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DT Prime

Turning breakthrough research into investable ventures

Combining the patience of a university alongside the commercial discipline of an investor, we created DT Prime specifically for Imperial College London. We work with researchers to turn deep tech and life science innovations into ventures that can scale, aligning the people, data, and strategy needed to attract top-tier capital.

DT Prime is particularly suited for staff-led ventures that require time, technical validation, and strategic support to reach commercial viability. Built around the specific demands of life science and deep tech, DT Prime management works with Imperial’s researchers to provide a combination of non-dilutive funding and tailored support from experienced venture builders.

Every engagement is bespoke, with non-dilutive funding of £50,000–£150,000 in each phase deployed toward clearly defined value inflection points - from generating technical data required by investors and shaping an IP position, to validating market demand or preparing for investor conversations. High-performing teams return for multiple rounds, with cumulative support of up to £500,000.

Available to Imperial College London staff only.

Science and technology focus areas

We support ventures tackling complex, high-value problems where deep science can unlock new markets, reshape industries, and deliver lasting commercial and societal value.

Our focus is on technology domains with strong scientific foundations, meaningful market demand, and significant technical or regulatory barriers to entry. These are areas where progress requires rigorous validation, expert insight, and long-horizon capital and where we are positioned to make a material difference. These include:

close up of a cross section from within a microscope

Therapeutics and biotechnology platforms

Targeted biologics, gene and cell therapies, mRNA platforms, and immuno-oncology innovations.

Clear Knee joint model demonstrating MedTech advancements

MedTech and digital health

Precision diagnostics, digital health tools, surgical robotics, and devices integrating hardware, data, and biology.

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Defence and information technology hardware

Photonic and optical computing, quantum computing, neuromorphic systems, and machine-vision AI hardware.

Resilient, low carbon and sustainable technologies

Next-gen energy technologies, green chemistry, sustainable fuels, and advanced water treatment. Includes innovations that improve crop performance, optimise resource use, and strengthen resilience across critical systems.

Through DT Prime, we help translate potential into investable ventures, combining technical depth with targeted funding, hands-on guidance, and structured progression towards opportunities that meet the expectations of top-tier institutional capital.

Our community

DT Prime has been running since January 2022, supporting four cohorts of 6–9 months each. The cohort dates are as follows: Cohort 1: Jan '22 – Jul '22; Cohort 2: Jan '23 – Jul '23; Cohort 3: Nov '23 – Jul '24; Cohort 4: Nov '24 – Jul '25.