Cambridge Enterprise START — Pre-Seed
Offers pre-seed equity funding for Cambridge-linked founders in science to strengthen real-world implementation.
The START programme is Cambridge Enterprise's pre-seed equity vehicle for founders building science-led and AI startups with a demonstrable connection to the University of Cambridge. Operated under Cambridge Enterprise's Founders at the University of Cambridge suite — alongside SYNC (co-founder matching) and SPARK (four-week residential incubator) — START specifically accelerates ventures reaching…
Deploys £20,000 pre-seed equity tickets into science-led and AI startups with a University of Cambridge connection, paired with mentoring and venture building support.
Sign up free to see the funding breakdown
Sign up free to see the industries in scope
Sign up free to see the full eligibility
Sign up free to see the timeline
Guides for this application
All guides →Grants for Biotech Startups: NIH, NSF, SBIR/STTR, and Non-Dilutive Funding
A practical guide to grants for biotech startups, including NIH SBIR/STTR, NSF, translational funding, evidence, regulatory readiness, and budgets.
Start hereNon-Dilutive Funding vs VC for Deeptech Startups
Compare non-dilutive funding and venture capital for deeptech startups, including grants, SBIR/STTR, EIC Accelerator, dilution, timing, and stage fit.
BudgetGrant Budget Template for R&D Applications
Use this grant budget template to structure R&D costs, personnel, subcontractors, equipment, indirect costs, and budget justification for startup grant applications.
More from Cambridge Enterprise
All grants from this funder →University Discovery Fund — Pre-Seed
🇬🇧Cambridge Enterprise · United Kingdom
Funds early-stage university-linked science ventures through philanthropic capital to strengthen real-world implementation.
University Venture Fund — Investment
🇬🇧Cambridge Enterprise · United Kingdom
Funds long-run capital for Cambridge-affiliated deep-tech and life science spinouts.
Similar grants
Browse the directory →
Imperial College Enterprise Fund (ICEF)
🇬🇧Imperial Enterprise · United Kingdom
Funds Imperial-connected life science and deep-tech spinouts through park-managed equity investment vehicles.
Parkwalk EIS Funds (IP Group)
🇬🇧IP Group · United Kingdom
Funds United Kingdom university spinouts through Parkwalk-managed equity vehicles focused on deep, health, and clean technology.
OCC Ventures
🇬🇧Edinburgh Innovations · United Kingdom
Backs University of Edinburgh associated companies through OCC Ventures with seed and Series A co-investment.
OCC Launch
🇬🇧Edinburgh Innovations · United Kingdom
Offers OCC Launch pre-seed support for University of Edinburgh associated companies at their earliest development stage.
UCL Business Translational Funding
🇬🇧UCLB · United Kingdom
Offers UCL Business translational funding for teams turning research into market pilots.
Venture Kick — Stage 2
🇨🇭Venture Kick · Switzerland
Funds Venture Kick alumni to continue development with growth support before next-stage financing opportunities.