The Dragons’ Den is the assessed component of the Professionalism and Translation unit that our postgraduates (PGRs) complete in the first training year in the Aerosol Science CDT.

Working in interdisciplinary teams (6-7 members) and supported by a partner mentor, PGRs prepare a technology or service development plan which addresses an aspect of a user-led aerosol grand challenge; the challenge for 2022-23 was Indoor Air Quality.

PGRs receive training in ideation, project management, market analysis, regulation and IP to support them in developing their plans, as well as advice on communicating and pitching their ideas. Seven working days are given for teams to synthesise their solutions and prepare their pitches, providing an experience of working to tight deadlines!

Teams pitch their technology or service development plans to an independent panel of partners with a range of commercial and scientific experience in a finale event. Academic marking is performed by CDT academics observing the pitches.
The pitch deemed to be the most investible by the partner panel is awarded that years Dragons’ Den pitching prize!