Through the Hunt-Raymond Innovation Programme, Venture Lab provides internationally renowned* experiential learning opportunities for all Durham University students to create novel solutions to significant problems.
Our high-profile innovation scholarships and competitions provide great opportunities for Durham University students to test ideas and turn them into reality.
*Venture Lab’s programmes have been highlighted as best practice by the United Nations, Scottish Government, Times Higher Education and the National Enterprise Educator Awards.
Be inspired by global innovation leaders, experience exciting innovation sprints, join life-changing innovation projects with Venture Lab.
The following opportunities are open to all Durham University students seeking to boost their innovation knowledge, skills and mindsets.
Featuring Durham University alumni leading global change
UN recognised
Develop agile thinking skills to help you achieve your goals with your means at hand (exclusively for PGR students).
an 8 week immersive experience, including an international visit
2 time national champions and world top 16 team
Venture Lab provides funding to explore novel ideas and extend the impact new innovations through its innovation scholarships and competitions.
Scientific Feasibility and Commercialisation Scholarship
The Scientific Feasibility and Commercialisation Scholarship offers Durham University PhD students a unique three-month opportunity to dedicate focused time to exploring a new scientific idea in depth.
Up to two students will receive funding to investigate the scientific and technical feasibility of a proposed project — concentrating on research fundamentals, defined milestones, and deliverables that could pave the way for future innovation.
Each scholarship provides £6,000 to support a three-month sabbatical, covering:
During this period, participants are encouraged to focus purely on the science — evaluating feasibility rather than market or commercial aspects.
Selection criteria include novelty, potential impact, and other project fundamentals outlined in the application form.
At the end of the scholarship, students will submit a short report summarizing progress and future directions.
Eligibility: Open only to current Durham University PhD students.
To apply, please contact Rachel Bickerdike.
The Hunt-Raymond Innovation Prize
Imagining bold, impactful solutions to the challenges of tomorrow.
The Hunt-Raymond Innovation Prize is designed to celebrate creativity, imagination and future-focussed scientific ideas from across the Durham University student and graduates of the last three years community. It is Durham’s most prestigious student innovation competition and has a prize fund of £30,000.
Its purpose is to accelerate Durham University’s Science Transformation Plan by engaging students in scientific creativity and interdisciplinary problem-solving, generating ideas that could shape the future of science, technology, and society.
We’re seeking applicants with future-ready ideas that contribute to Durham’s priority themes:
Although the categories are STEM related, we encourage from students of all disciplines, and at all stages, to apply. Venture Lab is keen to promote interdisciplinary collaboration, combining insights from science, engineering, social sciences and the arts to develop novel solutions to significant problems.
The prize will launch in Epiphany Term 2026 and further details will appear here.
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