Ignite

About the Ignite programme

Ignite is an intensive, one-week entrepreneurship training programme for aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate innovators to trial and prepare business ideas for the commercial environment.

Our summer Ignite programme will take place from 6 July to 11 July 2025. Applications gave now closed.

Ignite’s unique blend of practical teaching sessions, expert clinics, mentor sessions and advice and support from experienced entrepreneurs and innovators will be enhanced by scheduled site visits to several of Cambridge’s notable startups including the rising stars in technology and life sciences. Delegates will hear from their founders how they developed and brought an idea to market.

Now in its 24th year, Ignite has an impressive track record of both inspiring successful new business ventures and bolstering internal business development.

Over 1,200 participants from 50 countries across Europe, Asia and America have attended Ignite since the programme started. It is estimated that approximately 300 business ventures have been created by Ignite alumni and are still up and running.

Bring your ambition and business idea to Ignite – a programme that gives you exclusive access to the knowledge and support systems in the world-renowned Cambridge Ecosystem. With the programme designed around best practices in academic and practitioner-based entrepreneurial training, Ignite will create for you and your fellow delegates your own unique space at the heart of the Cambridge ecosystem in which you can experience first-hand what it is like to explore and develop your idea supported by this ecosystem.

Who is it for?

Ignite is for international graduates, researchers, scientists and innovators with entrepreneurial ambition who have a developed business idea or early–stage venture in the technology or life sciences sectors.

Learn who Ignite is for

Programme overview

Ignite aims to enable delegates to prepare their own venture for launch in the commercial arena in one week through immersion in a hot-house environment of tailored, practical support that encourages rapid development.

Learn about the programme

Apply to Ignite

The annual Ignite programme will run from 6 July to 11 July 2025 starting with a welcome and induction session on Sunday and ending with Clinics and Pitches on Friday. We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that we may group delegates and assign mentors effectively.

Apply to Ignite

Fees and accommodation

Depending on the type of delegate, fees vary. The fee includes all programme sessions, course materials, refreshments and lunches during the week of Ignite, networking receptions that are included in the timetable and a celebration final dinner.

Find out more about fees

Become a funding partner

Are you interested in funding delegate places at Ignite? We work with a range of companies and institutions from across the globe who support places as part of their mission to foster entrepreneurship and innovation.

Become a funding partner

Become a sponsor

We have opportunities for companies to access talent, leverage connections and raise visibility in the Cambridge ecosystem through sponsoring networking events during the Ignite week.

Become a sponsor