Accelerate@Babraham programme culminates in final pitching event
04/08/2023
Having completed the first part of the Accelerate@Babraham programme, the six companies which make up the 2023 Accelerate@Babraham cohort put some of their newfound skills to the test, to an audience of invited guests and representatives from the programme’s strategic partners and supporters, including Biomed Realty, Kidney Research UK, Eisai and potential investors.
Aila Biotech, Bugbiome, CytoCalx, Gigabiome, Matrix Bio and Neurothread each took to the floor to present their scientific progress to date and intended next steps, which for some includes spending time in the communal lab space at the Babraham Research Campus to further validate their science.
The event marked the conclusion of the ‘taught’ 12-week programme, which consisted of 20 diverse sessions of workshops, round tables, talks, speed networking, 1:1s, consultancy, mentoring and practice board meetings.
The programme would not be possible without the help of the many individuals and organisations who dedicate time and expertise to assist the cohort. This year over 70 people from 35 different organisations took part - including experts from pharma companies, tech transfer offices, legal firms, IT and data, marketing and PR, experienced CEOs and founders, investors, accounting and finance professionals and even a theatre director!
In addition, the cohort received membership to the BIA, One Nucleus and the Milner Therapeutic Institute affiliation as part of the programme.
When asked what their most valued take-aways from the programme were, the resounding response centred around the strength of the network and new partnerships formed. Network connections were cited as having been instrumental in the validation of ideas and in helping to overcome challenges. The value of ‘not going it alone’ and having the support of a group of fellow founders also proved invaluable. Engaging with peers at similar stages of their entrepreneurial journeys to exchange ideas in an open forum was seen as being both enriching and inspiring.
Dr Kathryn Chapman, Director Science & Entrepreneurship, Babraham Research Campus said: “Congratulations to our fantastic cohort of founders who have taken part in Accelerate@Babraham this year. I have really enjoyed getting to know this truly exceptional group and the pitch day on Friday was inspiring. I’d also like to extend a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who helped support the founders at the start of their entrepreneurial journey - we had over 70 speakers from 35 organisations - a monumental team effort.”
Accelerate@Babraham 2023 is supported by strategic partners, AstraZeneca, Eisai, Biomed Realty, Kidney Research UK, Medicines Discovery Catapult, Triple Chasm and LifeArc.
Read the Cambridge Independent’s coverage of the event here: https://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/business/accelerate-babraham-2023-event-delivers-six-of-the-best-9324579/