Scientist to Founder: Berlin

How do you turn scientific research into a company? Where’s the right place to start? And once you’ve started, how do you get your idea funded at the earliest stage?
Join Conception X, Young Entrepreneurs in Science (YES) and Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institut to meet and learn from academic founders who have successfully translated their research into companies creating real-world impact.

You’ll hear first-hand about how they navigated the transition from scientist to founder, how they decided when their research was ready to build on, the strategies they used to secure their first grant or investment, and more.
If you're a researcher wondering whether now is the right time to build something, come and find out.
For one night only, we are bringing together an ambitious community of entrepreneurial scientists, researchers, academic founders and industry innovators in Berlin.
What you'll get:
First-hand insights into how scientific research can evolve into a venture, and the journey to get there
The opportunity to meet people who are actively building and supporting science companies across Europe and the UK
Insights and advice from founders who moved from research into entrepreneurship
Networking with researchers, founders and industry leaders shaping European innovation
Agenda:
5.30pm – Doors open
6pm – Panel discussion & audience Q&A
7.30–8pm – Networking mixer
This event is for:
PhDs, postdocs, early-career researchers, engineers and academics curious about entrepreneurship
University TTOs, PIs and innovation managers who want to stay informed about researchers’ activities in the innovation ecosystem
Industry leaders and ecosystem builders interested in science-driven innovation
About the organisers:
Conception X is the home for Europe’s venture scientists. Since launching in 2018, Conception X has supported more than 800 PhDs, postdocs and early-career researchers from 91 universities to launch over 200 science companies that have raised £200+ million in investment and grants. Their £1 billion portfolio includes Rahko, Solve Intelligence, Humanloop and Infinitopes.
Silicon Allee at Fraunhofer HHI is the venture lab at one of Europe's top applied research institutes. Through our CORE Topics, selected startups get direct access to Fraunhofer HHI's patents, researchers, and facilities, paired with Silicon Allee's network and strategic guidance. Our mission is to help you develop your tech and land your first financing round.
Young Entrepreneurs in Science empowers early-career researchers across disciplines to unlock their entrepreneurial potential. Since 2018, the program has reached more than 6,000 scientists through over 350 workshops, helping PhDs, postdocs, and research teams transform scientific ideas into real-world impact. With a strong network of universities, innovation hubs, and industry partners, Young Entrepreneurs in Science fosters a new generation of researchers who think like entrepreneurs and act as innovators in academia, business, and society.

*Please note that photography may take place during this event. Any photos captured may be used for marketing and promotional purposes.