These startups span a diverse range of subjects, from developing computer vision software tailored for the semiconductor industry to innovations aimed at upgrading the UK's electricity grid to facilitate a Net Zero future. They are leveraging university research and technology to address some of the globe's most challenging issues, with the programme specifically tailored to assist them during the crucial early stages of development.

The first Start Accelerator 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 - 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 neurotechnology 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

The Start Accelerator 1.0 targets early-stage deep-tech companies with ties to Cambridge, whether through recent graduates, researchers, or academics. Its aim is to hasten their journey towards success, positioning Cambridge startups to rival emerging counterparts from prestigious institutions like MIT and Stanford in the US, and ETH Zurich in Europe.

The programme's inaugural cohort comprises 30 founding team members, 76% of whom hold a PhD, and showcases a diverse representation of 10 different nationalities, including British, American, Dutch, Indian, and Lithianian. The participants have an average age of 34, with the average age of a CEO at 29. Approximately 20% of the founding teams and 36% of the CEOs are women.

Over the 12 weeks, these teams will benefit from non-dilutive seed funding from a pool of up to £2 million, contributed by the University of Cambridge and investment partner Parkwalk Advisors. Moreover, each team will engage in 50 hours of intensive mentorship with their assigned entrepreneur in residence (EIR), drawing from a network of over 100 experts, specialists, and connections. The programme enjoys the support of sponsors such as KPMG, AstraZeneca, and Hitachi, alongside partnerships with the Babraham Research Campus and the University of Cambridge Judge Business School. Additional benefits include complimentary hosting by ideaSpace West in the newly redeveloped co-working space at the West Cambridge site, and priority access to laboratory space. The initiative is executed by Cambridge Enterprise, the University's innovation arm.

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.”

Moray Wright, CEO at co-investor Parkwalk said: We’re really pleased to see such a varied cohort of entrepreneurs coming through the first Start Accelerator, which exemplifies the high-quality research and technology that is being produced by University of Cambridge and this new global programme. As the UK’s most active investor in university spin-outs, and having worked with Cambridge Enterprise for over 10+ years, we look forward to supporting this set of founders as they scale.”

Dr Giorgia Longobardi, Founder and CEO of Cambridge GaN Devices and expert at Founders at the University of Cambridge, said: “It’s great to see such an ambitious group of founders coming out of Cambridge as they scale their ideas into companies. I benefitted greatly from organisations such as Cambridge Enterprise at the early stages of Cambridge GaN Devices to help me switch from having an academic focus to an entrepreneurial focus and I am pleased to have the opportunity to pay that help forward as an expert at Founders at the University of Cambridge.”