There are many specific researcher development activities being run on a University-wide basis . A comprehensive list can be found through on the Graduate Development Programme website.
i-Teams combines multi-disciplinary teams of students with industry mentors and real University inventions to assess the commercial viability of new technologies and product designs.
Students gain real hands-on experience of investigating potential markets for a new technology, while researchers are given early feedback from potential partners and customers.
Teams of up to 7 students, selected from across all disciplines, work for a term (2 weeks for Taster projects) with the support of their team mentor, their researchers and the i-Teams Programme Director (Amy Mokady). Teams present their final conclusions to an audience of business and academic experts, and have the opportunity to present their projects at the annual CUTEC Technology Ventures Conference.
Website: http://www.iteamsonline.org/cambridge.html
2. CUTEC
The Cambridge University Technology and Enterprise Club`s mission is to enhance the entrepreneurial spirit amongst academics and students. We facilitate interaction between industry experts and students, thereby providing students with exposure to the wider business and fundraising communities. Investors and the industries that support them in turn gain access to the vibrant research and entrepreneurial communities at the University of Cambridge.
Our focal event is the annual Technology Ventures Conference (TVC). The TVC attracts high profile venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and angel investors from around the world and affords unmatched access to this community for student attendees. CUTEC also organizes workshops and speaker series events throughout the year, either independently or in collaboration with the other student technology and business societies and through the i-Teams program effectively supports entrepreneurship from idea to investment.
Website: http://www.cutec.org/
3. CUE
Cambridge University Entrepreneurs was founded in 1999 by three people. Ten years on, CU Entrepreneurs have evolved to being a key part of the University's ecosystem for supporting and accelerating entrepreneurship and innovation.
CU Entrepreneurs run one of the most successful student-run business creation competitions in the world. Since 1999 they have awarded over £500k in prize money to more than 40 start-ups and have seen many of them develop into successful companies. These companies have contributed greatly to the local region and beyond, producing over 110 full time jobs. Collectively, CUE alumni companies have gone on to secure over £33 million pounds of investment.
CUE's goal is to promote and nurture entrepreneurship in Cambridge and beyond. However, they do this in quite a unique way. Their business creation competition, along with the training, mentoring and networking events in support of it, take students from idea to business in under a year.
Website: http://www.cue.org.uk/
4. CfEL
The Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning is part of Cambridge Judge Business School, aims to spread the spirit of enterprise to the University of Cambridge and beyond by delivering a range of educational activities to inspire and build skills in the practise of entrepreneurship. The Centre collaborates with over 200 experienced entrepreneurs, innovators and other practitioners to provide relevant, credible and practical training. The programmes include elective modules in undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the University, weekly lectures and workshops, as well as open programmes.
Website: http://www.cfel.jbs.cam.ac.uk/
Course website: http://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/programmes/cfel/index.html