RSE Enterprise Fellowships
- Deadline
- 28/04/2021 5:00 pm
- Value
Up to £100,000 in funding and business training support.
- Duration
Full-time 12 months, part-time 24 months
The RSE is taking the opportunity to refresh its Enterprise Fellowship programme to take account of changes in the entrepreneurial landscape since its inception in 1997 and ensure it remains at the cutting edge of entrepreneurial support. The programme is currently in review while we work with the business sector, funders, RSE Fellows and Enterprise Fellow alumni to refresh the RSE’s offering so that it can fully embrace new opportunities.
An update on the current position of the programme was given by Professor Jeremy Peat OBE FRSE Vice President; Business at a recent Enterprise Fellows presentation event:
RSE Enterprise Fellowships offer a leading business development and training programme for the higher education sector. Our Enterprise Fellowship programme enables researchers to develop into world-class entrepreneurs.
If you have an innovative science-or-tech-based business idea that needs help accelerating, then apply now; you could secure an equity-free support package of funding and training support worth up to £100,000!
A one-year academic salary
Time to focus solely on refining your business idea
Tailored, cutting-edge business training
Mentoring from the RSE's network of partners in the business community
Up to £10,000 business support funding
Membership of the RSE Entrepreneurs' Club, with access to networking events
Our Enterprise Fellowships provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with the potential to be truly life-changing. RSE Enterprise Fellows receive the skills and networks necessary to succeed in today’s fast-paced global business environment.
The RSE Enterprise Fellowship is open to graduates, postgraduates, PhD students, academic researchers, or members of HEI staff. Additionally:
- Applicants must demonstrate proof of concept – commercial and technical.
- Applicants must demonstrate that they can remain and work legally in the UK for the duration of the Enterprise Fellowship.
- Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to full-time or part-time requirements.
- Spin-out/shell companies not yet trading can apply, but companies who have generated significant investment, or are generating significant revenue cannot apply.
The RSE Enterprise Fellowships are supported by a variety of funders. Eligibility differs between funders:
| Funder | Location | Sector | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
 | UK-based projects | Any sector, though projects must-have technology and science at the core. | |
 | UK-based projects | In life sciences, health, food, biotechnology and biological sciences. | Requires previous funding from BBSRC. |
 | UK-based projects | Particle physics, astronomy, particle astrophysics, solar and planetary science and nuclear physics. | Requires previous funding from STFC. |
 | Scotland-based projects | Industrial biotechnology; health, industrial or ‘white’, agriculture and marine biotechnologies. |
- Enterprise Fellowships Brochure (PDF, 858kb)
- Enterprise Fellowships Terms and Conditions (PDF, 293kb)
- Enterprise Fellowships Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 876kb)
For more information regarding the award, please contact the Enterprise Fellowship team at [email protected].
A report commissioned by the RSE has established that its Enterprise Fellowship programme has provided a significant boost to the Scottish, UK and global economies. Carried out by economic consultancy BiGGAR Economics (2019), the evaluation and economic impact assessment found that the programme has added almost £170m to annual global gross value added (GVA), including £77 million in Scotland. It has led to the creation of more than 3,000 jobs, nearly half (1,395) of which are in Scotland and over 200 businesses.
More than 272 entrepreneurs have been supported
Over 2,500 jobs have been created in the UK
Return on investment is £9.74 for every £1 spent*
*UK-wid figure from 2019 evaluation
93% of Enterprise Fellows start new businesses
25% of Enterprise Fellows have started multiple businesses
81% still operating after 5 years*
*the average survival rate at 5 years for spin-outs and technology start-ups is 45%
