More big-hitting VCs and global tech giants have joined the rush to vet the latest generation of Cambridge UK wireless startups.

The latest line-up of judges for the Cambridge Wireless Discovering Start-Ups challenge sprinkles fresh stardust over a competition that has sparked worldwide interest.

Budding entrepreneurs and startups will get the chance to pitch their ideas and business plans to a dream line-up of 25 of the world’s leading venture capitalists, angel investors and industry leaders.

Cambridge Wireless has updated a list of judges that includes senior executives from Microsoft, RIM, Nokia, Vodafone Ventures, Qualcomm Ventures, Innovacom, Broadcom, Orange and ARM.

Supported by the East of England Development Agency and now in its second year, Discovering Start-Ups aims to find the very best in new cutting-edge technologies. In addition to getting a ‘dream ticket’ to present to a much sought after panel of investors and business experts, the winners will also get a kick-start with cash prizes and free business and consultancy services.

The full line-up of judges announced today is: Max Bautin, IQ Capital Partners; Bruce Beckloff, ARM; Ivan Boyd, BTID Martlesham; Carson Bradbury, European Microelectronics Academy; Nigel Brown, Microlease; Alex Butler, Microsoft Research; Jonathan Coker, MMC Ventures; Clennell Collingwood, TTP Ventures; Bruno Dizengremel, Innovacom ( the VC part of Orange); Steven Edwards, Rohde and Schwarz; Simon Jones, Analysys Mason; Dr. Satoshi Kabasawa, Panasonic; Gerry Kelliher, RIM; Libby Kinsey, NESTA; Francois-Xavier Lecarpentier, Orange FT Group; David Leftley, Vodafone Ventures Europe; Andrew Matthews, Nokia; Paul May, Imperial Innovations; Struan McDougal, Cambridge Capital Group; Amy Mokady, Cambridge Business Angels; and Dr. Chris Winter, New Venture Partners, Frederic Rombaut, MD of Qualcomm Ventures and Lakh Jemmet of Alcatel-Lucent.

Dr Soraya Jones, CEO at Cambridge Wireless, the leading independent wireless business and technology community, said: “We are delighted that the investment community and wireless industry is giving Discovering Start-Ups 2011 such great support.

“It reflects the quality of last year’s entrants and our reputation for showcasing leading-edge research and innovation. It would otherwise be virtually impossible for most startup companies to get in front of such an impressive line-up of investors and experts.

“As a direct result of last year’s competition, one of the winners, Cambridge Temperature Concepts (CTC), went on to represent Europe in the finals of the Qualcomm Ventures’ QPrize™ and picked up a prize of €100,000 in venture financing.”

Discovering Start-Ups 2011 is open to startups and early stage companies as well as design groups in larger companies looking to exploit new technologies and students or academics in education.

The competition is free to enter for companies in the East of England or Cambridge Wireless members nationally. To enter, please go to: www.cambridgewireless.co.uk/discoveringstartups

Judging will take place on Finals Day on December 8 and the winners will be announced that evening at Cambridge Wireless' prestigious Founders' Dinner Awards Ceremony.

Kevin Coleman, project director for Discovering Start-Ups said: “The East of England has a strong tradition of converting world leading technology research and innovation into successful international businesses.

“Now in its second year, the programme provides a great opportunity for us to find the next generation of entrepreneurs and help them to accelerate their growth and success.”

Discovering Start-Ups is also sponsored by Microlease, Neondrum and S-Tech Insurance Services. Other organisations backing the Cambridge Wireless Discovering Start-Ups initiative include: Business Link, Cambridge Network, Cambridge University, CamtechNet, Connected Cambridge, Enterprise Europe Network, Google, IdeaSpace, Innovation Martlesham, Nesta, One Nucleus, St John’s Innovation Centre and Survive & Thrive.