Owen Thompson, CEO and Founder of Cambridge Future Tech (CFT), returns to the podcast for a fast-paced, candid conversation on how CFT has evolved from an an ambitious venture builder to one of the UK’s most active deep tech venture studios.💡HighlightsCFT is now creating 8–10 companies a year, having just incorporated its 17th and on track to hit 20 by year-end. The team takes a hands-on approach to IP scouting, spinning out from both universities and corporate R&D labs.From the future of compute and quantum technologies to cooling systems and energy optimisation, CFT’s portfolio covers some of the most advanced sectors shaping UK innovation. With partnerships spanning 25+ universities - from Glasgow to Southampton - the studio’s reach is truly national.CFT builds “mini ecosystems” around each startup, often bringing in experienced industry leaders as CEOs. As Owen puts it, “We’ve learned we’re not just a tech company - we’re a people company.”The studio is expanding into investment with a new sister fund, Future Tech VC, launching soon marking a shift from simply building ventures to backing them through later stages.🚀 Looking AheadCFT is tackling the ongoing challenge of fundraising in 2025 head-on, engaging family offices and developing tailored capital strategies. With initiatives like the Mansion House Act and British Business Bank signalling progress, the team sees major opportunities ahead—especially in dual-use defence tech, the next quantum wave, and sustainability innovation.Tune in for an honest look at what it takes to build deep tech companies in today’s UK landscape - and why, as Owen says, “It’s all about the quality of relationships you’re building.”Produced by Cambridge TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We have been given permission by the Cambridge Tech Week team to share content from the conference over the coming weeks and months. Today we begin with one of our favourite sessions from startup to scaleup day, where Amelia Armour of Amadeus Capital Partners interviewed Kristian Segerstrale from Super Evil Mega Corp who is currently navigating the Cambridge ecosystem on a quest to understand how to better enable the scaleup potential of the city.Key Takeaways:• “Momentum is currency.” In the US, rapid scaling matters more than capital itself. Christian urges UK founders to foster impatience for growth and not fear fast failure.• “Everyone celebrates either a quick victory or a quick blowout. What people fear most are ‘zombie companies’ that just linger.”• Talent is the differentiator: “Don’t settle for the top 10%. Get the top 0.1%. Two best hires can be worth more than £100m in funding.”• Focus, focus, focus: “Find your win condition and do nothing else. Avoid shiny distractions- if you win, it’s because you doubled down.”• The UK has caught up: “You don’t have to move to the US anymore. Capital, talent, and mindset exist here if you assemble the right team.”• Integrating atoms and bits: “The next 5-10 years belong to startups that bridge digital and physical worlds - think robotics, batteries, sensors, and AI - something Cambridge excels at.”• Learn by doing: “There are no books. You only learn by scaling, making mistakes, and then helping the next wave go bigger.”Produced by Cambridge TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week James chats with Marco De Novellis, Group Editor at Founders Forum Group and Tech Nation, about the current state and future of AI in the UK. Here are some key takeaways:• The UK AI sector has reached a combined valuation of $230 billion, surpassing France and Germany combined. Marco notes, “AI is increasingly becoming a national security question,” highlighting its importance beyond just business.• The demand for AI talent is skyrocketing, with companies offering lucrative packages to attract top researchers. Marco points out, “AI researchers are in massive demand,” and the competition is fierce, with salaries reaching up to £1 million.• AI startups accounted for 27% of all UK venture capital funding in 2024. Marco emphasises, “Every company is becoming an AI company,” indicating that AI is no longer a niche but a necessity across sectors.• To maintain its leadership in AI, the UK must create conditions that encourage startups to scale and remain based in the country. Marco states, “We need to stop the exodus of talent at growth stages going to the US.”The conversation not only highlights the challenges and opportunities within the sector but also underscores the importance of collaboration and support for startups.Produced by Cambridge TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s episode we discover more about the innovative work being done at Forefront RF. Dr. Leo Laughlin and Dr. Alexander Doust share their journey in developing cutting-edge technology for mobile devices. Here are some key takeaways:• The Challenge of Signal Management: Leo explains, “Mobile phones need to transmit a powerful signal while simultaneously receiving a weak one. Our technology addresses this by using advanced signal cancellation methods.” This innovation allows for a more efficient and compact design in mobile devices.• Tunable Filters: Their solution replaces multiple fixed-frequency filters with a single tunable component, significantly reducing complexity and size. “This opens up new use cases for devices that require cellular connectivity,” Alexander adds.• Sustainability Focus: The technology not only simplifies device design but also contributes to sustainability by reducing the number of components needed. “We’re helping manufacturers create a single global variant of their products, which is a game changer,” Leo remarks.• Navigating the Semiconductor Landscape: The duo discusses the challenges of scaling in the semiconductor industry, highlighting the importance of having a credible team and a clear strategy for market entry. “It’s about executing our plans and getting our product in front of customers,” Alexander states.As Forefront RF gears up for its first product launch, the excitement is palpable. The team is focused on securing partnerships with manufacturers and getting their technology integrated into next-generation devices.Produced by Cambridge TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
James sits down with Shai Vyakarnam to explore his journey from a diverse upbringing to becoming a key player in entrepreneurship education. Shai shares invaluable lessons learned throughout his career, particularly in fostering entrepreneurial mindsets among students and aspiring founders.Key takeaways:• The Importance of Milestones: Shai emphasises the significance of externally driven milestones in guiding team behaviour and company progress. “If it wasn’t for those milestones, they may not have made as much progress,” he notes, highlighting how crucial it is for teams to stay aligned with their goals.• Nurturing Early-Stage Startups: Shai points out that while funding often shifts towards scale-ups, it’s vital to continue supporting early-stage startups. “We need to ensure that we’re nurturing the early-stage startup with the type of funds that are required,” he stresses.• Role Models in Entrepreneurship: Shai advocates for celebrating successful entrepreneurial figures within academia, suggesting that these role models can inspire the next generation of innovators. “Let’s make our successful entrepreneurial professors into role models and heroes,” he urges.Produced by Cambridge TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on the Cambridge Tech Podcast, hosts Faye Holland and James Parton look back at the highlights of Cambridge Tech Week.From standout moments to personal reflections, they capture the energy of a week that brought together innovators, startups, and investors from across the tech community.If you couldn’t make it to #CamTechWeek, this episode is a great way to catch up on what you missed. And keep an eye out - panel sessions and talks from the week will be released soon.Produced by Cambridge TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's Cambridge Tech Week!As the vibrant atmosphere of Cambridge Tech Week unfolds, Faye Holland and James Parton bring us a concise yet impactful episode of the Cambridge Tech Podcast. This week, they dive into the latest happenings in the tech ecosystem, highlighting significant developments.Key Highlights from the Episode:Cambridge Tech Week Buzz: The hosts share their excitement about the ongoing Cambridge Tech Week, a pivotal event that showcases innovation and collaboration in the tech sector.Cambridge Innovation Capital appointing Sir Nigel Wilson as chair, signalling a strong leadership transition.CuspAI, an AI for material science company, securing over £100 million in funding, showcasing the growing interest in AI-driven solutions.Quantinuum, a quantum computing firm, raising a staggering $600 million, reinforcing Cambridge’s status as a leader in advanced technology.Innovative Marketing Campaigns: Faye and James discuss a guerrilla marketing campaign launched by Innovate Cambridge, promoting innovation throughout the city. This creative approach aligns perfectly with the spirit of Cambridge Tech Week.AI in Legal Work: The episode also highlights a groundbreaking development from AnthroTek, where they utilised AI for their fundraising legal work, eliminating traditional legal fees. “Startups no longer have to pay 20 to 30k to do their investment deals,” says GENIE AI's CEO, signalling a shift in how startups can manage costs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode we dive into the exciting world of speech technology with Ricardo Herreros-Symons, Chief Strategy Officer at Speechmatics.We discuss:• The Evolution of Speech Technology: Ricardo noted, “In the last decade, it has absolutely transformed... We are interacting with speech technology everywhere.” This shift is evident in everyday applications, from subtitles on TV to voice-activated assistants.• Market Potential: He highlighted the burgeoning market for speech technology, particularly in healthcare. “Across Europe, it’s probably going to be a market of somewhere in the region of 3 to 5 billion hours of audio,” indicating a massive opportunity for growth in transcribing doctor-patient interactions.• Ethical Considerations: Addressing concerns about bias and accountability, Ricardo stated, “We put an awful lot of effort into making sure that the engines we produce are incredibly unbiased.” This commitment to ethical AI is crucial as the technology becomes more prevalent.• Innovative Products: Speechmatics is not just about speech-to-text; they are also venturing into text-to-speech technology. This innovation could revolutionise how businesses communicate globally.•Generalist vs. Specialist: Ricardo shared his thoughts on career trajectories in tech, suggesting that “it is so important to be a bit of a generalist in what you do.” This perspective is particularly relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape where adaptability is key.Produced by Cambridge TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s episode we catch up with Seb Lessware. Seb shares his fascinating journey from a software engineer to CTO at 1Spatial, a company that has been at the forefront of geospatial data management for over two decades. We discuss:• Career Evolution: Seb emphasises the importance of adaptability in one’s career. “I never had a five-year plan; I just took opportunities as they arose,” he shares, highlighting how his diverse roles at 1Spatial enriched his experience.• The Importance of Data Quality: Seb discusses the shift in focus from software to data quality, stating, “The thing you need to keep and maintain is the data at the core of it.” This insight is crucial for tech startups looking to leverage data effectively.• Digital Twins and Smart Cities: The conversation touches on the concept of digital twins, with Seb noting, “Digital twins are a digital representation of the real world,” and how they can enhance decision-making in urban planning and utilities management.• Machine Learning and Geospatial Data: Seb advocates for using machine learning techniques on structured data and encourages collaboration across industries to unlock the full potential of geospatial data.Produced by Cambridge TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mark Slack shares his journey from gynecologist to co-founder of CMR Surgical, a company dedicated to making surgery safer and more accessible through robotics. The conversation covers:The Birth of CMR SurgicalA Vision for RoboticsChallenges in MedTechThe Future of Surgical RoboticsCommitment to Ethical PracticesProduced by Cambridge TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Paula Rogers-Brown joins the podcast to discuss the upcoming Cambridge Tech Week, set to take place from 15th to 19th September. This year's theme, "Seizing the AI Advantage," reflects the growing importance of AI across multiple sectors, including climate tech and clean tech.What to Expect at Cambridge Tech Week:• Diverse Programming: The week will feature a variety of events, including keynotes from industry leaders like Sir Nick Clegg and Margaret Heffernan, as well as a pitching competition showcasing five innovative startups. • Innovation Alley: This year, Innovation Alley will span two days, allowing attendees to engage with over 50 exhibitors and explore cutting-edge technologies. As the beating heart of Cambridge Tech Week, Faye encourages everyone to participate: "Get that bolt-on ticket and make sure you visit Innovation Alley."• Networking Opportunities: Attendees can look forward to a Tech Leaders Dinner and a gala reception, providing excellent opportunities to connect with fellow tech enthusiasts and industry leaders.Book your ticket here: https://cambridgetechweek.co.uk/ Produced by Cambridge TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s episode we dive into the exciting world of battery technology with Christoph Schnedermann, the founder and CEO of Illumion.Christoph shares his academic journey, which spans from Jena to Oxford, Harvard, and finally Cambridge. He reflects on how these diverse environments shaped his entrepreneurial mindset.We discuss: • Illumion's Mission: Illumion focuses on revolutionising battery research with its charge photometry platform, which allows real-time analysis of ion movement within batteries. Christoph explains, “We wanted to provide a lens into the inner workings of a battery at the R&D stage, where there is a critical gap.”• Market Opportunities: The R&D sector for batteries presents a significant market opportunity, especially as the demand for innovative battery materials grows. • Challenges and Triumphs: Christoph candidly discusses the challenges of startup life, particularly in securing funding during tough market conditions. “Last year was very, very hard to raise. It is ultimately a very, very hard job and you can only do it if you're tenacious and believe in the idea that you have.”• Future Plans: Looking ahead, Illumion aims to scale its manufacturing capabilities and expand its market reach. Christoph emphasises the importance of maintaining control over production: “It gives us the agility to respond quickly to different demands.”Produced by Cambridge TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week we are joined by Josephin Holstein, founder and CTO of Evoralis an early stage spin out from Cambridge University with the mission to enable true and sustainable plastic recycling.Josephin shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, detailing how Evoralis is revolutionising plastic recycling through innovative enzyme technology.Key insights: Josephin and her team, originally postdocs at the University of Cambridge, recognised the potential for their research in biochemistry to impact the circular economy. Evoralis develops enzymes that can efficiently break down various types of plastics, particularly in the textile industry. Josephin explains, “We can screen up to 10 million enzyme candidates per day, which is 1,000 times faster than conventional methods.” This rapid screening process is crucial for identifying effective solutions to plastic waste.The company is currently in the R&D phase, aiming to deliver its first enzymes within a year. Josephin emphasises the importance of collaboration, stating, “We need someone to produce our enzymes... we don’t want to build our own factory to recycle plastics.”Josephin candidly discusses the hurdles in the biotech landscape, particularly in securing investment. “You have to be persistent and patient,” she advises, sharing her experience of navigating investor conversations and the importance of demonstrating traction in the market.Produced by Cambridge TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s episode, Andrew Williamson, Managing Partner of Cambridge Innovation Capital (CIC), shares his insights on the UK government’s spin-out review and the evolving landscape of venture capital in Cambridge.Some standout moments include:• The importance of proof-of-concept funding: Andrew highlights the critical need for proof-of-concept funding to bridge the gap between fundamental research and commercialisation. He states, “Proof of concept funding is essential for advancing technology far enough to attract both large corporations and investors.”• Evolving equity terms: The conversation touches on the need for universities to adopt more founder-friendly equity terms. Andrew notes, “The sentiment in the sector has improved, and we’re starting to see equity allocations fall, which is encouraging for founders and investors alike.”• Celebrating entrepreneurship: Andrew emphasises the importance of promoting entrepreneurship as an aspirational career path. He reflects, “We need to do a better job of celebrating our entrepreneurs and the breakthroughs they achieve.”Produced by Cambridge TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on Cambridge Tech Podcast, we sit down with Sabesan Sithamparanathan, founder and president of PervasID, to talk about how a passion for innovation, and a background shaped by a journey from Sri Lanka to Cambridge, led to pioneering advances in RFID technology.In the episode, Sabesan breaks down how battery-free RFID is quietly transforming major industries:Retail: Tackling theft and stock issues while boosting sales with real-time inventory trackingAerospace: Preventing tool loss and reducing foreign object debris to improve safety and save billionsHealthcare: Ensuring critical medical equipment is always accounted for, improving patient outcomesHe also shares the reality of turning lab research into a commercial product, the power of strategic partnerships, and how PervasID is positioning itself for global scale.Plus, Sabesan reflects on his commitment to STEM education and the role tech companies can play in shaping future learning, especially in a world increasingly influenced by AI.Produced by Cambridge TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Have you ever thought about the massive impact of insect infestations on our world? Robert Fryers, CEO of Spotta, shared some incredible insights on how their innovative early warning systems are revolutionising pest control. From humble beginnings in 2013 to now operating in 24 countries, Spotta is making waves in the tech world. Robert's journey is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. From navigating the challenges of COVID-19 to securing investment and expanding their product range, Spotta's story is truly inspiring. Key InsightsThe pest control market is vast, with insect infestations causing about half a trillion dollars in damage annually. Spotta's technology addresses this significant market opportunity Spotta's first product targeted bedbugs in hotels, but the company has since expanded to other sectors like forestry, agriculture, and horticultureSpotta uses ultra-low power vision systems for real-time monitoring of insects. This technology is designed to be cost-effective and sustainable, running for up to a year on an alkaline battery The company is committed to reducing the use of chemical insecticides, which aligns with global regulatory pressures and the need for more sustainable pest control solutions Robert expresses a desire for Spotta to become a unicorn. He believes that the scale of the problem they are addressing, combined with their unique technology and market position, makes this goal achievable.Produced by Cambridge TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What happens when a San Francisco VC takes the reins at Cambridge Enterprise?Six months into the role, Jim Glasheen joins us to talk about his early moves as incoming CEO, like opening a London office to better plug Cambridge into global capital and talent flows. But this episode goes deeper than strategy.Key takeaways:• Cambridge has over 40 entrepreneurship programmes, but Jim questions if we’re at risk of creating an “illusion of entrepreneurship” without real market pressure.• There’s a persistent Series B funding gap. His push? Build international investor relationships before companies need to scale.• He wants the ecosystem to get more comfortable with failure and take on more risk. • Cambridge Enterprise now spans licensing, founder support, venture investment, consulting, and ecosystem-building.Jim’s set the clock ticking: in 6 months, he’ll report back on how international outreach and risk appetite are shifting. For now, he's off to the BIO conference in Boston to keep building those global ties.Listen in for a sharp, honest look at what Cambridge needs next, and how leadership is setting the tone.Produced by Cambridge TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week James sits down with David Cleevely to explore the concept of serendipity and its role in innovation. David’s insights are not only thought-provoking but also practical for anyone looking to foster creativity and collaboration in their ventures.Key Takeaways:• David challenges the traditional notion of serendipity as mere luck. He asserts, “Serendipity doesn’t happen by accident. It’s much more by design.” This perspective encourages us to create environments that increase the likelihood of unexpected, beneficial encounters.• He emphasises the need for organisations to rethink their structures and networks to facilitate serendipitous interactions. “You want to actually design things so that the unpredictable is going to happen,” he explains.• The book is aimed at those frustrated with slow innovation in large organisations, including civil servants and corporate leaders. David’s goal is to inspire a shift in mindset towards embracing unpredictability in the innovation process.• He shares his experience of writing the book, highlighting the collaboration with a personal trainer-like figure who helped him structure his thoughts and ideas effectively.• David also provides practical frameworks for fostering serendipity within teams and organisations, encouraging listeners to consider how they can engineer opportunities for chance encounters.The episode then features highlights from David’s previous appearance on the podcast in November 2024 (episodes 112 and 113), pulling together serendipity related highlights from that conversation to celebrate the book launch.Produced by Cambridge TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week’s episode features a fascinating interview with Nazmus Tareque and Raoul Peltier, co-founders of AnthroTek, a startup that is pushing the boundaries of material science in medical and robotics applications.Nazmus and Raoul come from very different worlds - law and VC on one side, drug delivery and materials science on the other - but together they’re building hyper-realistic silicone solutions for real world impact.A few standout moments from the conversation:🧠 “We started with this idea of what the market might need, and very early on, we realised the demand is not for hyperrealism, but for functionality.” – Raoul🌍 “We want to stay a humane company that finds solutions that help people and the planet.” – NazmusKey Takeaways from the Interview:• The duo emphasised the importance of market discovery, stating, “We literally started with a lot of ideas and we didn’t know which one was going to work.” This approach has allowed them to refine their focus on medical applications, which currently account for 80% of their revenue.• Both founders are passionate about sustainability, aiming to develop biodegradable alternatives to traditional silicone. “We are really interested in using our material science knowledge to explore can we find within five years an alternative to silicone that is actually biodegradable,” Nazmus shared.• The Cambridge tech scene has played a pivotal role in their success and they highlighted the importance of networking and collaboration.Produced by Cambridge TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, we sit down with Anne Bailey from Form the Future to talk about how we can better connect young people with opportunities in the tech industry. Anne shares why building those bridges matters now more than ever:“We want to bridge the gap between employers who need skilled talent and young people who are eager to learn.”We also dive into Tech Futures Day, an initiative designed to give students real exposure to the tech world through hands-on experiences and direct access to industry professionals.Later in the episode, we shift focus to HackEd, a hackathon with a twist. James Adams and Tim Smith from Tech Educators talk about the impact of bringing diverse groups of students together to explore, build, and present tech projects in just a few days:“HackEd is about bringing together diverse backgrounds and exposing students to the world of technology.”From teamwork and mentorship to presenting ideas to real industry leaders; it’s clear this isn’t just another school trip.💡 Why listen?· Hear how initiatives like HackEd and Tech Futures Day are shaping the future tech talent pipeline· Get inspired by the students making their first mark on the industry· Understand why this matters for founders, VCs, and anyone who wants to support a more inclusive, future-ready tech ecosystemProduced by Cambridge TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.