Cambridge has been named the UK’s most “investible” hub for science, according to a new report from Beauhurst, Cambridge Enterprise, Innovate Cambridge and Cambridge Innovation Capital.
According to new research, early-stage life sciences and deep tech companies from Cambridge have raised £7.9bn since 2015, with international investors now involved in almost 40% of deals – up from 7% a decade ago.
The British government has positioned Cambridge as a key hub for its ambitions to achieve science and technology-driven economic growth.
“Cambridge is one of the world’s most fertile grounds for innovation to take root, and blossom into opportunities for investment, job creation, and progress in fields ranging from life sciences to deep tech,” said Science Minister Lord Vallance.
“As impressive as these figures are, there is still more potential here for us to unleash. This is precisely why we are backing the Cambridge Innovation Hub, as part of our programme of work across government to boost the entire Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor, and fulfil its promise as an economic engine the whole nation benefits from.”
The government has committed £15m in cornerstone funding for the Cambridge Innovation Hub, a new site designed to bring together academics, scientists, entrepreneurs and investors.
“Fast-tracking the Innovation Hub will help drive UK growth. It will connect entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, and our world-class researchers,” said Professor Deborah Prentice, vice-chancellor of the University of Cambridge.
“It will quickly become Europe’s leading destination for early-stage deep tech and life sciences companies, and means Cambridge will continue to be a global leader in research and innovation. The world is coming to Cambridge for science. Government support means that work will now start at pace to make the Innovation Hub a reality.”
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