Are you an ambitious researcher, engineer or scientist looking to transform an innovation and prepare it for commercial reality? Are you looking to invigorate innovation within your company, build skills and strengths in the R&D teams, maximise the potential of new ideas and revitalise business in these challenging economic times? Then the Ignite programme, managed and delivered by the Cambridge Judge Business School  Entrepreneurship Centre, could be for you.

Ignite is an intensive, one-week training programme for aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate innovators from the hi-tech and life sciences sectors. Comprised of a blend of practical teaching sessions, expert clinics, mentor sessions and advice from experienced entrepreneurs and innovators, it provides delegates with the tools, contacts and confidence to transform their ideas into successful business projects or ventures. The programme structure enables support to be tailored to fit the individual business idea and to focus on specific issues such as investment readiness, technical and market due diligence.  

This open programme has a track record of enabling the creation of many, successful ventures by alumni from across the world. It is estimated that over 250 businesses were created by alumni in the last four years and are still up and running. According to alumni surveys conducted since 2013, more than £200 million in funding was raised and around 4,300 jobs were created by Ignite alumni ventures from 2011-2015.

Peter Suh, New Concepts Manager, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company said:

“The programme challenged me to think outside of the box and injected entrepreneurial spirit to the project. As a result, an inside-looking, narrowly-scoped project turned into a potential new business opportunity for the company. I would strongly recommend the experience for corporate participants at all levels who are working in innovation or new product development.”

Gabriele Corliano, BT Research commented: 

“Attending the Ignite week has been a tremendous experience! The course was of great intensity and provided great insights into all the stages of the entrepreneurial process – insights which I now apply in BT Research to maximise the value of new ideas.”

Peng Li, Research Associate Centre for Advanced Photonics and Electronics (CAPE), Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge added:

 “Ignite is, with no doubt, the best and quickest way to get educated, trained and connected on all aspects of entrepreneurship. For most of the non-business background participants, it simply opens the door to an entirely new world.”

Find out more about Ignite > www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/ignite

If you’re interested in participating, please read the selection criteria thoroughly to assess whether it is right for you and complete the online application form.

Cover image: Dr Hermann Hauser speaking with students at a previous Ignite programme