The Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowships 2025 offer a unique opportunity for innovative and entrepreneurial engineers to develop their ideas into successful businesses. The programme supports researchers and recent graduates who have a strong passion for engineering innovation. It is open to international students who are pursuing postdoctoral studies or launching their own businesses in the UK. The fellowship seeks to provide recipients with the knowledge, self-assurance, and connections necessary to turn their engineering breakthroughs into profitable ventures.

Fellowship Summary:

• Level of Study: Postdoctoral
• Institution: Royal Academy of Engineering
• Location: UK
• Field of Study: Engineering
• Programme Period: One year
• Application Deadline:
  • Stage 1: Opens in January 2024, Deadline: August 29, 2024
  • Stage 2: October 2024

Fellowship Benefits:

The Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowships offer a comprehensive package that includes:

• Equity-free startup funding grant of up to £75,000.
• Expert business mentoring and coaching to guide entrepreneurial growth.
• 15 days of business training to develop essential skills.
• Membership in the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion toolkit.
• Access to a community of Academy Fellows, investors, industry experts, and partners.
• Flexible working space at the Taylor Centre, the Academy’s physical hub.
• Lifetime membership in the Hub Members network.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the Enterprise Fellowships, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Language Requirement: Proficiency in English.
• Eligible Countries: Open to candidates from all countries.
• Target Audience:
  • Researchers are looking to spin out a company from a university.
  • Recent graduates are aiming to start a business.
  • International PhD students already based in the UK are planning to start or spin out a company.

Key Eligibility Criteria:

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Must be 4 or above.
• Equity Investment: A business must have less than £500,000 in equity investment.
• Intellectual Property (IP): Innovation must be protectable, and the applicant must own or co-own the IP.
• Leadership: The applicant must hold the highest equity stake within the founding team and have the ambition to be the CEO or COO.
• Academic Qualifications:
  • For startups, the applicant must have completed their first university degree by 1 July 2018.
  • For spinouts, the applicant must be currently employed by a university.
  • PhD viva should be held no later than 30 November 2023, if applicable.

How to Apply for Enterprise Fellowships – Royal Academy of Engineering:

To apply for the Enterprise Fellowships, follow these steps:

1. Register on the Official Platform:
   • Visit the official registration page and create an account to access the application portal.
2. Stage 1 Application:
   • Complete a brief application detailing your background and the idea you wish to develop.
   • This initial stage is about 60 minutes long and focusses on whether your project aligns with the program’s aims and criteria.
   • Evaluation Criteria: The idea’s merit isn’t assessed in this stage; instead, the focus is on fit with the program’s objectives.
3. Stage 2 Application:
   • If successful in Stage 1, you’ll be invited to a more detailed Stage 2 application.
   • This stage requires a comprehensive description of your idea, your team, the technology, and your business model.
   • Duration: Expect this stage to take 1-3 working days to complete.
   • Your Stage 2 submission will be evaluated by a panel of experts, who will determine your suitability for the program.
4. Interview:
   • Successful Stage 2 applicants will be invited to a final interview to present their idea and demonstrate their potential as a business leader.

Important Notes:

• Due to the large number of applications, the Academy will not provide feedback on Stage 2 applications until the entire selection process is completed.
• Ensure all required documents and information are submitted promptly to avoid disqualification.

Contact Information:

• For questions regarding the application process, you can reach out to the Enterprise team via the contact details available on the official website.

Official Website