Bridging Science and Innovation: The Rise of Conception X and Prusa Research
May 16, 2025, 4:20 pm
In the world of innovation, two stories stand out: Conception X and Prusa Research. Both are redefining their fields, but they approach the challenge from different angles. One nurtures scientific minds into entrepreneurial spirits, while the other enhances manufacturing efficiency through advanced technology. Together, they illustrate the dynamic interplay between science, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Conception X is a beacon for PhD students across Europe. It transforms researchers into founders, fostering a new breed of entrepreneur: the venture scientist. Founded in 2018, this UK-based nonprofit has become a catalyst for deeptech innovation. It identifies talented PhD students and equips them with the tools to launch startups without abandoning their academic pursuits.
The journey begins with a simple yet profound idea: why not use the years spent in research to build companies? This philosophy is at the heart of Conception X. It offers a unique program that supports PhD students at the earliest stages of their entrepreneurial journey. The goal is clear: accelerate scientific breakthroughs and create new career pathways for researchers.
Since its inception, Conception X has made significant strides. It has recruited eight cohorts from over 70 universities across 11 countries, resulting in the creation of more than 150 deeptech companies. These startups are not just numbers; they represent groundbreaking innovations, from cancer vaccines to carbon-absorbing building materials. The portfolio is valued at an impressive £500 million, a testament to the potential of these young companies.
At the helm of this initiative is Dr. Riam Kanso, a visionary leader with a background in neuroscience. Her experience spans academia, industry, and venture capital. Kanso recognized a gap in the ecosystem: PhD students often had brilliant ideas but lacked the support to turn them into viable businesses. Conception X fills this void, providing early-stage, trust-based capital to budding entrepreneurs.
The organization has recently launched an angel syndicate, handpicking leading scientists and engineers to mentor and invest in these young founders. This syndicate is not just about funding; it’s about building a community of support. The angels understand the deeptech landscape and are eager to share their knowledge. They are not just investors; they are collaborators, helping to shape the future of science-driven startups.
Conception X operates on a non-profit model, which sets it apart from traditional venture funds. It takes no equity, focusing instead on collaboration with universities. This approach builds trust and allows for a more straightforward path to commercialization. Many university spinouts face complex IP ownership issues, but Conception X navigates these challenges by positioning itself as a partner rather than a competitor.
The impact of Conception X is profound. It not only nurtures startups but also reshapes the career trajectories of PhD students. Many participants find themselves launching successful companies, while others take on innovation roles in corporations or return to academia with a commercial mindset. Regardless of the path, all participants complete their PhDs, ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge continues alongside entrepreneurial endeavors.
Meanwhile, in the realm of 3D printing, Prusa Research is making waves. This Czech company is at the forefront of FDM 3D printing technology, and its recent collaboration with Molex is a game-changer. By integrating advanced connector systems into its manufacturing processes, Prusa is streamlining operations and enhancing product offerings.
Prusa Research has seen remarkable growth, processing over 300,000 orders in 2024 alone. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its product lineup, which includes the new Prusa XL. This model features a CoreXY configuration and a tool changer with five independent toolheads, allowing for greater versatility and reduced waste. While it may not be the fastest printer on the market, its ability to switch between different materials enhances productivity.
The partnership with Molex is crucial for Prusa’s expansion. Molex’s CLIK-Mate connectors simplify assembly and improve production efficiency. This collaboration ensures that Prusa can meet the increasing global demand for its products while maintaining high standards of quality. The integration of these connectors is a testament to Prusa’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
As Prusa continues to evolve, it remains focused on meeting the needs of both professional and advanced desktop users. The company’s offerings are designed to cater to a wide range of applications, from hobbyist projects to industrial-grade printing. With plans to expand further into the U.S. market, Prusa is poised for even greater success.
Both Conception X and Prusa Research exemplify the spirit of innovation. They are not just companies; they are movements. Conception X is transforming the landscape of deeptech entrepreneurship, while Prusa Research is redefining manufacturing in the 3D printing space. Together, they illustrate the power of collaboration, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
In a world where science and technology are rapidly evolving, these organizations remind us that the future is bright. They are paving the way for the next generation of innovators, ensuring that the journey from idea to impact is not just a dream but a reality. The bridge between science and entrepreneurship is strong, and it is built on the foundations of collaboration, support, and a shared vision for a better tomorrow.
Conception X is a beacon for PhD students across Europe. It transforms researchers into founders, fostering a new breed of entrepreneur: the venture scientist. Founded in 2018, this UK-based nonprofit has become a catalyst for deeptech innovation. It identifies talented PhD students and equips them with the tools to launch startups without abandoning their academic pursuits.
The journey begins with a simple yet profound idea: why not use the years spent in research to build companies? This philosophy is at the heart of Conception X. It offers a unique program that supports PhD students at the earliest stages of their entrepreneurial journey. The goal is clear: accelerate scientific breakthroughs and create new career pathways for researchers.
Since its inception, Conception X has made significant strides. It has recruited eight cohorts from over 70 universities across 11 countries, resulting in the creation of more than 150 deeptech companies. These startups are not just numbers; they represent groundbreaking innovations, from cancer vaccines to carbon-absorbing building materials. The portfolio is valued at an impressive £500 million, a testament to the potential of these young companies.
At the helm of this initiative is Dr. Riam Kanso, a visionary leader with a background in neuroscience. Her experience spans academia, industry, and venture capital. Kanso recognized a gap in the ecosystem: PhD students often had brilliant ideas but lacked the support to turn them into viable businesses. Conception X fills this void, providing early-stage, trust-based capital to budding entrepreneurs.
The organization has recently launched an angel syndicate, handpicking leading scientists and engineers to mentor and invest in these young founders. This syndicate is not just about funding; it’s about building a community of support. The angels understand the deeptech landscape and are eager to share their knowledge. They are not just investors; they are collaborators, helping to shape the future of science-driven startups.
Conception X operates on a non-profit model, which sets it apart from traditional venture funds. It takes no equity, focusing instead on collaboration with universities. This approach builds trust and allows for a more straightforward path to commercialization. Many university spinouts face complex IP ownership issues, but Conception X navigates these challenges by positioning itself as a partner rather than a competitor.
The impact of Conception X is profound. It not only nurtures startups but also reshapes the career trajectories of PhD students. Many participants find themselves launching successful companies, while others take on innovation roles in corporations or return to academia with a commercial mindset. Regardless of the path, all participants complete their PhDs, ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge continues alongside entrepreneurial endeavors.
Meanwhile, in the realm of 3D printing, Prusa Research is making waves. This Czech company is at the forefront of FDM 3D printing technology, and its recent collaboration with Molex is a game-changer. By integrating advanced connector systems into its manufacturing processes, Prusa is streamlining operations and enhancing product offerings.
Prusa Research has seen remarkable growth, processing over 300,000 orders in 2024 alone. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its product lineup, which includes the new Prusa XL. This model features a CoreXY configuration and a tool changer with five independent toolheads, allowing for greater versatility and reduced waste. While it may not be the fastest printer on the market, its ability to switch between different materials enhances productivity.
The partnership with Molex is crucial for Prusa’s expansion. Molex’s CLIK-Mate connectors simplify assembly and improve production efficiency. This collaboration ensures that Prusa can meet the increasing global demand for its products while maintaining high standards of quality. The integration of these connectors is a testament to Prusa’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
As Prusa continues to evolve, it remains focused on meeting the needs of both professional and advanced desktop users. The company’s offerings are designed to cater to a wide range of applications, from hobbyist projects to industrial-grade printing. With plans to expand further into the U.S. market, Prusa is poised for even greater success.
Both Conception X and Prusa Research exemplify the spirit of innovation. They are not just companies; they are movements. Conception X is transforming the landscape of deeptech entrepreneurship, while Prusa Research is redefining manufacturing in the 3D printing space. Together, they illustrate the power of collaboration, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
In a world where science and technology are rapidly evolving, these organizations remind us that the future is bright. They are paving the way for the next generation of innovators, ensuring that the journey from idea to impact is not just a dream but a reality. The bridge between science and entrepreneurship is strong, and it is built on the foundations of collaboration, support, and a shared vision for a better tomorrow.