Johnson Matthey and Conception X are offering five fully sponsored places on the 2027 Venture Scientist 100 programme, providing University of Warwick researchers working with platinum group metals an opportunity to explore the commercial potential of their research.
Join a Warwick Discovery Session on 16 November to find out how the programme could take your research from lab to venture.
Researchers developing new, high-value applications for platinum, palladium or rhodium have the chance to win one of five team places on the Conception X Venture Scientist 100 programme in 2027, sponsored by Johnson Matthey.
Johnson Matthey and Conception X are targeting Warwick specifically because of the university’s research strength in platinum group metals (PGMs). The sponsored places are open to researchers whose work could take these materials into new territory, using their properties to advance performance, sustainability and circularity. The five sponsored places are open to teams across UK and European universities.
What is Conception X?
Conception X backs ambitious scientists who want to turn their research into deeptech companies. Since 2018, it has supported more than 800 PhD students, postdocs and early-career researchers from 92 universities. They have launched over 200 science companies that have raised more than £250 million in investment and grants.
For 2027, Conception X is looking for 115 researchers across two routes:
- Venture Scientist 100 (VS100): a nine-month fellowship offering equity-free venture training, one-to-one coaching for selected participants and access to industry decision-makers.
- Raise: a ten-week intensive for science founders working towards pre-seed or seed funding.
Both routes are free to participants, and VS100 is designed to fit around academic commitments. Top-performing founders are invited to pitch to the Conception X Angel Syndicate and XTX Ventures, with the potential to receive up to £300,000 in equity investment.
What the Johnson Matthey places add
Researchers selected for the sponsored places get the full programme. Johnson Matthey may also provide industrial insight on the use of PGMs and specialist support where appropriate, including guidance on PGM supply and metal management.
Dr Ataulla Shegiwal from Warwick Innovations said:
“Warwick has a strong research base in platinum group metals, with some exciting technologies in development. This is a great opportunity for academics and their teams to meet Johnson Matthey and Conception X, learn more about the support available and explore opportunities for their research.”
Warwick Discovery Session
To help researchers learn more, Warwick Innovations is hosting a Discovery Session with Johnson Matthey and Conception X. Attendees will hear directly from both organisations, find out what kinds of research and applications they want to support, and ask questions about the programme and application process.
Session 1 – Conception X: An introduction to the programme, the venture support available and how to apply, with an opportunity to ask questions.
Session 2 – Johnson Matthey: A discussion of new applications for platinum, palladium or rhodium and industry needs, with an opportunity for academics and their teams to speak to JM.
- Date: Monday 16 November 2026
- Time: 2:00–4:00pm
- Venue: The Climb, Junction Building, University of Warwick
- Register: https://luma.com/concep-a4mw
Who should apply?
The programme is for PhD students, postdocs and early-career STEM researchers interested in the commercial potential of their work, whether they are just starting to explore it or already building a company. Academics are also welcome to attend the Discovery Session with their research teams.
The application deadline is 6 December 2026. Find out more about the Johnson Matthey places at https://matthey.com/pgm-research-conceptionx and about the programme below.
