How to apply for Venture Science Doctorate: venture-creation PhD program (funded scholarship)

About Deep Science Ventures

Deep Science Ventures (DSV) is a unique venture creation firm that doesn't just invest in startups—it co-founds them with scientists to tackle global challenges like climate change, agriculture, health, and computation. Unlike traditional PhD programs, DSV's Venture Science Doctorate embeds you in a mission-driven ecosystem where you build a company from day one, with the backing of experienced venture partners and access to leading research groups. This is for those who want to commercialize breakthrough science and make a tangible impact on Earth's future.

About the role

This three-year, fully funded PhD program is a venture-creation journey: Year 1 focuses on mapping an industry to identify high-impact opportunities, Year 2 on proving your technology hypothesis through research and techno-economic analysis, and Year 3 on building a scalable venture with a complementary team and investment case. You'll lead the new venture as a co-founder after incorporation, with continuous support from DSV. It's an unparalleled opportunity to turn scientific insight into a real-world solution while earning a PhD.

A typical day

In Year 1, your day might involve deep-dive research into an industry, interviewing experts, and mapping out potential opportunities, followed by brainstorming sessions with DSV mentors. In Year 2, you could be in the lab validating your technology, analyzing data for techno-economic feasibility, and iterating on your hypothesis. By Year 3, your focus shifts to building your venture: meeting with potential co-founders, pitching to investors, and preparing for incorporation, all while being supported by DSV's network.

Who Deep Science Ventures is looking for

• Holds a Master's or PhD in natural sciences, engineering, or a closely related technical field (undergraduates may be considered but may not be eligible for PhD accreditation).
• Demonstrates ambition, determination, and resilience to co-found a science-based venture tackling global challenges in climate, agriculture, health, or computation.
• Possesses a strong first-principles thinking ability, with a knack for identifying industry-specific opportunities and translating research into scalable technology.
• Is comfortable with uncertainty and excited about leading a venture, not just conducting research; prior entrepreneurial or industry experience is a plus.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your ability to think from first principles and identify unmet needs in a specific industry—DSV values original, high-impact ideas over incremental research.
• Show evidence of your determination and resilience: share examples of overcoming setbacks in research or entrepreneurial projects, as DSV seeks founders who can weather the ups and downs of venture creation.
• Demonstrate a clear alignment with DSV's focus areas (climate, agriculture, health, computation) by articulating a specific problem you want to solve and why it's globally significant.
• Emphasize any experience with techno-economic analysis, prototyping, or working in interdisciplinary teams, as these are core to the program's second year.
• Explain why you want to be a co-founder, not just a researcher—DSV is looking for individuals who will lead ventures, so showcase leadership potential and willingness to build a team.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your specific motivation for joining DSV's Venture Science Doctorate rather than a traditional PhD or startup accelerator, highlighting the unique blend of research and venture creation.", "A concrete example of a global challenge in climate, agriculture, health, or computation that you're passionate about, and a first-principles insight into how science could address it.", 'Evidence of your entrepreneurial mindset and resilience, such as a time you took initiative, failed, and learned from it, or a project where you drove an idea from concept to implementation.', 'How your technical background and skills (e.g., in natural sciences, engineering, or computation) position you to validate and commercialize a technology within the three-year timeline.']

Research before applying

• Explore DSV's website and read their blog to understand their past ventures, focus areas, and the types of science they commercialize.
• Research the backgrounds of DSV's venture partners and the research groups they collaborate with, as these will be key resources during the program.
• Investigate current challenges and emerging technologies in one of DSV's focus areas (climate, agriculture, health, computation) to identify a potential venture idea.
• Look into the PhD accreditation process with DSV's academic partners to ensure you meet eligibility requirements and understand the academic component.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Your understanding of DSV's venture-creation model and why it appeals to you over traditional academic or industry paths.
• A deep dive into a specific industry or problem area you're interested in, including potential opportunities and how you'd assess their viability.
• How you would approach the first year's task of mapping an industry landscape to identify high-impact venture opportunities.
• Your experience with hypothesis-driven research, techno-economic analysis, or technology validation, and how you'd apply it in Year 2.
• Your vision for a venture you might co-found, including the complementary team you'd build and how you'd attract investment.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic research proposal that doesn't align with DSV's mission or focus areas—they want ventures that tackle global challenges, not just any science project.
• Focusing solely on academic achievements without demonstrating entrepreneurial drive or resilience; DSV values founders who can navigate uncertainty and build companies.
• Ignoring the three-year structure and failing to articulate how you'd progress from industry mapping to technology validation to venture incorporation.
• Underestimating the importance of teamwork and co-founder dynamics; DSV emphasizes building complementary teams, so avoid portraying yourself as a lone genius.