A competition designed for University of Cambridge postdocs interested in taking their first steps into entrepreneurship.
Applications are now closed.
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A challenge that supports you at every step
The Postdoc Venture Creation Challenge, (PVCC) is aimed at supporting busy University of Cambridge postdocs interested in taking their first steps into creating a venture from their research.
The challenge welcomes innovative ideas across deep tech, life sciences, AI, software, and social impact, with two tracks to support different types of ventures.
Previous winners of the PVCC have gone on to raise £172m in investments and the programme represents a unique chance to get your research recognised in a high-profile competition. Semi-finalists will be invited to take part in a bootcamp over the summer and finalists will pitch at the Grand Finale in November – with three prize categories in each track including an incredible £20k of funding + £30K of business support.
Semi-finalists will have the opportunity to take part in a ‘mini-accelerator’ programme and be matched with mentors so they can shape and develop their ideas. The competition finale will take place in November.
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Application process
Applications for the PVCC are now closed after the deadline of the 13th of July passed. For those that applied good luck! And for anyone who missed out this year regularly check in with our website to see upcoming events or contact on our team members.
It is that applicants important to READ THE HANDBOOK first.
Download the above documents, example templates and the handbook HERE
Business model canvases and slide decks are not expected to be fully polished at this stage – fill in what you are able. There are example templates to help guide you. Please get in touch on the email address above if you have any further questions.
Please note that there are two tracks to choose from –
TRACK 1 business application:
Must contain information about the market, the competitors and competitive position of the business, the business’s product or service, the business/revenue model and the team.TRACK 2 social venture application:
Needs to provide the same information as above, but to also include how societal benefit sits at the heart of the venture.The Deadline for applications was 13 July, 2025. Applications are now closed.
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Molly Haugen | CEO & Co-Founder, Aetosense
"As a scientist, you're not taught how to build a business. The competition gave me the tools, language and confidence to start."
Applications are Closed
The deadline for applications was July 13.
For those that applied Good Luck!
