PhD Max+

Any current student and recent graduate from the University of Edinburgh can utilize our services, including PhD students, however we have some activity especially for PhD students only. 

PhD Max+ Pre-Accelerator Programme 

Interested in commercialising your PhD and taking it to the next level but don’t know where to start? Join us for our brand-new PhD programme.

PhD Max+ is an exciting pre-accelerator programme designed to empower the next generation of PhD students in their entrepreneurial journey.

This eight-session programme is tailored to students at the University of Edinburgh who are interested in exploring entrepreneurship and leveraging their specialised knowledge to push the boundaries of their respective fields.

Throughout the sessions, you will engage in thought-provoking discussions and interactive workshops on various topics such as startup fundamentals, ideation, intellectual property, market research, customer discovery, pitching and more. These sessions will be held on specific dates starting from January and concluding in March.

In these sessions we’ll help you explore entrepreneurship and how to commercialise your PhD:

• Welcome social and PhD Max+ alumni stories - 15th January
• Research to impact: shifting your mindset - 22nd January
• Building your vision - 29th January
• Validation and market research - 5th February
• Solution development - 12th February
• Intellectual Property (IP) basics - 26th February
• Pitching skills - 5th March
• Final pitch-off - 19th March 

For all PhD students from the University of Edinburgh.

Open to PhD students from any year and discipline, PhD Max offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of entrepreneurship and develop the skills necessary to transform innovative ideas into impactful ventures. Whether you have a concrete business idea or simply aspire to become a founder in the future, this programme will equip you with the essential tools and knowledge to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.

To participate in PhD Max+ all you need is a laptop and a desire to learn and connect with like-minded individuals. By attending all the sessions, you ensure the best outcome when it comes to refining and pitching your ideas. Join PhD Max today and embark on a transformative journey that will amplify your PhD experience, nurture your entrepreneurial mindset and empower you to make a meaningful impact in the world. 

Deadline: midnight on Monday 5th January 2026