.
2. Register with the system on the website.
3. After logging in, select “My Applications” in the top left corner and choose an application form from the list of currently open programs.

The application process consists of two stages:

Stage One

In Stage One, introduce yourself and your idea briefly. This step focuses on whether your idea aligns with the program’s criteria and goals. It takes about 60 minutes to complete. If you’re eligible for the program and your idea fits the support they offer, you may proceed to the second stage.

Stage Two

Stage Two is a more detailed application that assesses the quality of your idea and your potential to lead a startup. You’ll provide in-depth information about yourself, your team, the technology, and the business model, which may take one to three working days. An expert panel will review this part of the application, and if successful, you’ll be invited to an interview.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications, feedback on your Stage Two application will only be provided once the selection process is fully completed.

For any questions or clarifications, feel free to contact the Enterprise team via email.