This week’s episode features a fascinating interview with Nazmus Tareque and Raoul Peltier, co-founders of AnthroTek, a startup that is pushing the boundaries of material science in medical and robotics applications.

Nazmus and Raoul come from very different worlds - law and VC on one side, drug delivery and materials science on the other - but together they’re building hyper-realistic silicone solutions for real world impact.

A few standout moments from the conversation:

🧠 “We started with this idea of what the market might need, and very early on, we realised the demand is not for hyperrealism, but for functionality.” – Raoul

🌍 “We want to stay a humane company that finds solutions that help people and the planet.” – Nazmus

Key Takeaways from the Interview:

• The duo emphasised the importance of market discovery, stating, “We literally started with a lot of ideas and we didn’t know which one was going to work.” This approach has allowed them to refine their focus on medical applications, which currently account for 80% of their revenue.

• Both founders are passionate about sustainability, aiming to develop biodegradable alternatives to traditional silicone. “We are really interested in using our material science knowledge to explore can we find within five years an alternative to silicone that is actually biodegradable,” Nazmus shared.

• The Cambridge tech scene has played a pivotal role in their success and they highlighted the importance of networking and collaboration.

Produced by Cambridge TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Anne Bailey from Form the Future to talk about how we can better connect young people with opportunities in the tech industry. Anne shares why building those bridges matters now more than ever:

“We want to bridge the gap between employers who need skilled talent and young people who are eager to learn.”

We also dive into Tech Futures Day, an initiative designed to give students real exposure to the tech world through hands-on experiences and direct access to industry professionals.

Later in the episode, we shift focus to HackEd, a hackathon with a twist. James Adams and Tim Smith from Tech Educators talk about the impact of bringing diverse groups of students together to explore, build, and present tech projects in just a few days:

“HackEd is about bringing together diverse backgrounds and exposing students to the world of technology.”

From teamwork and mentorship to presenting ideas to real industry leaders; it’s clear this isn’t just another school trip.

💡 Why listen?

· Hear how initiatives like HackEd and Tech Futures Day are shaping the future tech talent pipeline

· Get inspired by the students making their first mark on the industry

· Understand why this matters for founders, VCs, and anyone who wants to support a more inclusive, future-ready tech ecosystem

Produced by Cambridge TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sat down with Teja Potočnik, founder of Nanomation, to talk about her journey from Slovenia to Cambridge, and the potential of nanomaterials in transforming chip production.

Teja’s background is impressive, she holds a PhD in nanomaterials, has published research in top journals, and recently won the Female Founders category at the Wolfson Entrepreneurship Competition. But it’s her ability to bridge deep science with commercial application that really stands out.

What exactly are nanomaterials? Nanomaterials are materials at the nanoscale, 1,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair. They have unique properties that make them ideal for applications in electronics, including transistors and sensors.

With Moore’s Law hitting physical limits, Teja explains how nanomaterials can offer new functions beyond just shrinking components.

But translating cutting-edge research into viable tech isn’t easy. She’s candid about the hurdles early-stage companies face in scaling advanced materials into mass production.

The conversation touches on the vast market opportunities for sensing applications, particularly in the infrared spectrum. Teja aims to lower costs while enhancing functionalities, making her technology appealing to various industries.

Teja praises the collaborative spirit within Cambridge's tech community, noting the invaluable connections and support she has received. "Everyone knows everyone, and it's great.”

If you're curious about the future of semiconductors, or how science moves from lab bench to product, this one’s worth a listen.

Produced by Cambridge TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we speak with Alexandra French, CEO of Xampla, a company leading the way in sustainable materials. Xampla is developing natural, plant-based alternatives to single-use plastics, and their technology could have a huge global impact.

Alexandra talks openly about the journey of scaling deep tech, the importance of educating the market, and how strategic partnerships are helping Xampla grow. She also shares why replacing over 4 million tonnes of plastic coatings annually is not just a target but a real opportunity.

In the episode, we cover:

• The science behind using plant proteins to create biodegradable materials

• Why raising awareness is just as important as product development

• How partnerships with companies like Huhtamaki and Just Eat are unlocking market access

• Xampla’s next steps - with a clear focus on food service coatings and expanding into new markets

This is a great listen for anyone interested in climate tech, materials science, or how Cambridge startups are building for global impact.

Produced by Cambridge TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re joined by Sarah Turner, founder of Angel Academe, a network she launched in 2014 to get more women involved in angel investing and support female-led tech startups.

Angel Academe now has over 1,000 registered investors, with a core group of around 100 active angels - 70% of whom are women. That’s a key part of what sets them apart. As Sarah puts it, “70% of our core community are women, which is our big differentiator in the market.”

In this episode, Sarah also talks about the launch of the UK’s first EIS fund focused specifically on female founders. The fund aims to raise £1.2 million, giving investors the chance to back a portfolio of female-led startups with a minimum commitment of £10,000.

She talks about what Angel Academe looks for in a business, tech or science-based, with a strong and defensible technological edge, and encourages both founders and potential investors to get in touch for guidance and support.

Produced by Cambridge TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week features an engaging conversation with Dr. Andy Williams, Chair of the Oxford Cambridge Super Cluster Board. He explains the mission of the Oxford Cambridge Super Cluster Board, which aims to unite businesses, universities, and investors to create a thriving ecosystem.

Andy shares insights from a commissioned report predicting an additional £78 billion contribution to the regional economy. He stresses the need for government intervention and policy changes to achieve this target, stating, "If we don’t do anything, growth may drop to 2 or 1%, which would be a disaster."

The conversation also touches on the critical need for infrastructure improvements, including lab space, housing, and transport connectivity. Andy highlights the importance of balancing growth with community needs, saying, "We must be careful not to wreck the quality of life in the region."

He also discusses the importance of engaging local communities and ensuring that the benefits of innovation are felt widely. He believes that "for every job created in science and technology, another four or five jobs are created in the wider community."

This episode is packed with insights that can inspire and inform your approach to innovation and investment. Andy’s extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and his passion for fostering collaboration in the tech sector make for a compelling listen.

If you’re a startup founder or a venture capitalist looking to navigate the evolving landscape of technology and innovation, this episode is a treasure trove of information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode we welcome Amelia Miller, co-founder and CEO of ivee, a groundbreaking platform dedicated to helping women re-enter the workforce after career breaks.

Amelia shares the personal story behind ivee, inspired by her mother’s struggles to return to work after taking time off for motherhood.

With a background in psychology, Amelia discusses how gender differences in job applications significantly impact hiring. Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet 50-60% of qualifications, while women typically wait until they meet 90-100%. This discrepancy underscores the need for tailored recruitment strategies.

ivee leverages AI to connect companies with a vast talent pool of women returning to work. “What we’re building at ivee is an AI agent that can surface returner talent,” Amelia explains, emphasising the platform's unique approach to recruitment.

Returning to work can be isolating. Amelia discusses how ivee fosters connection and confidence through supportive peer networks and resources that help women navigate their comeback journeys.

The conversation turns to how return-to-work barriers often exacerbate long-term pay inequality, and why solving one problem helps address the other.

This episode is not just about ivee; it’s a call to action for the tech community to rethink how we approach recruitment and diversity. If you're a hiring manager, consider the untapped potential of the return-to-work market. ivee is actively seeking companies to partner with and post jobs on their platform. For those returning to work, ivee offers a supportive community and resources to help you navigate your journey.

Produced by Cambridge TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Ellis, Scale-Up Director at Innovate UK Business Growth, to unpack what it really takes to scale a tech business.

Key Insights:

• Defining Scale-Up: Chris emphasises that a scale-up is more than just a growing business; it’s one that has a product in the market and is pushing towards a million in annual recurring revenue.

• The Importance of Internationalisation: Chris highlights that scaling should involve looking beyond local markets. He stresses the need for UK businesses to tap into international markets and collaborate with global partners.

• Understanding the Funding Landscape: The conversation touches on the funding gap that exists for scale-ups, particularly in comparison to their US counterparts. Chris points out, “Some businesses need a much longer runway,” and discusses the importance of understanding the capitalisation journey.

• Governance and Culture: Chris shares insights on the dynamics within scale-up companies, noting that strong governance and a healthy culture are crucial.

Whether you're a founder or investor, this episode is packed with practical advice on moving from startup to scale-up.

Produced by Cambridge TV, edited by Kate O'Connor.

Produced by Cambridge TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.