Awards adds influence to Cambridge's bid for global greatness

Enterprises with a global footprint, including Arm, AstraZeneca, Quantinuum, PwC, Barclays and Cambridge Science Park (celebrating its 55th anniversary) have also pledged to pitch in alongside property hothouses such as Howard Group, Savills and Chesterford Research Park.

Quantum Computing giant Quantinuum, backed by Honeywell in the US and worldwide, and a new member of the unofficial $10bn valuation 'club' is backing the Awards for the first time. Other big hitters from last year's Awards pantheon have also registered the interest and Cambridge Spark/Sana Capital have already pledged to back a second annual Women Leaders in AI category as that field broadens.

Superchip architect Arm, which is rapidly expanding its Cambridge headquarters, was first to commit to using its international reputation to furthering the cause of the Cluster across the planet.

The objective is not just to find and recognise the best companies in the region but also to show that Cambridge is a facilitator of co-ordinated UK growth on a global stage.

We reported recently that Innovate Cambridge had launched an international campaign to highlight the Cambridge Innovation Story to the world. The launch coincides with a week of focus on tech and biotech in Cambridge.

The new Cambridge Innovation Story campaign is a call to action to attract companies, talent, business and investment to the city and is being told through major gateways in the region to capture the imagination of visitors arriving via London Stansted Airport and rail hubs.

Travellers and visitors are being welcomed with striking visuals of blue skies and bold messaging about the capabilities and strengths of the Cambridge ecosystem. It is the first time that a unified campaign of this scale has been launched to highlight Cambridge innovation.

Other strands of the Business Weekly Awards contribution will highlight the key areas of research in which AstraZeneca is making a global difference. In conjunction with AZ internationally, we will be showcasing the company's key research across oncology, rare diseases, cardiovascular, renal & metabolism, respiratory & immunology and vaccines & immune therapies.

We will be sharing details of the companies and technologies that have made Cambridge Science Park a globally iconic venue as well as unveiling major property developments and opportunities in the Cluster that will provide a home for local, national and global life science businesses, especially.

Detailed profiles on all our Awards sponsors are being prepared for broader online coverage in the coming days and weeks and in depth features will also be produced.

We have already set the date for the 2026 presentation dinner, to be held at Queens' College, Cambridge on Wednesday September 16. It will be extra special given the global influence of Cambridge and the reach of the new initiative. We are welcoming entries now. For sponsorship opportunities or enquiries about entry, email: tquested@businessweekly.co.uk