A new path for high-potential graduates
We embed exceptional graduates inside European labs as adjunct researchers. You explore breakthrough IP, we provide the commercial backbone. In twelve months you either spin out a company, pursue a PhD, or walk away with experience no one else has.
The programme
A twelve-month fellowship at the intersection of academia and entrepreneurship. You get university access, commercial training, and a support network that traditional paths can't offer.
Scout IP portfolios across departments. Attend lab meetings, talk to principal investigators, assess market potential. You're housed under the university's innovation office with full access.
Commit to a lab and a project. Prototype, validate with customers, develop the business model. Your PI provides scientific mentorship while the Institute handles commercial acceleration.
Three clear exit paths. No pressure, no penalty. You've spent a year doing what 99% of graduates never get the chance to do.
The support
The university supports the science. The Institute supports the business. You never do it alone.
After 12 months
Every path is a win. There is no "failure" outcome.
You've validated the technology and the market. Incorporate with university IP, full incubator support, and investor-ready.
The Institute keeps supporting your spin-out: follow-up grant applications, investor introductions, and alumni network access. You're not alone after month 12.
The science captivated you. Transition seamlessly into a doctoral programme with your PI. No time lost, your research counts.
Your fellowship research, publications, and PI relationship carry over directly. Many universities allow fellowship work to count toward doctoral requirements.
Not for you? That's fine. One year of deep tech experience, publications, and a network most people never build. IP stays with the university.
You can also exit after just three months if exploration shows this isn't the fit. Alumni retain access to the Silverline network and events regardless.
All fellows receive continued support from the Institute after the programme ends, regardless of which path they choose.
The honest comparison
For you
STEM, engineering, or related field from a strong university.
You want to build something, not just optimise someone else's machine.
You can go deep on science. You enjoy reading papers, not just pitch decks.
Willing to spend a year on something uncertain because the upside is extraordinary.
Technical background with an offer from a top-tier consultancy or tech company? Skip straight to the final interview.
No case studies, no coding tests. Just three questions.
The package
Competitive compensation to cover your expenses. You're here to build, not to worry about rent.
From the university, around €30K per year via a scientific contract.
From the Institute, around €30K. Brings you to €60K total, competitive with corporate.
Lab materials, software, cloud compute. The work is paid for.
Present your work at deep tech conferences. Build the network.
Claude Max, research databases, productivity software. Use AI aggressively.
Ready?
First pilot cohort launches Q4 2026 at one TTO, three fellows, scouting stage only. Full programme in 2027 onward.
In formation, 2026. Talking with TU Berlin, TransferAllianz, and SPRIND. First pilot cohort planned for Q4 2026.