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
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    3rd

    in global science cluster rankings
    Source: Dealroom 2023
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    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
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    £23bn

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

    Visit website

    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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