| Latest News September 2006
Cambridge East Meets West Judge Business School Hosts Entrepreneurship and Innovation Seminar for EMBA Students from China Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, today announced that it is hosting an Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Strategy Seminar for thirty six Executive MBA (EMBA) students from Zhejiang University, China from the 25-27 September 2006 as part of a collaboration programme. Zhejiang University is located in the coastal city of Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, which lies 180 km away from the metropolitan city of Shanghai in the southeast of China. Founded in 1897, it is one of the oldest institutions for higher learning in China and is known as "the Cambridge of the East" due to its high ranking status amongst top Chinese universities for its comprehensive academic strength in teaching, research and social service. On day one, the delegates will attend presentations covering innovation management, clarification of entrepreneurial ideas and open innovation from key speakers including Professor Arnoud De Meyer, Director at Judge Business School and Dr Shailendra Vyakarnam, Director of Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning. Commenting on the event, Professor Arnoud De Meyer said, “In this international world we will need to innovate more. The world of innovation used to be a simple one. But the sources of innovation have multiplied. Already today we are seeing great innovations coming out of non traditional places such as Shanghai, Manila, Chennai, Singapore, Sao Paulo or Johannesburg. But innovating in East Asia, due to its specific context, requires some adaptation to our normal innovation management systems. This series of seminars and debates will enable the delegates to participate in interactive and collaborative discussions that will help them to address some of these issues.” During the second day, presentations will be made by some of the Entrepreneurs in Residence from the Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning, such as Alan Barrell who will introduce the Cambridge Phenomenon and serial entrepreneurs including Jack Lang and Dan Roach. A key feature of this day will be a panel session where the delegates will be introduced to a number of organisations who are working to foster business connections between Cambridge and China. Back to the top
September 2006
CfEL develops the ACHIEVE project, a lifeline for ICT start-ups 
ACHIEVE, a major European Commission funded project that is being coordinated by CfEL, is holding a training session in Cambridge between September 11-14th for the first five business incubators to join the ACHIEVE network. The project’s objective is to put together a network of 19 incubators across Europe, who specialise in helping ICT start-ups to get to market with their technology. ACHIEVE has inherited an integrated tool-kit of training, coaching and mentoring materials and processes, developed over the last 4 years under another EC funded project TEEE Inn. This toolkit will be transferred to the incubator partners during this and subsequent training sessions during 2006-2007. The incubators will then work with their ICT start-ups to build their entrepreneurial capability as a management team, and to get them to the market so they can access those all-important early revenue streams. In addition, the toolkit supports the early stage companies in the creation of a compelling story for investors in this sector, so that they can provide the funds that all young companies need to get them through what venture capitalists term ‘the valley of death’, where funds often run out before products and revenues come on stream. Peter Hiscocks, the CfEL ACHIEVE project coordinator, explains “This project is a powerful commitment by the European Commission’s DG Enterprise and Industry,
Innovation Policy Development Unit to help build a globally competitive and fast growth industrial sector on ICT. The ACHIEVE project aims to professionalise support of early stage enterprises, working through those closest to them, their regional incubators. So far ACHIEVE has signed up nine incubators as far afield as Sweden, Newcastle, Cambridge, Munich and Sophia Antipolis. We expect to sign up the other incubators in the network by the end of Q1 2007, and ultimately help get many ICT fast growth companies to success in the marketplace”. ACHIEVE project partners include CfEL, CERAM (Sophia Antipolis), UTC (Compiègne), The European Investment Fund (Luxembourg), Newcastle City Council, Marseille Provence Chambre de Commerce and eUconnect Ltd. Further information on the INNOVA programme and ACHIEVE’s place in it is available at http://www.europe-innova.org/index.jsp  
Peter Hiscocks can be reached by email at ph253@cam.ac.uk Back to the top
July 2006
Examination employee makes the grade at the CfEL Summer School Oliver Griffin, a Programme Manager at the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), was awarded top marks at the CfEL Summer School on 8th July. He survived a tough week of intensive seminars, presentations to demanding venture capitalists and pitching to a panel of experts to claim the award for the best business project. "It was a really great experience for me and very constructive. Not only have I been able to validate my business project, I have expanded my skills and made some amazing connections. It was a real rollercoaster ride but I am convinced it will make all the difference to the realisation of our project." 
Oliver Griffith (right) receives his award from Yupar Myint, CfEL Programme Manager His idea was based on the marketing of CIE assessment expertise via the internet. In a highly competitive market, the use of online tools for these products is increasingly important. However, it is equally important to ensure that there are no issues which could potentially damage the reputation of CIE in a sector where the brand and product credibility is key. Oliver, who has an BA (Hons) in English Literature and Language from Oxford University, was looking to investigate the market feasibility of this project at the Summer School, to refine his business plan and then build a marketing strategy around it. Oliver was mentored during the week by Peter Hiscocks who is currently teaching Innovation Management at the Judge Business School. He is also managing several research projects on the success factors for new hi-tech business ventures. Peter was responsible for building entrepreneurial resources at the University of Cambridge, from the original Cambridge Entrepreneurship Centre to Cambridge Enterprise. “Successful enterprise needs a good idea, a great team and a great deal of motivation and passion,” commented Peter. “Oliver brought these characteristics to the Summer School and showed these qualities throughout; he convinced us that he was going to make his vision become a reality. We all wish him the best fortune with his plans and are sure he will be a great success.”
Fabulous Five The award to Oliver was presented at a final celebration dinner held in the elegant and prestigious surroundings of Corpus Christi College. Oliver was one of five outstanding businesses selected by the panel of judges based on the overall market potential and sustainability of the proposed product as well as the level of innovation involved. Passion and motivation for their ideas are also key selection criteria as they are deemed essential characteristics of the successful entrepreneur. The other people deserving of merit included Jonas Larsson and Olof Sköld of Denator Biotechnology; Brian Abram of IPDL, Diane Paez of Multi Access Productions Pty Ltd and Mike Powell of Evoke Systems. Both Brian and Mike were one of the 5 companies that won a place on the prestigious CfEL Summer School through the East of England Development Agency’s (EEDA) ‘running the gauntlet 2006’ competition. The places were worth £1000 each and the first milestone in a comprehensive learning curve programme available to all ‘running the gauntlet 2006’ entrants. The five contenders (which also included Sophie King of Reflective Enterprises, Babu Shah of EducoGym and Jez Heys of Hydrophilim) were early entrants in the competition which is a partnership between EEDA, CREATE, a leading investor in East of England businesses, and Library House. Brian, the CEO of Identity Protection Devices Ltd (IPDL), said; “I was keen to develop a more realistic business plan and gain a better understanding of investment and marketing strategy. We are developing and selling an Internet Password and Application Manager on a USB flash drive. The aim was to develop a viable route to market for the current product. Although there is a follow on product, which already has patent and PCT application, and is related to personal identity and authentication, this was not the focus of activities. The intensive one week course has enabled me to move to a strong proposition, and improved my presentation skills with investors. I learnt a huge amount in a very short time and made some very important connections.” Mike Powell of Evoke Systems has a highly innovative product. The Electronic Flight Operations System (EFOS) is a communication, auditing, and information management system that automates most flight operations tasks, captures valuable data, and improves the flow of critical information. This is critical within a highly regulated industry. Mike was really keen to develop a better understanding of raising finance, marketing, and general business practices, as well as making some new connections. “It was an intense week, but a great opportunity to learn about a number of important financial issues, particularly how to make a convincing business case to potential investors. It was certainly a challenge to present to experienced venture capitalists and corporate innovators, and the lessons learnt will be hugely beneficial to our business in the future. The summer school has provided us with the ability to professionally formulate our business plan to pitch for investment!” David Marlow, chief executive, East of England Development Agency (EEDA) said: "It is great to see that our running the gauntlet entrants have gained so much from CfEL's summer school. They are developing exciting concepts and are at a point when networking with other entrepreneurs, investors and advisors is critical. They are all now better placed to exploit their potential, building on the lessons learned from the past week. Irrespective of whether they are shortlisted in running the gauntlet, the week will have been invaluable." Another ‘running the gauntlet’ candidate, Sophie King, was enthusiastic about the programme, “I really enjoyed the course. It was an incredible experience and I am now really revved up now to go out there and do it!” Sophie has been practising osteopathy for nearly twenty years and is in the process of developing an innovative chair incorporating an electronic system designed to induce relaxation and sleep in infants or those who have a sleep problem. “Everyone was learning the whole time from our peers, lecturers, mentors and innovators. We were a group of dry sponges waiting to be saturated and we really did feel that by the end of the week we had expanded so much and far beyond our own personal expectations. I would encourage anyone that is contemplating any kind of business to spend a week at summer school with a completely open mind and expect in return a wealth of knowledge, contacts and opportunities.” The International Connection Jonas Larsson and Olof Sköld were joint winners from their biotech company Denator based in Sweden. Both have connections to the Chalmers School of Entrepreneurship, Gothenburg in Sweden and heard about the CfEL Summer School via Entrepreneur in Residence and Cambridge Business Angel, Alan Barrell. Denator is based on the discovery that biological samples are severely degraded in a very short amount of time. Denator has filed patents on a novel conservation method and are going to sell instruments and consumables to ensure the quality of proteins and peptides in biological samples. “Denator has very good business connections in Sweden but wanted to extend the network at international level. The CfEL Summer School gave us the opportunity to access the network surrounding Cambridge and we met with a number of biotech experts. Although our company is at a more developed stage compared to some, we were able to improve our business proposition and presentation which could prove invaluable in terms of raising investment in the future.” Entrepreneurship closer to home The University of Essex has a growing reputation for enterprise and helping businesses with innovations. The University sent five delegates along to the CfEL Summer School this year via Dr. Janice Pittis, the Deputy Director of Business Development. One of those delegates was Cyril Thomas, currently the President of the Essex Entrepreneurship Society based at the University. "I found the CfEL Summer School of 2006 to be a fantastic experience,” Cyril commented. “It is not every day that a university student gets plugged into a network of astute business people. My colleagues and I were given a chance to develop our business ideas, whilst getting invaluable advice and support from seasoned business people. Many important contacts were acquired and much information taken in. The CfEL summer school has made me even more confident about achieving my entrepreneurial goals. I will be sure to recommend it to all my colleagues at the University of Essex and the Essex Entrepreneurship Society." The next programme will take place from Monday 9th July to Saturday 14th July 2007 at the Judge Business School in Cambridge. Please contact the Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (CfEL) on 01223 766900 or go to the web site at www.entrepreneurs.jbs.cam.ac.uk for further information. Back to the top
July 2006
A Master Class from Lord Bilimoria Delegates were treated to a master class from the founder and CEO of Cobra Beer, Lord Karan Bilimoria at the CfEL Summer School. This year, Karan presented a keynote speech at the Summer School Welcome Reception on Monday 3rd July despite dealing with a very busy schedule. As thanks for his continuing generosity and excellent contributions, CfEL presented him with a special, engraved bowl to mark the occasion. 
Karan Bilimoria receives a special gift from Yupar Myint, CfEL Programme Manager Shai Vyakarnam, Director of CfEL, stated; “Karan is a very charismatic speaker and has such a wonderful story to tell to our aspiring entrepreneurs. Our delegates are always most impressed and inspired by his words of wisdom. We really appreciate his support.” Karan Bilimoria, one of CfEL's esteemed Visiting Entrepreneurs, has generously shared his entrepreneurial experiences and expertise with our students on many of CfEL’s courses and helped to spread the spirit of enterprise. In addition, some of the CfEL networking events have been fuelled with samples of beer and wine from Cobra. 
Karan Bilimoria delivering his speech to the 2006 Summer School delegates Karan Bilimoria has espoused the benefits of the Summer School programme: "The Summer School is one of the best experiences for budding entrepreneurs, start-up entrepreneurs and corporate entrepreneurs in the country. It is an action-packed, experiential, practical and innovative week, where everyone who attends learns not only from the world-class faculty and visiting entrepreneurs but also, as importantly, from each other. It is an exceptional value for money course in one of the most beautiful learning settings in the world. I wish the Summer School had been in existence when I started Cobra Beer: I know it would have benefited me beyond measure." Thank you to all our CfEL Contributors The Centre for Entrepreneurial learning (CfEL) would like to thank all the people who contributed to our Summer School programme this year. One of CfEL’s core values is to involve experienced and new entrepreneurs, practitioners and service providers in the delivery of all programmes, as they have the credibility to teach entrepreneurship through sharing their own experiences and knowledge and inspiring future entrepreneurs. This creates direct links between students and the business community. All the contributors to the Summer School are actively involved in the creation and development of new ideas and ventures. In all, there are 80 - 100 contributors, most of them are leading entrepreneurs, innovators and professionals who have gone through similar types of experience that the delegates are currently facing. Back to the top
June 2006
More than just a University – Cambridge proves its Entrepreneurial credentials to Indian High Commission Cambridge was honoured by a visit from the Minister of Science for India, Mr. Kapil Sibal, together with a distinguished delegation of senior government officials and eminent academics from the Indo-UK Science and Innovation Council on 28th June. The aim was to establish better connections with the Cambridge community and to gain an insight into how the city has developed such a beneficial environment for innovation and entrepreneurship especially in the hi-tech sector. The visit was organised via the India High Commission in collaboration with the Judge Business School and hosted by Dr. Shai Vyakarnam, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning. Sir Michael Arthur, the British High Commissioner for India, joined the delegation to add his weight and support. Seen as an important contribution to the science and innovation agenda between the UK and India, it was part of a four day visit to the UK designed to showcase existing Indo-UK collaborations and build new ones by engaging high-level scientists, innovators and industrialists in India and the UK. Mr. Kamlesh Sharma, the Indian High Commissioner, is a Cambridge graduate and a great supporter of the work being done by the Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning and the University in fostering entrepreneurship. “India has an enormous number of talented entrepreneurs and the government is trying to build a higher level of support networks. We can learn from the Cambridge experience and build relationships for the mutual benefit of the science and innovation industries in both our countries. The Indian Government is also seeking to establish better links with the University of Cambridge and the Judge Business School so we’re delighted to take this opportunity to meet with senior academics and colleagues.” The University of Cambridge academics included Dr. Kate Pretty, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark Welland of the Nanoscience Centre and Professor William Milne of the Centre for Advanced Photonics and Electronics. “We were very pleased to be hosting this visit for our distinguished guests from India”, said Dr. Kate Pretty. “The University of Cambridge has a great tradition of fostering entrepreneurship and establishing spin-out companies to exploit and spread the benefits of new knowledge and innovation.” The Indian Minister and delegation also visited key hi-tech businesses with a history of innovation and entrepreneurship; Microsoft Research, Cambridge Consultants and Astex Therapeutics. 
Photo: The Indian Minister, Mr. Kapil Sibal, (front row, left of centre) visits Cambridge Consultants with Dr. Shai Vyakarnam (second row, on the left) Dr Brian Moon, CEO of Cambridge Consultants, was invited to explain to the visitors the company’s pivotal role in the region, as well as provide a brief overview of the company’s existing connections with India. “Through our extensive work with Indian companies we’ve found that they are very keen to not just compete with European and North American companies, but to out-perform them through innovation. This visit enabled us to talk to political and academic leaders from the region and share thoughts on how the UK and India could forge closer and mutually beneficial links.” Microsoft Research talked about the benefits of investing in Cambridge to the University and the company. “It was a great honour to host the Minister of Science for India and other members of the distinguished delegation” said Andrew Herbert, Managing Director, Microsoft Research Cambridge. “Microsoft Research is committed to innovative research and open collaboration within the academic communities globally. We are fortunate to work and partner with some of the greatest minds in the industry, through our research labs at Cambridge and Bangalore”. Cambridge is already recognised as a hive of entrepreneurial activity, particularly in the hi-tech sector. There are an estimated 250 start-ups (many technology leaders in their respective fields) with direct links to the University of Cambridge still trading and accounting for $1.5bn of revenue and $6bn of value. The activities of the Cambridge Technopole, the Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (CfEL), Cambridge’s Hi-tech Cluster, Business Angels, Venture Capitalists and other local interest groups and private sector organisations mean there is a rich bed of knowledge and support for new members of the local hi-tech community. Back to the top
May 2006
CALLING ALL ENTREPRENEURS! Run the gauntlet now for a chance to win a place on Summer School for entrepreneurs Entrepreneurs, it’s time to be running the gauntlet 2006 - sooner rather than later - for a chance to win a place on the prestigious Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (CfEL) Summer School and fast track your business idea to commercial success. Running the gauntlet is the East of England Development Agency’s (EEDA) exciting competition with up to £1m of investment funding on offer from CREATE, a leading investor in East of England businesses. Quick off the mark entrants for running the gauntlet 2006 who register AND submit their entry by 4 June 2006, could be in line for one of 5 places worth £1000 each. This internationally recognised Summer School is an intensive, one week training programme for aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate innovators. Over 200 people from 19 countries have attended since the programme started in 1999, 55 new businesses have been developed and over £35 million in funding has been raised by alumni in the period 1999-2005. The CfEL Summer School takes place between 3- 8 July 2006 at the Judge Business School, Cambridge. 
EEDA’s running the gauntlet, in partnership with CREATE and Library House, follows last year’s pioneering competition that led to 3 companies securing a slice of £1 million from CREATE. New for running the gauntlet 2006 is a more comprehensive range of learning opportunities in addition to the summer school opportunity. Benefits start with free access to The Gauntlet – a web based virtual investor tool, developed by Library House and the London School of Economics, which would normally cost £299 to access. There is also a dedicated running the gauntlet helpdesk, staffed by the experienced business support team at Business Link and £250,000 worth of in-kind services available from our sponsors: Bailey Fisher- Executive Search, Grant Thornton, HSBC, Mudhut Communication, Scientific Generics, Taylor Vinters and The Commercialisation Company. These services will be delivered via a combination of one-to-one clinics and first come first served master classes for all entrants with additional in-kind services for short listed and winning companies. Richard Ellis, EEDA’s chair said: “The CfEL Summer School provides participants with a chance to trial business ideas within a safe environment and develop the key skills required to take the next steps towards commercialisation. Its blend of practical teaching sessions, expert clinics, mentoring and much more, makes it an ideal development opportunity for running the gauntlet contenders.” Shai Vyakarnam, CfEL Director, comments: “We are very pleased to be collaborating with EEDA in this way and offering an opportunity for running the gauntlet candidates to experience our unique service to innovation. The CfEL Summer School provides the right incubation environment in a week where investment readiness, technical and market due diligence, IP issues and mentoring are leveraged through many different people such as experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and professional service providers. These people are like ‘knowledge cashpoints’ which the delegates can draw from in order to find what they need and improve their chances of business success.” A shortlist of 50 companies will be chosen to pitch to the panel of investors, chaired jointly by Doug Richard of Library House and BBC2’s Dragons’ Den and Boyd Mulvey, chief executive of CREATE. This is an invaluable opportunity to get feedback straight from the horse’s mouth whilst also pitching ‘for real’ to a range of investors. Last year, a number of investors chose to co-invest alongside CREATE. Ten of the 50 companies will be identified to pursue discussions with CREATE and other investors subject to interest and the winners will be announced at EEDA’s business event on 14 November 2006. The entry deadline is midnight on 10 September 2006 and the clock is ticking, so log onto www.runningthegauntlet.com.
For further information please contact: Michele Hatwell – running the gauntlet press officer T: 01223 484564 or M: 0791 8602612 e-mail: michelehatwell@eeda.org.uk Back to the top
May 2006
Spanish Summer School Alumni wins Girona 'Entrepreneur of the Year' 
Didac Lee, the 2005 winner of the Summer School prize, has triumphed again. He has recently been elected the "Gironi de l'any" in Economy or 'Entrepreneur of the Year in Girona'. The media and university of this Spanish province choose one person each year from categories in Economy, Society, Sports and Culture. The award is usually presented to large city companies but this year, it has been given to Didac, an emerging and increasingly successful entrepreneur. It is further evidence of way the CfEL programme can influence and develop aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators. Further information about this award can be found via the following link: http://www.vilaweb.cat/www/elpunt/noticia?p_idcmp=1863883 For further information about the 2006 Summer School, contact Yupar Myint at y.myint@jbs.cam.ac.uk or see our web pages www.entrepreneurs.jbs.cam.ac.uk Back to the top
May 2006
CfEL's Visiting Entrepreneur to become a Lord Karan Bilimoria, one of CfEL's esteemed Visiting Entrepreneurs, is set to be appointed to the House of Lords. The Founder and Chief Executive of Cobra Beer, was one of seven figures recommended to be non-party political peers. Karan Bilimoria has generously shared his entrepreneurial experiences and expertise with our students on many of our courses and helped to spread the spirit of enterprise. In addition, some of our networking events have been fuelled with samples of beer and wine from Cobra. Click on the link provided to see further information. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4969104.stm Back to the top
April 2006
CfEL Celebrates Enterprise with New Award The Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning’s (CfEL) has celebrated enterprise with an award ceremony at the Judge Business School on 25th April. This event hailed the introduction of a new ‘Certificate in Enterprise’ awarded to those who attend and complete coursework for the CfEL’s flagship Enterprise Tuesday programme. The certificates for qualifying candidates for the 2005/06 programme were presented by Professor Dame Sandra Dawson, the current Director of the Judge. A special prize for the best candidate was presented to David Moir of the Cambridge Enterprise Agency who was described by Simon Stockley, CfEL Tutor of Assessed Programmes, as having provided “an outstanding submission . . . full of insight and wisdom.” 
left to right: Steven Foyster (of Barclays), Shai Vyakarnam, David Moir, Simon Stockley and Prof Dame Sandra Dawson, Director of the Judge Business School Dr. Shai Vyakarnam, CfEL Director, commented: “Our mission is to spread the spirit of enterprise and help people turn their dreams into reality. The Enterprise Tuesday programme is a key component in fulfilling this mission and is the most popular non-assessed lecture series at the University of Cambridge.” Attendees were able to take the opportunity to study for a CfEL ‘Certificate in Enterprise’ thanks to the valuable support of Barclays Small Business Banking. Shona Nash, Barclays Area Manager; “Barclays has helped numerous people start new businesses and we understand the specific challenges they face. We are delighted to support CfEL’s programme and inspire entrepreneurship. “ Around 40 people attended the small ceremony, including some prestigious guests from the University of Cambridge such as Sir Richard Friend, the Cavendish Professor of Physics; Dr. Rachel Hobson, Industrial Liaison for the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy and David Carter, Research Facilitator at the Department of Chemical Engineering. It was also attended by people from the local business and entrepreneurial community, including Steven Foyster, Local Business Manager for Barclays and Chris West, the author of ‘the Beermat Entrepreneur’ and guest speaker at Enterprise Tuesday during the 2006 Lent term. 
Candidates receive the 'Certificates in Enterprise' from Prof Dame Sandra Dawson (front row, right) at the award ceremonyThe Certificate represents a first stage ‘driving license’ for those who are in the early stages of their entrepreneurial journey. In order to qualify for the Certificate, candidates were required to attend at least eight out of the twelve Enterprise Tuesday evenings and to submit a portfolio of coursework, based on questions issued at each event, at the end of the programme. Enterprise Tuesday is a series of free evening lectures and networking sessions open to all students, Cambridge University staff and members of the local business community during the Michaelmas and Lent terms. It is run in conjunction with the Cambridge University Entrepreneurs, Cambridge Enterprise and the Cambridge Enterprise Agency. The 2005/06 programme was sponsored by Cobra Beer and Barclays Bank. The programme has become increasingly popular and attracts some illustrious guest speakers from both the business and academic worlds. Previous speakers have included Hermann Hauser (Amadeus Capital Partners and serial entrepreneur), Mary Spillane (Imageworks), Doug Richard (Library House and TV’s Dragons Den) and Professor Colin Pillinger (Professor of Planetary Sciences at the Open University and Head Scientist on the UK-led Beagle II Mars project in 2003). The line up for the next Enterprise Tuesday also includes quality speakers such as René Carayol, business guru and presenter on BBC’s ‘Pay Off your Mortgage in Two Years’, and Karan F. Bilimoria CBE DL, Founder and CEO of Cobra Beer. Contact: Katharine Price, CfEL Marketing & Communications Manager Email: k.price@jbs.cam.ac.uk; Tel: 01223 766900 Back to the top
April 2006
Sign up Soon - CfEL’s Flagship Programme for Innovators is Filling Up Time is running out for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators looking to fast-track their business ideas. The Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning’s (CfEL) Summer School has proved popular this year with a large number of people already signed up for July 2006. There are only limited places available and over a third of them have gone. Potential candidates will have to book their places soon to safeguard a slot and ensure they don’t miss out on special discounts offered until the end of April. The high quota for this time of year has been attributed to the growing reputation and track record of the programme which is now attracting international attention. Yupar Myint, Programme Manager at CfEL, said, “We have candidates from China, Australia, India, Canada and Europe this year. It’s been really great and we’re working hard to process all the applications. This type of entrepreneurship programme is not offered at other universities or in other regional centres. CfEL is able to add true value by providing a direct learning experience with seasoned entrepreneurs, many of whom come from the Cambridge High-Tech Cluster. The access to this prestigious group is highly beneficial. As our previous research* has demonstrated, the networking conducted between these people has proved an important factor in the success of businesses.” However, the programme does not only appeal to individuals seeking to develop their entrepreneurial skills, it also appeals to forward-thinking companies looking to create an innovative culture, aid business growth and develop appropriate skills in their employees. Cambridge Consultants, a company at the centre of the local entrepreneurial network, is sending two of its staff on the course this year. Alison Hughes, HR director at Cambridge Consultants, said, “The continuous development of colleagues is central to our business and its culture, this is part of the reason we attract and retain the best people in the industry. The CfEL Summer School is a great way to develop the entrepreneurial skills of individuals. Our aim is to help turn them into the business leaders of the future, irrespective of whether this is helping to shape the future of Cambridge Consultants or setting up and running one of our future spin-outs.” The programme is an effective tool for overcoming barriers in business, i.e. gaining the right skills, funding, networks, etc., in order to fast-track business innovations to commercial success. The CfEL Summer School is from 3rd to 8th July 2006 at the Judge Business School, Cambridge. * Research paper: “The effect of social capital in new venture creation: the Cambridge high-technology cluster” by Yin M Myint, Shailendra Vyakarnam and Mary. J. New. Published in Strategic Change Journal 14: 165-177, May 2005. Back to the top
February 2006
Fast-tracking innovation in Cambridge Last year, Gordon Brown announced plans to start Enterprise Summer Schools aimed at teenagers in a bid to nurture the entrepreneurs of the future. It is certainly in step with educational and economic predictions of the need for individuals to be able to create their own jobs in a hugely competitive and changing market. But what’s out there for the aspiring entrepreneurs of today? Programmes like the BBC’s ‘Dragon Den’, ‘The Apprentice’ and Channel 4’s ‘Make a Million’ have glamorised enterprise but do little to provide practical help right now. It can be an incredibly long, arduous and risky process for individuals to test, fund and transform their ideas into commercial reality. The University of Cambridge’s Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (CfEL) has been running its own Summer School for the past eight years with increasing success. It’s aimed at those interested in technology, innovation and enterprise looking to overcome the barriers to business – accessing the right skills, funding, networks, etc. The Summer School opens the door once a year to the prestigious Cambridge high technology network with experienced entrepreneurs available to fast-track business innovations to commercial success. CfEL collaborates with over 200 experienced entrepreneurs to provide relevant, credible and practical training. These include people like Hermann Hauser (Serial entrepreneur, Founder of Acorn computers and co-Founder of Amadeus Capital Partners), Karan Bilimoria (Founder and CEO of Cobra Beer) and John Snyder (Founder of Enterprise Accelerator and EEDA board member) to name but a few. The location helps with Cambridge already recognised as a hive of entrepreneurial activity, particularly in the hi-tech sector. There are an estimated 250 start-ups (many technology leaders in their respective fields) with direct links to the University of Cambridge still trading and accounting for $1.5bn of revenue and $6bn of value. The activities of the Cambridge Technopole, the CfEL, Cambridge’s Hi-tech Cluster, Business Angels, Venture Capitalists and other local interest groups and private sector organisations mean there is a rich bed of knowledge and support for new members of the local hi-tech community. Over 200 people from 19 countries have attended the Summer School since the programme started in 1999. 55 new businesses have been developed and over £35 million in funding has been raised by alumni in the period 1999 – 2005. If you want to learn more about how this one week, intensive Cambridge training programme can help you, then come along to the special launch event for the 2006 Summer School on 15 February in London. For further information, please visit the web site at www.entrepreneurs.jbs.cam.ac.uk Back to the top
|
