Imperial announces fellowship to support venture capital experts in life science and deep tech

Imperial College London and the Royal Academy of Engineering have announced a new Science and Technology Venture Capital (VC) Fellowship designed to enhance investor capability in identifying and deploying capital into high-potential, scalable, life science and deep tech ventures.

Delivered through Imperial Projects, the 12-month fellowship targets mid-level VC investors and related investment professionals, as well as recently exited entrepreneurs transitioning into VC, who are interested in enhancing their ability to manage VC funds specialised in supporting science and engineering-based portfolio companies.

Strong talent pipeline

The programme’s goal is to provide knowledge and leadership development, paired with experiential learning, mentoring, and networking opportunities to support the development of a strong talent pipeline in science and technology VC investment in the UK.

The bespoke programme, jointly developed by Imperial and the Royal Academy of Engineering, and delivered through Imperial Projects, will run for one year from September 2024. Key features include:

• Designed to run in conjunction with current employment: core instruction, experiential learning and networking sessions will be delivered through 20 intensive contact days spread across seven sessions (every 6-8 weeks). Employers will be asked to approve participants’ time spent on the fellowship.
• Tailored teaching and industry insights: the programme is meticulously designed to provide tailored content around the key aspects of raising and managing a specialised life science or deep tech VC fund. Additional insights into emerging technologies critical to the UK’s future, delivered by academics and practitioners, will provide in-depth understanding of the science and technology venture landscape and related investment opportunities.
• Experiential learning with real world impact: practical learning through bespoke case studies, project work, mentorship, and coaching, enabling fellows to apply knowledge directly to real investment opportunities and to sharpen their skills in identifying high-potential life science or deep tech venturers.
• Customised networking for lasting connections: opportunities to join a carefully curated network of professionals and experts across the UK and beyond, fostering connections with both the investment and science and technology communities, ensuring worthwhile commitment of time and effort. Development of an alumni community that will facilitate peer-to-peer learning and engagement beyond the Fellowship.

Tackling pressing global challenges

Ramana Nanda, Director of Imperial’s Institute for Deep Tech Entrepreneurship, said: “Imperial is proud to be delivering this unique programme in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering. A key goal of the Fellowship is to help develop the specialised talent needed to deploy greater risk capital into science and engineering-based ventures. In doing so, we hope the Fellowship will support the UK’s ambition to be at the frontier of building impactful life science and deep tech ventures that deliver jobs, economic growth and tackle the most pressing global challenges. 

Ana Avaliani, Director of Enterprise, Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “This Fellowship represents a transformative opportunity for venture capitalists to deepen their engagement with the UK's thriving deep tech and life sciences sectors. By equipping VCs with the knowledge and connections they need, we are paving the way for a new era of growth and innovation, The Royal Academy of Engineering’s Enterprise Hub is proud to partner on this programme. By combining our expertise and global network with Imperial’s world-leading teaching, we are creating a powerful platform for the next generation of tech entrepreneurs and investors.”

This article was first published on 27 June by Imperial College London.