Enterprise Fellowship Scheme

The Enterprise Fellowship is an entrepreneurial talent development programme designed to support commercial minded academics to translate their research into viable market opportunities and build the next generation of business leaders.

Since 1997, it has helped entrepreneurial academics across sectors such as life sciences, energy, digital technology, and space to validate and commercialise innovations.

The purpose of the Enterprise Fellowship Scheme is to advance the public benefit arising from research and innovation. The Scheme supports postdoctoral researchers based at a UK higher education institution to translate research, technologies and innovations into practical applications that improve lives, strengthen the economy and contribute to societal wellbeing. 

Fellows receive:

• Salary support, paid to the Host Institution, to enable Fellows to focus full time on developing their ventures.
• A development fund of up to £10,000, combining business support and personalised training or development costs, subject to RSE approval and evidenced expenditure.
• Optional international activity funding of up to £10,000 for approved international training, collaboration or placement opportunities.
• Tailored mentorship from RSE Fellows, external mentors, business experts and professional coaches.
• Peer-to-peer learning with other entrepreneurs through the Fellowship cohort and wider alumni community.
• Access to RSE networks.

Eligibility 

Enterprise Fellowships are open to postdoctoral researchers with a developed research, technology or innovation-based opportunity that has commercial potential and access to all relevant enabling IP; with the potential for commercialisation. Applicants must be employed by, or have arrangements in place to be employed by, an eligible Host Institution for the duration of the Fellowship.

Candidates who are already operating a business may apply, provided they are formally based within a recognised Host Institution (or have made arrangements to). The eligibility of an individual’s already operating businesses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and we advise them to contact the RSE for further advice prior to submitting an application.

If you wish to engage in the international element of the programme, you must ensure you are able to secure the correct visa for your planned activities in the selected region. The ability to travel internationally is not a requirement for the Fellowship but may be necessary to participate in the international component of the scheme.

Full details are included in the terms and conditions. 

Resources for applicants

1. Enterprise Fellowship Terms and Conditions
2. Enterprise Fellowship FAQs

Q&A webinars

Two online sessions will be hosted on Zoom during the application window:

Monday 24 August at 6:30pm
Tuesday 1 September at 6:30pm

This is an opportunity to hear directly from the Enterprise Fellowship team and ask any questions you may have about eligibility, funding, training, mentoring, the application process, and key programme timelines.

Find out more and register.

Application Process 

1. Read the Terms & Conditions and FAQ above to check eligibility.
2. Contact the Commercialisation Office and Head of Department at your chosen University or Research Institute to discuss applying for the Enterprise Fellowship (you will need their support to complete the programme and where applicable, obtain the rights to the relevant IP to commercialise the research during the programme).
3. Register an account on our online portal. You will receive an email after registering with a link to set up your password. You can sign in with the username generated by the system or the email address you registered with.   
   
   a) If you have used our system before but do not remember your login details, there is a password reset option on the login form. If you have forgotten which email you used previously, please contact the RSE.
   b) Once you are logged in, you will be able to access the application form (available from 12pm on 17 August)
   
   
4. Once you are logged in, you will be able to access the application form from the link on the website.
5. Complete the questions within the application form. 

Contact us

For all enquiries, email Stephanie Webb, Enterprise Fellowship Manager at: SWebb@therse.org.uk