The response to the 2019 Postdoc Business Plan Competition (sponsored by Taylor Vinters & Hardcastle Burton) has been outstanding.
Having read through all of the plans, we are happy to report that the quality of entries for 2019 has been particularly impressive. A big thank you to all those who have participated!
It is our pleasure, therefore, to announce that the 12 semi-finalists for 2019 are:
The semi-finalists and their projects will now advance to the next phase of the competition. Postdocs will be matched with a seasoned mentor from Cambridge Enterprise’s network of experts. Each will have three one-to-one meetings with their mentor to help develop key business skills and hone their business plans.
Up to six finalists shall then go on to compete at the Grand Finale event, taking place on Thursday 31 October 2019, pitching their business plans to a panel of judges who are experts in spin-out investment. Three prizes will be awarded: £20,000, £10,000 and £5,000 in funding. The first and second place prizes are sponsored by Cambridge Enterprise, with the third prize sponsored by our sister organisation, Cambridge Innovation Capital.
The first place winner will also have the opportunity to pitch at the next Cambridge Enterprise Venture Partners dinner, an investor forum of venture capitalists and business angels with more than £4 billion of funds under management by members.
On to the finale!