There are seven projects made in FEUP taking part in the 8th edition of Conception X, the UK’s largest business idea accelerator programme for PhD students (venture scientists).
Over nine months, the seven projects will receive support in launching their deep-tech companies, help with eligibility for innovation grants, prizes and venture capital funding, and access to an extensive list of technical experts and trainers in artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology, medical technology, sustainable materials, energy, robotics and much more.
These contact opportunities are planned with senior leaders from companies such as Nvidia, Unilever, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Azerion, IBM, Barclays, XTX and Coca-Cola Europacific through Conception X’s newly created Industry Advisory Board.
Conception X has venture capital partners and venture builders, including XTX Ventures, a venture capitalist and partner of this programme since 2022, which has 300,000 euros to invest in between 6 and 12 outstanding startups (out of 123 projects selected). Among the 42 participating universities, FEUP is the only entity outside the UK to be part of this programme, as announced in 2024.
Representing FEUP are the following projects:
BodyBoost – a unique, proactive solution that enables the correction and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare professionals, based on real-time data collection from a wearable device combined with advanced biomechanical analysis software.
CorroVision – aims to develop AI-based solutions to detect and predict corrosion in critical infrastructures, helping industries to avoid failures, reduce maintenance costs and ensure safety.
EcoWires – printing technology for flexible electronic circuits, an alternative to conventional electronics, taking advantage of abundant, accessible and renewable raw materials that allow them to be used in various applications. These components can be used in manufacturing, such as touch response devices, smart wristbands, or even food packaging with NFC antennas.
HyCarb – a clean-tech startup that has developed metal-free graphitic carbon using a patented intermediate-temperature catalytic methane splitting technology, and a disruptive solution for producing low-cost clean hydrogen.
MedTiles – provides a set of GenAI services that can benefit healthcare institutions, providers, and patients. From fast and reliable navigation of the vast array of documents to reducing the document burden on pharmaceutical companies through text generation, they aim to shape AI in healthcare.
SensinAIR Monitor – using low-cost sensors to help mitigate indoor air pollution in nurseries and primary schools and its associated impacts on children’s respiratory health.
UPWind – an aerial device connected to a ground station by cable- aims to be an ecological alternative to producing wind energy. Unlike traditional wind turbines, the device resembles a wing and can capture wind at high altitudes.
These seven projects will have two development options within Conception X: the Startup X or Project X path. The first is for PhD students ready to create a startup company, which requires more individual support and commitment. Project X, on the other hand, is for PhD students interested in developing their entrepreneurial skills through training designed for science, technology, engineering or maths researchers.
The 8th edition of Conception X kicked off with a Bootcamp held in London on 7 and 8 April. In the previous edition, BNanoTech, a FEUP spin-off, was selected for an investment of 120 thousand euros from XTX Ventures.