Translate your research! Come with or without an idea!

This is an early-stage programme to help you get thinking about what you can do - no previous entrepreneurial experience required!

Open to:

• PhD students
• Master by Research students
• Former PhD and Master's by Research Students Alumni (up to 2 years post-graduation)

Programme Dates:

• Applications open: 4 August 2025
• Application Deadline: 5 January 2025
• Programme runs: Thursdays, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Start date: 15 January 2026
• Duration: 8 weeks (just one 2-hour session per week)

We’ll only email you once a week, and all we ask is that you come ready to participate and give pitching a go at the end!

Completion reward:

Earn a University of Edinburgh digital badge by completing the full programme.

Visa Information

If you hold a visa, you’re welcome to attend all our workshops, regardless of your visa type.

However, before working on a startup, please ensure your visa permits it.

Please note that the Edinburgh Innovations Student Enterprise Team cannot offer legal advice on visas.

For more information and support, please refer to Visa Guidance.

Programme Outline:

• Welcome Social & PhD MAX+ Alumni Stories - 15 Jan 2026
• Research to Impact: Shifting Your Mindset - 22 Jan 2026
• Building Your Vision - 29 Jan 2026
• Validation & Market Research - 5 Feb 2026
• Solution Development - 12 Feb 2026
• Intellectual Property (IP) Basics - 26 Feb 2026
• Pitching Skills - 5 March 2026
• Final Pitch-Off - 19 March 2026