Structure and governance
Cambridge Enterprise was established to work in tandem with the University of Cambridge, supporting research initiatives as they relate to consultancy, intellectual property management and the creation of spin-out companies.
Cambridge Enterprise’s purpose is to aid and accelerate the transfer of knowledge from the University to global impact through commercialisation. Our mission is to achieve this through a range of innovation services including technology development and licensing, company creation, investment in University spin-outs and support for academic consultancy.
Our mission
Cambridge Enterprise connects, empowers and enables the transformation of Cambridge research into global impact.
A clear structure
The Cambridge Enterprise Group comprises two legal entities:
- Cambridge Enterprise Limited was formed on 1 December 2006 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Cambridge. Cambridge Enterprise Limited has the responsibility for carrying out consultancy services, technology transfer functions and seed fund activities on behalf of the University.
- Cambridge University Technical Services Limited (CUTS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cambridge Enterprise Limited. CUTS is responsible for the consultancy contracts and related income streams in support of the Consulting Services team of Cambridge Enterprise.
The relationship between these parties is defined by specific Memoranda of Understanding.
A strong governance
Cambridge Enterprise aims to provide transparency of financial information through the ongoing review of operational and support activities. We have a sensible structure with clearly defined roles.
- The Cambridge Enterprise Board of Directors has a fiduciary responsibility to its shareholder and reports to the University through the University Finance Committee
- The Chief Executive of Cambridge Enterprise also reports to the University’s Research Policy Committee five times a year
- Board members are appointed by the University and include a non-executive Chair, the Chief Executive and Deputy Director of Cambridge Enterprise, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Innovation (ex-officio), three external non-executive directors and two academic non-executive directors
- The Director of Finance for the University of Cambridge is the shareholder’s representative and observer to the Board
- The University of Cambridge Registrary is the Company Secretary
