Created by King's E-Lab, in partnership with Founders at the University of Cambridge, SPARK will act as an entrepreneurial launchpad. This programme will offer hands-on support, world-class mentorship, and practical training to enable world-changing ventures covering challenges such as disease prevention and treatment, fertility support, and climate resilience. The combined networks of successful entrepreneurs, investor alumni and venture-building expertise brought by King’s E-Lab and Founders at the University of Cambridge will address a critical gap to drive innovation.

Introducing the cohort: SPARK 1.0

More than 180 applications were received for SPARK 1.0, reflecting strong demand for early incubation support. Of the selected companies, focused on AI, machine learning, biotechnology, and impact, 42% of the companies are at idea stage, 40% have an early-stage product, and 17% have early users. Around half of the selected companies are led by women.

• Ashgold Africa: an edtech business building solar projects to provide sustainable energy in rural Kenya
• Aizen Software: credit referencing fintech working on financial inclusion
• Atera Analytics: optimising resources around the EV energy infrastructure ecosystem
• Cambridge Mobilytics: harnessing data from UK EV charging stations to aid decision-making in the e-mobility sector
• Dielectrix: building next-gen semiconductor dielectric materials for electronics using 2D materials
• Dulce Cerebrum: building AI models to detect psychosis from blood tests
• GreenHarvest: data-driven agritech firm using satellite and climate data to predict changing crop yield migration
• Heartly: offering affordable, personalised guidance on preventing cardiovascular disease
• Human Experience Dynamics: combining patient experiences and physiological measures to create holistic insight in psychiatric trials
• iFlame: Agentic AI system to help build creative product action plans
• IntolerSense: uncovering undiscovered food intolerances using an AI-powered app
• Med Arcade: AI-powered co-pilot to help GPs interact with patient data
• MENRVA: AI-powered matchmaking engine for the art world, connecting galleries, buyers and art businesses
• Myta Bio: leverages biomimetic science to create superior industrial chemicals from natural ingredients
• Neela Biotech: creating carbon-negative jet fuel
• Egg Advisor: digital platform offering expert advice to women seeking to freeze their eggs
• Polytecks: wearable tech firm building e-textiles capable of detecting valvular heart diseases
• RetroAnalytica: using AI to decarbonise buildings by predicting energy inefficiencies
• SafeTide: using ‘supramolecular’ technology to keep delicate medicines stable at room temperature for longer periods
• The Surpluss: climate tech company identifying unused resources in businesses and redistributing them
• Yacson Therapeutics: using ML to find plant-based therapeutics to help combat inflammatory bowel disease
• Zenithon AI: using AI and ML to help advance the development of nuclear fusion energy

SPARK outcomes

The intensive incubator will run for four weeks from the end of August. Each participant will receive specialised support from Founders at the University of Cambridge and King’s E-Lab mentors and entrepreneurs-in-residence to turn their concepts into companies that can attract both investment and ultimately grow into startups capable of driving economic growth.

Following the programme, the founders will emerge with:

• A validated business model and a clear pathway to product development
• Access to expert mentorship and masterclasses with global entrepreneurs and investors
• The opportunity to pitch for £20,000 investment and chance to pitch for further investment from established Angel Investors at Demo Day
• A chance to join a thriving community of innovators and change-makers

Kamiar Mohaddes, Co-Founder and Director of King's Entrepreneurship Lab, said: “Cambridge has been responsible for many world-changing discoveries, but entrepreneurship isn't the first thought of most people studying here. Driving economic growth requires inspiring the next generation to think boldly about how their ideas can shape industries and society. We want SPARK to be a catalyst, showing students the reality of founding a company. We look forward to seeing this cohort turn their ambitions into ventures that contribute meaningfully to the economy.”

Gerard Grech CBE, Managing Director at Founders at the University of Cambridge, said: “Cambridge is aiming to double its tech and science output in the next decade – matching what it achieved in the past 20 years. That ambition starts at the grassroots. The energy from the students, postgraduates and alumni is clear, and with tech contributing £159 billion to the UK economy and 3 million jobs, building transformative businesses is one of the most powerful ways to make an impact. This SPARK 1.0 cohort is beginning that journey, and we’re pleased to partner with King’s Entrepreneurship Lab to support them.”

Gillian Tett OBE, Provost of King’s College, Cambridge, said: “Cambridge colleges have more talent in AI, life sciences and technology, including quantum computing, than ever. Through SPARK, we can support even more students, researchers and alumni to turn their ambition into an investable idea and make the leap from the lab to the marketplace. This isn’t just a game-changer for King’s, but for every college in Cambridge whose students join this programme and journey with us to make an impact from Cambridge, on the world.”

Jim Glasheen, Chief Executive of Cambridge Enterprise, said: “The SPARK 1.0 cohort highlights the breadth and depth of innovation within collegiate Cambridge. SPARK, and the partnership between King’s College and Founders at the University of Cambridge, is a testament to our shared commitment to nurture and empower Cambridge innovators who will tackle global challenges and contribute to economic growth.”

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