Category: Competitions, Programmes & Projects

European Talent Academy Call Opens for 2026 (deadline: 08 Dec 2025)

Join an exciting European opportunity for Early Career Researchers (eligibility of at least 2-7 years post-PhD). For the 6th year in a row, Imperial partners with the Technical University of Munich, in Germany and Politecnico di Milano in Italy to offer a year-long leadership and networking training programme aiming to accelerate consortia-building and bridge the gap towards European funding.

This year, the programme is building on the new Centre for Health Resilience in a Changing Planet, launched between TUM and Imperial, with the following theme: 2025 theme: Smarter and healthier cities on a changing planet.

The programme offers 3 in-person workshops in London, Munich and Milan,  an individual visit to one of the partners, external training and a mentorship programme with senior academics. The programme will prompt you to create groups, connect, and work towards a research proposal.

Deadline to apply: 8th December, 5 p.m. GMT

Please find the call and application form attached here: European Talent Academy | Administration and support services | Imperial College London

If you have any questions, contact: l.genin@imperial.ac.uk

 

Applications for Conception X are now open (Deadline 16 Dec)

Conception X is Europe’s largest community for entrepreneurial researchers. Designed to fit around your research timeline, Conception X programmes help PhD students, postdocs and early-career researchers translate cutting-edge research into real-world impact. Visit their website to learn more. 

Their two-track approach supports researchers who are ready to move fast towards their first raise as well as  those who are looking to explore research commercialisation – allowing you to move at a pace that works for you. From day one, Conception X connects you with industry decision-makers and investors, helps you become eligible for innovation grants, awards and equity investment, and provides access to tailored coaching and networking opportunities. 

Top performing founders are invited to pitch to the Conception X Angel Syndicate and  XTX Ventures, with the potential to receive up to £250k in investment. 

Since launching in 2018, Conception X has helped more than 600 researchers  launch deeptech startups based on their research, creating over 190 companies that have raised £147+ million in early-stage investments and grants. 

Next step: Join a Discovery Session

Register for a Discovery Session to hear from Conception X alumni, learn more about available pathways and ask any questions. You can apply via the Conception X website when ready.

Application deadline: 16 December 2025.

Global Essay Competition (deadline: 11 Feb 2026)

The St. Gallen Global Essay Competition is a global student essay competition, offering students who study at graduate or postgraduate level around the world the opportunity to apply for participation at the St. Gallen Symposium.

The 100 best submissions will get the unique opportunity to participate at the St. Gallen Symposium in an all expenses covered trip to Switzerland and challenge the status-quo with their ideas.

This year’s question for the Essay is: “Disruption in Tech + Politics + Demography: What happens when they collide? Pick a case where at least two of these forces meet, and propose a bold idea to maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks over the long term.”

Deadline: 01 February 2026, 11:59 p.m.

Find out more