The first cohort for the Start Accelerator programme at the University of Cambridge has been revealed.
Founders at the University of Cambridge, the flagship initiative supporting and accelerating university founders to make an ever greater impact, has selected 11 science startups with a connection to Cambridge – either as a recent graduate, researcher or academic.
Covering topics as varied as computer vision software for the semiconductor industry to fixing the UK electricity grid to power our Net Zero future, the startups are applying university research and technology to some of the world’s most difficult problems.
During the 12-week programme, the teams will receive non-dilutive seed funding from a pool of up to £2 million, which includes funding from the University of Cambridge and investor partner Parkwalk Advisors.
In addition to this, each team will receive 50 hours of intensive mentorship from their own entrepreneur in residence (EIR) – one of the Founders’ network of over 100 experts, specialists and connections.
Supporting partners involved in the program include sponsors KPMG, AstraZeneca and Hitachi as well as the Babraham Research Campus and the University of Cambridge Judge Business School.
Teams also benefit from free hosting by ideaSpace West, a newly redeveloped co-working space on the West Cambridge site, and priority access to lab space. The Founders at the University of Cambridge programme is delivered by Cambridge Enterprise, the innovation arm of the University.
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The cohort
AetoSense – applying patented technology to drive precision in air quality monitoring, addressing potential health hazards.
BioTryp Therapeutics – dividing bacteria to conquer infections and provide an alternative to traditional antibiotics, starting with urinary tract infections.
BravelyCultured (pictured) – using a proprietary marine microbial biobank and solid-state cultivation methods to replace animal- and petroleum-based products.
Cambridge Vision Tech – early detection of Alzheimer’s.
Molyon – creating next generation high-energy density batteries for weight-critical applications.
Nanomation – building computer vision software for the semiconductor industry to enable clients to build products using advanced, complex nanomaterials.
Orbit – using non-invasive nanotechnology to create a smart fitness device for brains, making mental health data transparent and actionable.
Protonera – turning waste plastics into valuable commodities to make recycling work.
VOLTQUANT – fixing the UK electricity grid to solve one of the biggest challenges preventing Net Zero.
William Oak – developing a point-of-care test for micronutrient deficiencies to improve maternal, infant and child health.
Xterna – engineering a cell-targeting platform that delivers therapeutic cargo to specific cell types.
Gerard Grech, managing director at Founders at the University of Cambridge, said: “Cambridge is an ideas capital and as we enter the next wave of digital innovation the university is producing a new generation of venture scientists who are fully focused on solving the world’s biggest problems, with audacious world-leading innovation and research.
“Selecting the first teams to join the inaugural Start Accelerator programme was a difficult task, but we are committed to supporting these teams to turn their science and research into practical reality. Venture scientists like these hold the key to building a stronger, more sustainable economy and with the right support the potential is huge.”