Founders at the University of Cambridge
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Big Challenges
Demand Big Responses.

Founders at the University of Cambridge

We believe in a world in which academic and entrepreneurial excellence converge to solve humanity’s greatest challenges.

Welcome to Founders at the University of Cambridge, where innovation meets action.

Founders at the University of Cambridge

Cambridge, often hailed as the science unicorn capital of Europe, is already at the forefront of science-based innovation.

The University of Cambridge has a record of game-changing discoveries. Think DNA, IVF, jet engines, computer games, artificial intelligence and so much more. We consistently stand as one of the world’s top three innovation ecosystems.

Source: Dealroom 2023
i

1st

1st in global rankings of no. of university alum founder who raised >£10M per inhabitant
Source: Dealroom, 2023
i

3rd

in global science cluster rankings
Source: Dealroom 2023
i

23

unicorns, making it the science unicorn of Europe
Source: Cambridge Enterprise, 2023
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£3.5bn

investment in University of Cambridge companies
Source: London Economics, 2023
i

£23bn

annual economic impact to the UK economy from University of Cambridge -associated businesses
Source: Dealroom 2023
i

6th

in global rankings for deep tech unicorn creation per inhabitant

WELCOME TO FOUNDERS AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

ABOUT FOUNDERS

Founders at the University of Cambridge is our new strategic initiative building on University expertise and unparalleled advantages to bring technical and social innovation to life through new business creation; from solving climate change to finding cures to deadly diseases.

OUR MISSION

To empower entrepreneurial minds at the University of Cambridge with expertise, capital and community so they can thrive and have a global impact.

OUR PROMISE

Founders at the University of Cambridge provides deep and extensive support to founders as they take ideas and companies forward, through pre-seed and seed capital investment, intensive mentoring and programmatic support. They will also have curated access to university alum and non-alum global network of technology experts in their fields from artificial intelligence to life sciences, so they can learn from the best — as well as targeted partnerships to help them engage with potential customers.

APPLICATIONS TO OUR ACCELERATOR OPEN NOW

Do you have a groundbreaking start-up that could change the world? Are you passionate about taking your research or idea to the next level?

APPLY NOW!

OUR AMBITION

Commercialising deep science is hard. It takes time, patience, vision and flawless execution. We are very aware that universities have come under increasing pressure to make their spinout and startup process more transparent and dynamic. We agree.

Which is why our ambition is to create a blueprint for how best to support founders who want to scale their scientific breakthroughs and have global societal impact.

Join us as a mentor, investor or partner and be part of the next wave of frictionless innovation.

Together, we can change the world for the better. Founders at the University of Cambridge. Accelerating impactful journeys for brilliant minds.

Stories

Founders Professor Dame Clare Grey
Dr Sai Shivareddy

Visit website

NYOBOLT

Nyobolt offers high-power, ultra-fast-charging, Li-ion battery solutions; a significant step forward in transport decarbonisation. Recently raised $50M.

Founders Dr Marc Rodriguez-Garcia
Professor Tuomas Knowles

Visit website

XAMPLA

Xampla’s plant protein materials provide a plastic replacement that decomposes quickly and completely in the natural environment. The first UK university spin-out to achieve B-corp status. It has raised £8M investment to date.

Founders Professor Jonathan Heeney
Dr Rebecca Kingsley

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DIOSynVax

DIOSynVax is radically altering the way vaccines are made, to increase the speed of vaccine development and help prevent future pandemics. It has raised £35M funding to date.

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