Ignite is an intensive, one-week training programme for aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate innovators to trial and prepare business ideas for the commercial environment.
Comprised of a blend of practical teaching sessions, expert clinics, mentor sessions and experienced advice and support from leading entrepreneurs and innovators, it will give you the tools, contacts and confidence to transform your idea into a successful business project or venture.
Now in its sixteenth year, Ignite has an impressive track record of both inspiring successful new business ventures and bolstering internal business development.
If you’re ready to take your spark and ambition and turn a business innovation into a reality, join us on the next Ignite programme.
Ignite is for those who already have a business idea or early stage venture. The programme will help you to assess and validate the commercial feasibility of your business plan and better define and shape its potential for success. Ignite will build on your existing skills and background in business by increasing your network of contacts and surrounding you with the knowledge and experience of highly regarded industry mentors.
Ignite attracts a diverse range of projects that can be broadly categorised as relating to the life sciences and high tech sectors. The programme is primarily aimed at:
Researchers and managers from established organisations with business ideas for:
Students, graduates or academics considering your own venture.
Directors of existing young businesses that are seeking to commercialise a new product or service.
Over 747 participants from 26 countries across Europe, Asia and America have attended Ignite since the programme started. The alumni are made up of people from various disciplines and industry sectors ranging from business management, computer science, electrical and electronic engineering, mathematics, physics, and sociology through to biology, chemistry, genetics, material science and plant science. It is estimated that approximately 170+ business ventures have been created by Ignite alumni and are still up and running.
Based on a 2013 alumni survey, more than £120 million in funding has been raised by Ignite alumni ventures and approximately 2,500+ jobs were created from 2011-2013.
Previous participants include entrepreneurs who have been in business for one to three years, scientists and academics from universities and research laboratories, and managers, engineers, technologists, and project leaders from large established organisations.
Admissions for the 2017 programme have now closed.
If you have any queries, please get in touch at ignite@jbs.cam.ac.uk