King’s College Cambridge and Founders at the University of Cambridge unveil inaugural SPARK cohort

King’s College Cambridge and Founders at the University of Cambridge unveiled the first ever SPARK incubator cohort: 24 companies, spanning a vast tech spectrum from AI psychosis detection to carbon-negative jet fuel, are joining the programme.

The companies were chosen from over 180 applications and also cover areas including disease prevention and treatment, fertility and mental health care and climate resilience.

At the end of this rainbow, they will have access to a network of global entrepreneurs and investors and the opportunity to pitch for £20,000 in investment. King’s College’s first-ever incubator programme is designed first and foremost to turn research-backed ideas from University of Cambridge students and alumni into investable companies.

Created by King's E-Lab, in partnership with Founders at the University of Cambridge, SPARK will act as an entrepreneurial launchpad. This programme will offer hands-on support, world-class mentorship and practical training to enable world-changing ventures. The combined networks of successful entrepreneurs, investor alumni and venture-building expertise brought by King’s E-Lab and Founders at the University of Cambridge will address a critical gap to drive innovation.

More than 180 applications were received for SPARK 1.0, reflecting strong demand for early incubation support. Of the selected companies, focused on AI, machine learning, biotechnology and impact, 42 per cent of the companies are at idea stage, 40 per cent have an early-stage product, and 17 per cent have early users. Around half of the selected companies are led by women. The cohort comprises;-

Ashgold Africa - An edtech business building solar projects to provide sustainable energy in rural Kenya.

Aizen Software - Credit referencing fintech working on financial inclusion.

Atera Analytics - Optimising resources around the EV energy infrastructure ecosystem.

Cambridge Mobilytics - Harnessing data from UK EV charging stations to aid decision-making in the e-mobility sector.

Dielectrix - Building next-gen semiconductor dielectric materials for electronics using 2D materials.

Dulce Cerebrum - Building AI models to detect psychosis from blood tests.

GreenHarvest - Data-driven agritech firm using satellite and climate data to predict changing crop yield migration.

Heartly - Offering affordable, personalised guidance on preventing cardiovascular disease.

Human Experience Dynamics - Combining patient experiences and physiological measures to create holistic insight in psychiatric trials.

iFlame - Agentic AI system to help build creative product action plans.

IntolerSense - Uncovering undiscovered food intolerances using an AI-powered app.

Med Arcade - AI-powered co-pilot to help GPs interact with patient data.

MENRVA - AI-powered matchmaking engine for the art world, connecting galleries, buyers and art businesses.

Myta Bio - leverages biomimetic science to create superior industrial chemicals from natural ingredients.

Neela Biotech - Creating carbon-negative jet fuel.

Egg Advisor - Digital platform offering expert advice to women seeking to freeze their eggs.

Polytecks - Wearable tech firm building e-textiles capable of detecting valvular heart diseases.

RetroAnalytica - Using AI to decarbonise buildings by predicting energy inefficiencies.

SafeTide - Using ‘supramolecular’ technology to keep delicate medicines stable at room temperature for longer periods.

The Surpluss - Climate tech company identifying unused resources in businesses and redistributing them.

Yacson Therapeutics - Using ML to find plant-based therapeutics to help combat inflammatory bowel disease.

Zenithon AI - Using AI and ML to help advance the development of nuclear fusion energy.

The intensive incubator will run for four weeks from the end of August. Each participant will receive specialised support from Founders at the University of Cambridge and King’s E-Lab mentors and entrepreneurs-in-residence to turn their concepts into companies that can attract both investment and ultimately grow into startups capable of driving economic growth.

Following the program, the founders will emerge with:

• A validated business model and a clear pathway to product development.
• Access to expert mentorship and masterclasses with global entrepreneurs and investors.
• The opportunity to pitch for £20,000 investment and chance to pitch for further investment from established Angel Investors at Demo Day.
• A chance to join a thriving community of innovators and change-makers.

Kamiar Mohaddes, Co-Founder and Director of King's Entrepreneurship Lab, said: “Cambridge has been responsible for many world-changing discoveries, but entrepreneurship isn't the first thought of most people studying here. Driving economic growth requires inspiring the next generation to think boldly about how their ideas can shape industries and society. We want SPARK to be a catalyst, showing students the reality of founding a company. We look forward to seeing this cohort turn their ambitions into ventures that contribute meaningfully to the economy.”

Gerard Grech, Managing Director at Founders at the University of Cambridge, added: “Cambridge is aiming to double its tech and science output in the next decade – matching what it achieved in the past 20 years. That ambition starts at the grassroots. The energy from the students, postgraduates and alumni is clear, and with tech contributing £159 billion to the UK economy and 3 million jobs, building transformative businesses is one of the most powerful ways to make an impact. This SPARK 1.0 cohort is beginning that journey, and we’re pleased to partner with King’s Entrepreneurship Lab to support them.”

And Jim Glasheen, Chief Executive of Cambridge Enterprise, commented: “The SPARK 1.0 cohort highlights the breadth and depth of innovation within collegiate Cambridge. SPARK, and the partnership between King’s College and Founders at the University of Cambridge, is a testament to our shared commitment to nurture and empower Cambridge innovators who will tackle global challenges and contribute to economic growth.”

The program is free for students graduating in Summer 2025, postgraduates, post-docs, researchers, and alumni who have graduated within the last two years. This is made possible through the University of Cambridge, as well as a generous personal donation from Malcolm McKenzie, King’s alumnus and Chair of the E-Lab’s Senior Advisory Board.