Founders at the University of Cambridge

What is the START programme about?

Currently in its third edition, START 3.0 is a pre-seed programme accelerating the development of AI and DeepTech startups connected to the University of Cambridge. Its aim is to support ventures with rapid market potential and is open exclusively to companies or technologies with a founder affiliated with the University of Cambridge, including students, postdocs, faculty and alumni (within five years).

According to participants in previous cohorts, START has made them move three times faster than they would alone across strategy, markets and investment.

If you are an investor in the US, this is for you

For investors interested in learning more about either event, details on how to register your interest can be found below.

• New York Investor Day: https://vist.ly/5f7vq
• San Francisco Investor Day: https://vist.ly/5f7vr

“International exposure and capital help companies grow and learn faster. With huge entrepreneurial expertise, both San Francisco and New York are innovation hubs that can provide great learning and networks to the START 3.0 founders as they continue building their ventures.”

Sarah Ranchev-Hale, Director of Entrepreneurship, Cambridge Enterprise

The START 3.0 cohort

Composed by eight companies, the START 3.0 cohort features a mix of scientific co-founders from the University of Cambridge and operators with vast industrial experience.

• AdcoTx is developing a novel therapeutic to improve first‑line treatment options for colorectal cancer patients worldwide. Its scientific co-founders come from one of the leading-edge institutes in the world, the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology.
• AILA Biotech is advancing a CNS‑targeted gene delivery platform for ultra‑low‑dose therapies in chronic neuroinflammation. Based on research from the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge, the team brings together expertise in immunology and gene therapy.
• Auralytica is developing holographic hydrogel sensors that deliver real‑time molecular data with a first market in food quality and safety. The company’s CEO holds an MBA from the Cambridge Judge Business School, and the CTO a PhD from Imperial College London.
• Cambridge Cryogenics is designing solid‑state milliKelvin refrigeration platforms for quantum computing, sensing and advanced materials research. Founded by Dr Stephen Rowley (CEO), with research originating from the Cavendish Laboratory in the Department of Physics.
• Cosysense is using AI agents and digital twins to create autonomous building operations, starting with heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, reducing energy use and operational risk. The startup draws on research from the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge.
• Neela Biotech is producing sustainable fuels and chemicals by combining synthetic biology, AI and existing biogas infrastructure. The co-founders are from the Department of Engineering and the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge.
• Satorus Group is building AI agents that automate data analysis and reporting for intelligence investigations. Its co-founder is from the University of Cambridge Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS).
• Senesys.Bio is developing precision nanomedicine platforms to selectively deliver senolytic therapeutics for fibrotic and age-related diseases. Based on research from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge.

This news piece was originally published on Cambridge Enterprise.