New Cambridge entrepreneurs a golden generation

Cambridge University in the UK has sent a new clutch of technology and industry entrepreneurs into the world.

The latest golden generation graduated from the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship (PGDE) at the university.

Students from across the globe received their awards from Dr Jennifer Barnes, Pro-Vice Chancellor for International Strategy at the University. The class of 2012/13 includes entrepreneurs from the UK, Europe, Malaysia and Australia who have started businesses across a diverse range of industry sectors such as technology, property development, education, healthcare and fitness.

Programme Director, Dr Joanna Mills said: “We firmly believe that the skills you need to be a successful entrepreneur can be taught and that the old assumption that entrepreneurs can just make it up as they go has had its day.

“It’s more important than ever, post-recession, that we help existing and aspiring entrepreneurs to run their businesses well – the more skills you have the less likely your business is to fail and that’s what economies around the world need.”

Recent graduates are full of praise for the programme. Michael Levens, an Australian entrepreneur and co-founder of PhysPrac – an iPhone and iPad application designed specifically for physical therapists, personal trainers and exercise professionals – said: “The Diploma equips you with a broad range of entrepreneurial skills from validating a concept to developing the business model and pitching the idea to understanding how to implement the business model and move it forward.

“I'm sure the experience has accelerated the progression of my venture and enabled me to launch much faster. Plus the skills I've developed will stay with me and facilitate the growth of the business.”