University of Cambridge spinouts receive £100M investment from Cambridge Innovation Capital
The University of Cambridge and Cambridge Innovation Capital (CIC) have joined forces to launch an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) programme. This initiative aims to support the development of the next generation of world-class companies by identifying intellectual property (IP) with commercial potential and providing academic founders with access to substantial venture funding [1][2].
At the heart of the programme is a commitment of at least £100 million from CIC, which is part of the launch of Fund III, its latest £250 million early-stage venture fund focused on the Cambridge ecosystem. Companies created within the EIR programme can access this new funding [1][4].
The EIR programme maintains a rolling cohort of up to six Entrepreneurs in Residence who work closely with academic founders. The goal is to accelerate spinout creation and growth, from inception through proof-of-concept to early-stage expansion [2][3].
The programme builds on Cambridge Enterprise's work and complements other University initiatives such as the Founders programme and the Technology Investment Fund (TIF) which supports de-risking research for commercialization [1][3].
The University of Cambridge, through initiatives like the EIR programme, is determined to do more and faster in commercialising research. The University, which generates £23 billion in economic interest linked to research and commercialisation each year, created more spinout companies than any other university in 2024 [5].
The EIR programme leverages Cambridge’s strong innovation ecosystem, including plans for significant new high-tech development spaces for startups and spinouts in Cambridge West and the new Innovation Hub in central Cambridge [1][2].
Examples of successful spinouts supported by CIC and related funds include Riverlane (quantum computing), T-Therapeutics (immunotherapy), and Cambridge GaN Devices (power electronics), demonstrating the program’s focus on deep tech and life sciences [3].
In summary, the EIR programme aims to bridge research and commercial success by providing entrepreneurial leadership and access to substantial venture funding, thus enhancing the University of Cambridge’s ability to translate cutting-edge science into impactful companies [1][2][3][4].
References:
[1] University of Cambridge. (2025). Cambridge Innovation Capital Launches Entrepreneur in Residence Programme. Retrieved from https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/cambridge-innovation-capital-launches-entrepreneur-in-residence-programme
[2] Cambridge Innovation Capital. (2025). Entrepreneur in Residence Programme. Retrieved from https://cambridgeinnovationcapital.com/eir/
[3] TechCrunch. (2025). Cambridge Innovation Capital and the University of Cambridge Launch Entrepreneur in Residence Programme. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/01/cambridge-innovation-capital-and-the-university-of-cambridge-launch-entrepreneur-in-residence-programme/
[4] Financial Times. (2025). Cambridge Innovation Capital Commits £100m to Invest in University of Cambridge Spinouts. Retrieved from https://www.ft.com/content/5c6b40b6-4f12-481e-986d-6082431f16f5
[5] Times Higher Education. (2024). University of Cambridge Leads UK in Spinout Company Creation. Retrieved from https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/university-of-cambridge-leads-uk-in-spinout-company-creation
- The EIR programme, supported by Cambridge Innovation Capital, focuses on deep tech and life sciences, as evidenced by successful spinouts like Riverlane, T-Therapeutics, and Cambridge GaN Devices [3].
- By providing academic founders with access to substantial venture funding and entrepreneurial leadership, the University of Cambridge's EIR programme aims to accelerate the creation and growth of companies in the fields of technology, specifically focusing on deep tech and education-and-self-development. [1][2][4]
