Welcome to Cambridge Tech Week Kickstarter, the event that's putting Cambridge firmly on the global innovation map. This year's theme? How Deep Tech Changes the World. If you're a founder, investor, or tech enthusiast, tune in to find out more about the week, and to hear the panel discussion at the kickstarter event.

The episode starts with updates from Kathryn Chapman (Innovate Cambridge), Rob Bridge (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority), Mike Short and Michaela Eschbach (Cambridge Wireless).

We then cover the highlights of the panel discussion that asks “What Does a World-Class Deep Tech Ecosystem Actually Look Like?”

Kathryn Chapman hosts, with panelists Professor Sir John Aston (University of Cambridge), Jo Slota-Newson (Almanac Ventures) and Lucy Yu (CEO, Centre for Net Zero, Octopus Energy Group).

Cambridge isn't just another tech hub. It's a deliberate ecosystem where world-class research, creative thinking, and bold partnerships converge. The government is backing it. The talent is there. Will you be there to hear more during Cambridge Tech Week this September?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest Cambridge Tech Podcast episode packed a punch with exciting announcements from the Cambridge ecosystem, followed by an in-depth conversation with Jean Michel Van, founder of Ryse Flow, a company building the next generation of AI-powered sales automation.

The real gem of this episode is Jean Michel's journey from corporate product management to founding Ryse Flow. His story is refreshingly honest about the fears and decision-making that come with entrepreneurship.

Jean Michel's background is unconventional. Born in Paris to parents who fled the Cambodian genocide, he spent 15 years in pharma and tech before making the leap to entrepreneurship. His early career in pharmaceutical finance eventually led him into tech through a pivotal acquisition role, where he discovered his passion for product management.

After 15 years climbing the corporate ladder, Jean Michel reached a turning point. Rather than waiting for the ‘perfect idea’. he decided to take the leap.

Ryse Flow's premise is compelling: AI won't simply be bolted onto existing software, it will fundamentally reshape how sales automation works.

"AI is going to disrupt most of the legacy players in the market in the same way cloud disrupted client-server implementations in the early 2000s."

Jean Michel's strategy is pragmatic:

· Currently leveraging 70% existing tools while building proprietary IP

· Only pursuing paid pilots - ensuring customer commitment and real feedback

· Maintaining a lean, self-funded team to preserve long-term decision-making autonomy

· Already profitable despite being early-stage

This episode captures the real tension between corporate comfort and entrepreneurial ambition. Jean Michel's willingness to discuss both his fears and his conviction offers genuine insight for founders considering the leap.

Tune in on your preferred podcast platform, and subscribe to join the weekly conversation.

Headline sponsor Holden Polestar

#CamTechPod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 182 features five of this year's #21toWatch winners - and if you're in the startup ecosystem, this one's unmissable.

For those unfamiliar, for the last eight years #21toWatch has been high on the regions innovation showcase, and the numbers speak for themselves. Over eight cohorts, 168 companies have landed on the list and collectively raised a staggering £721 million. This year marks a particularly poignant milestone: its Faye's final year running the programme after creating it back in 2018. But we think you’ll agree, she's gone out with a bang.

In this episode we talk to five of the winning companies:

• Cyclana Bio is tackling drug discovery from first principles, focusing on the extracellular matrix (the "biological dark matter" comprising 90% of your tissue). Lea Wenger explains how their multidisciplinary approach spanning Cambridge and Manchester is already attracting serious attention, with £5 million raised so far.
• Obasense is developing ultra-sensitive gas sensors for indoor air quality monitoring -particularly timely given the UK's new mould regulations. Founder, Osarenkhoe Ogbeide, is also building African mythology comics on the side!
• Myonerv is creating wearable neurostimulators for stroke rehabilitation. Sam Kourali's personal story - inspired by his cousin's stroke - drives a compelling business model targeting the US market's $60 billion opportunity.
• NANOPLUME just announced £2.2 million in funding for their bio-based aerogel thermal insulation. Three times more insulating than conventional materials, 60% lighter, and fully circular. Co-founder Tara Love says they're eyeing product launch within 18 months.
• Polytecks is mapping bioelectricity through flexible electrode arrays - starting with veterinary cardiology (dog heart disease affects over 80% of dogs) before moving to human diagnostics. Ruben Ruiz-Mateos Serrano tells us more.

This episode captures something essential about where UK deep tech innovation is heading. These aren't incremental improvements - they're fundamental reimagining’s of how we solve problems in healthcare, climate tech, and industrial systems.

Subscribe now and join the conversation. Because the next unicorn might just be one of these five.

Headline sponsor Holden Polestar

#CamTechPod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.