Ignite
Verticals:
Cardio Stars, Onco Stars, LifeSci Stars
deadline
TBD 2026
30.9.25
FEE:
None
Duration:
4 Weeks
Next Deadline:
30 September 2025
Next cohort intake:
Autumn/Winter 2025
Next Location:
Oxford
Ignite gives clinicians, scientists and engineers the skills and knowledge they need to take their first steps in entrepreneurship. It helps them align their science with unsolved problems and unmet needs so that they can make the world a better place. It equips them to drive their research towards real-world impact, and provides a solid foundation for future translation and commercialisation.
Eligibility
- Scientists, clinicians, engineers, and entrepreneurs with pre-idea concepts or early-stage research.
- Individuals with a technical background looking to co-create ventures with Panacea’s network and corporate partners.
- Any professional background and all career stages.
- No previous experience required.
What we offer
- Accessible introduction to research translation and commercialisation, focused on the fundamentals of transforming a scientific insight into a product and business.
- Support in identifying product-market/clinic fit and developing a provisional business plan.
- Access to expert mentoring and networking opportunities.
Streams
Outbound Ventures:
Founders with their own ideas or intellectual property apply to a thematic intake, leveraging deep domain partnerships:
- Oncology (partnered with CRUK)
- Cardiology (partnered with BHF)
- Life Sciences and Diagnostics (partnered with Bio-Rad Laboratories)
- Women’s Health (partnered with Barclays)
- Digital Health (partnered with Nvidia)
Inbound Ventures:
Co-create ventures around partner-defined opportunities. We bring together scientific talent, clinical expertise, and co-founder teams to build companies around the biggest unmet needs in healthcare. You bring the ambition, we supply the infrastructure.
Who it’s for:
What happens:
Key Outcomes
- Validate scientific merit and market need.
- Build a provisional business model and venture narrative.
- Gain mentorship from leading figures in biotech, digital health, AI, and investment.
[apply now]
Timeline
WEEK: 01 | DURATION: 1 day | 13 Oct 2025 |
Virtual
Induction
Onboarding webinar providing details about the programme and an opportunity to meet fellow participants.
WEEK: 01 | DURATION: 1 Day | 17 Oct 2025 |
In person
Bootcamp
High-intensity training at the University of Oxford. Seminars and workshops will cover key topics, including intellectual property, regulation and finance. Group mentoring sessions will provide an opportunity to learn from experienced entrepreneurs and deep-dive on specific challenges. Networking reception provides an opportunity to meet with other aspiring entrepreneurs and the wider Panacea team.
WEEKS: 02-03 | DURATION: 2 weeks |
Virtual
Sprints, webinars, office hours, and support with business plan preparation
Participants take part in two online sprints, implementing learning from the Bootcamp. Panacea staff and Mentors will provide ongoing support and availability for one-on-one discussion and coaching.
Week: 04 | 7 November 2025
Virtual
Submissions Deadline
Participants submit a short provisional business plan and receive feedback. Top performers are shortlisted for the Stride programme.