Bridging the gap between early-stage research and commercialisation
The Technology Investment Fund (TIF) accelerates commercialisation by funding critical final experiments that de-risk technologies, enabling academics to secure higher-value licensing deals and launch spinouts that are ready to raise investment.
TIF is an initiative by the University of Cambridge, providing £10m over a five year period for crucial proof-of-concept funding to accelerate technology development, de-risk, and improve commercialisation opportunities. Our goal is to bring technologies developed from academic research in the University to reach the market, either through licensing to third parties or securing commercial investment into spinouts. It complements other funding sources within and outside the University.
TIF is already driving innovation, with over £4m of investments awarded to over 40 projects: from a software MVP development to in-vivo testing programmes for novel therapeutics, medical device prototype development and development of new materials. Over five years, TIF will back more than 100 University technologies, delivering greater impact and economic return.
"The TIF programme is going to provide us with an exceptional opportunity to support tech-transfer of novel technologies emerging from our academic research which wouldn’t have been possible without it."
What the fund offers
Alongside a commitment to invest £10 million over five years to bridge the gap between early-stage research and commercialisation, we aim to de-risk and add value to technologies to increase the probability and value of future licensing.
This will not be achieved with financial investment alone. The dedicated TIF team also offer the following to help accelerate projects:
- Expert project planning and management
- Connections to trusted external consultants
- Full contract administration
- Support with market research and business development
The recipients of TIF funding work with the wider Cambridge Enterprise team who provide advice on commercialisation strategy, intellectual property (IP) protection, access to entrepreneurs in residence and a network of mentors.
What types of projects can be funded?
- Market research and strategy
- Regulatory advice
- Prototype development
- In vitro and in vivo PoC studies for therapeutics development (e.g. Contract Research Organisations)
- Software development to create Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- Consultancy support
Some of the projects supported so far
Cellestial Health
Cellestial Health pioneers astrocyte-targeting therapeutics to halt neurodegeneration, using brain-penetrant small molecules to stabilise astrocytic networks and transform treatment of conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
Point of Contact: Amanda Wooding Academic founder: Nataly Hastings
Gastrobody Therapeutics
Gastrobody Therapeutics develops orally delivered biologics for GI diseases, using ultra-stable antibody mimetics that remain active in the harsh environment of the gut to transform treatment of conditions like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.
Point of Contact: Amanda Wooding Academic founders: Yasunori Watanabe, Ana Rossi
Trismik
Trismik has developed an adversarial testing platform for LLMs that improves accuracy, safety and alignment. It helps AI teams build trustworthy applications, reduce risk and deploy faster, without compromising on performance or values.
Point of Contact: Christine Martin Academic founders: Rebekka Mikkola, Nigel CollierLearn more about TIF
If you would like to learn more about TIF and our other translational funding opportunities, please contact your case manager who will be more than happy to discuss this further, or express your interest using the form.
Frequently asked questions
