Applications Now Open for Global Pitch Event at Cambridge Tech Week
After crowning Infersens and Virilitas as winners in 2023 and 2024, the Innovation Alley Pitch Competition is back and bigger than ever. This year, the stage is set for showcasing even more groundbreaking ideas from across the UK and around the world.
Michaela Eschbach, CEO of Cambridge Wireless, the organisation behind Cambridge Tech Week, shared: “Cambridge start-ups and scaleups raised a remarkable $2.3 billion in 2024 - nearly double 2023’s total according to a recent report by Dealroom. That puts us in a strong position, but global visibility is still key. That’s why we’re welcoming applications from local, national, and international companies alike.”
With delegations already confirmed from Latin America, China, and across Europe, Cambridge Tech Week is cementing its reputation as a global tech hub, open to innovation and collaboration.
The Innovation Alley Pitch Competition will be led by Faye Holland, creator of #21toWatch - a programme whose alumni have secured over half a billion in funding over seven years. Notably, CMR Surgical, one of its early stars, stands on its own with unicorn status.
Faye shared her vision for the event: “This year, we’re taking things up a notch. This will be the only official pitch competition of the week, happening centre-stage during Wednesday’s Start-up to Scale up Day. Our structured judging process will narrow down entries from a long list to a final five, who’ll pitch live to a globally significant judging panel.”
She added: “Previous entrants include standout names like Reclinker (University of Cambridge spin-out), HutanBio (UK-Malaysia), Antler Bio (Ireland-Cambridge), and Super-Sharp Space Systems (UK-Spain). If this year is anything like the last, we expect a flood of applications - so don’t wait.”
Applications are open now through 30 June. Finalists will be announced by 1 August 2025. Apply and learn more at: cambridgetechweek.co.uk/participate
#CamTechWeek is supported by Cambridge Management Consulting and Powered by Cambridge Wireless
About Cambridge Tech Week
Cambridge Tech Week is a global tech gathering designed to unite the brightest minds - visionaries, world-leading experts, and strategic investors - to drive growth, collaboration, and transformative innovation across the tech ecosystem.
As a globally renowned hub for groundbreaking ideas and cross-industry collaboration, Cambridge provides a unique environment where high-risk, bold concepts can flourish with reduced risk, thanks to its deep-rooted culture of innovation, research excellence, and strategic support.
At the heart of Cambridge Tech Week lies the region’s distinctive business ecosystem, a powerful catalyst that seamlessly connects entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, investors, academics, and technology pioneers from across the globe. This dynamic network fosters meaningful collaborations, accelerates disruptive innovation, and drives real-world impact - shaping the technologies of tomorrow, today.
About Cambridge Wireless
Cambridge Wireless (CW) is a global not-for-profit membership organisation at the forefront of innovation in connectivity and digital technology. Since 2000, CW has united the technology industry across connected devices, networks, software, data analytics, telecoms, satellites, and more.
CW brings together industry leaders, innovators, and experts through initiatives designed to foster collaboration, accelerate innovation, and support professional growth.
CW is responsible for the delivery of the Cambridge Tech Week programme.