Applications open today for DT Prime Cohort 6 and close on 18 Sept. DT Prime is a pre-commercial venture builder for deep science, run through the Institute for Deep Tech Entrepreneurship. We back ambitious, IP-rich projects that could become venture-scale spinouts or strategic licensing opportunities. Apply here: https://imperiallondon.sharepoint.com/sites/ICBS_DT-Prime
What is DT Prime?
A university venture builder, applying the discipline of an investor. Non-dilutive capital and close, hands-on support – intended to prepare Imperial’s science for institutional investment. Addressing the whole venture: strategy, market, technology, team and IP. Funding staged against value-inflection milestones, with further cycles where merited. DT Prime addresses the four dimensions of deep-tech venture creation:
Technology: managed de-risking, with experiments designed against investor-relevant value inflections.
Market: understanding of market potential, competitive positioning and first commercial application – developed through customer and industry conversations.
Team: support to transition from primarily scientific expertise toward the commercial leadership investors expect.
Funding: non-dilutive capital paired with expert venture-building support – typically £50k-£150k per cycle, staged across multiple cycles up to £500k as ventures reach investment readiness.
Each cycle runs for up to 9 months; ventures may complete one, two or three cycles depending on starting point. Open to academic staff across all faculties.
We welcome applications from Imperial researchers working on IP-rich, translationally relevant technologies across all four DT Prime portfolio domains – biotechnology platforms, medtech and digital health, IT hardware, and sustainable technologies. You should consider applying if:
- your project is at or beyond proof of concept;
- you’re interested in translation but don’t yet have a business plan or full IP strategy;
- there’s a clear technical or commercial risk that, if addressed, could make the project more investable;
- you’re open to working with experienced Venture Builders to shape your direction.
What’s involved?
Successful applicants work hands-on with a dedicated DT Prime Venture Builder to identify the investor-relevant value inflections their venture must reach, and to execute the targeted programme of work to get there. Support addresses the whole venture – technology, market, team and funding – staged across one or more cycles, with strategic mentoring and milestone reviews reinforcing progress.
New applicants:
- Step 1 – Expression of Interest: a short (~1,000-word) online form on scientific novelty, translational ambition and early milestone thinking. Deadline 18 September 2026. Apply here: https://imperiallondon.sharepoint.com/sites/ICBS_DT-Prime
- Step 2 – Full Application (by invitation): selected applicants submit a full proposal including budget, milestones and team details, by 16 October 2026.
- Step 3 – Interview: final-stage applicants are interviewed on 3 & 4 November 2026.
Returning (previously funded) teams:
If your venture has been funded on DT Prime previously, apply through the Progression Route, not the EOI. Email the DT Prime team at applications.dt-prime@imperial.ac.uk to register your interest so we can plan numbers, then submit a Progression Application (with budget, execution plan and a short video) by 16 October 2026.
Cohort 6 will be confirmed by Friday 6 November 2026, with project scoping and funding starting immediately after.
Still unsure?
You don’t need a full business plan or IP strategy to apply – just great science and the ambition to see it make a difference. To discuss whether DT Prime is the right fit, speak with me (your Associate Dean of Enterprise) or your Enterprise Champion, or contact the DT Prime team at applications.dt-prime@imperial.ac.uk.
Key dates
| Milestone | Date |
| Applications open (EOI) | 2 September 2026 |
| EOI deadline | 18 September 2026 |
| Full Application (by invitation) deadline | 16 October 2026 |
| Progression Application deadline (returning teams) | 16 October 2026 |
| Interview dates | 3 & 4 November 2026 |
| Cohort confirmed | 6 November 2026 |
| Projects complete by | 31 July 2027 |