Startups in Cambridge UK are being plumbed into the new Discovering Start-Ups 2012 Competition organised by Cambridge Wireless and Silicon South West.

It is supported by Google, Rohde & Schwarz and SETsquared Partnership.

Companies that sign up early for the competition will gain premium exposure on the Cambridge Wireless website. At the event they will also have the opportunity to meet key investors and leading figures in the industry.

Five startups judged to have what it takes to win, will receive an exclusive Discovering Start-Ups trophy and certificate; a free ticket to attend The Future of Wireless International Conference (worth £450) as well as the opportunity to present their company in the Innovation Hothouse session of the conference; one year’s free membership to SETsquared (virtual membership worth £1000); publicity opportunities through Silicon South West and Cambridge Wireless.

Membership with SETsquared will include a full business MOT, mentoring support, investor readiness training and the opportunity to be selected for various showcases in London and the US.

The line-up of judges includes: Gordon Beveridge, Principal, Scottish Equity Partners LLP, Ivan Boyd, Head of Business Engagement and Operations, BTID, Carson Bradbury, Founder and Chief Executive, EMAnetworks, Clennell Collingwood, Investment Director, TTP Ventures, Denise De Bilio, RO Seeds Manager, R&D UK, Orange Labs, Gerry Kelliher, Senior Director, UK Sales Operations, RIM, Libby Kinsey, Investment Manager, Nesta Investments, Miles Kirby, Qualcomm, David Leftley, Principal, Vodafone Ventures, Alex McCrackin, Relationship Director, Silicon Valley Bank, UK Branch, David McMeekin, Chairman, London Technology Fund, Leo Poll, Business Development Officer, Philips Innovation Services, Laurent Pouillieute, Investment Manager, Orange, Kumi Thiruchelvam, Director, Strategic Business Development, Broadcom, Anthony Tomlinson, Software Engineer, Google, Colin Watts, Investment Director, Oxford Capital Partners.

David Cleevely, chairman of Cambridge Wireless is chair of judges while Kevin Coleman, CEO of Alliantus will be overall chairperson for the day.

Coleman said: “If the level of innovation and enthusiasm exhibited by the companies taking part this year matches last year we will have a great day. This is an excellent chance for the cream of UK startups to really make their mark and take their business forward.”

• To register for the Discovering Start-Ups Competition, visit www.cambridgewireless.co.uk/dsu.