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Do you have an idea that you think could make a real impact?

Is your research generating ideas or innovations that you think other people might want to use – perhaps a method, material, technology, software, or dataset? Are you wondering how to take it further?

Part of the University, Cambridge Enterprise works with you to help turn your ideas into reality for the benefit of society.

Register: IP & Commercialisation 101 - Registration form – Cambridge Enterprise

*Please note: this event is only open to current staff and postgraduate students of the University of Cambridge.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore or are already working on a promising idea, this workshop will help you understand how your research could be translated into real-world benefit. This session brings together insights from our IP and Licensing specialists – combining two previous workshops (IP & Commercialisation 101 and Research Tools 101) into a comprehensive start to making impact through innovation.

What the workshop covers:

• Intellectual property: learn how IP is generated and protected, from patents, copyrights and database rights to trade secrets — and how they apply to research outputs.
• Understand how the University’s IP policy is applied to staff and students.
• Licensing IP: learn about how IP leaves the University to be turned into a useable product or service.
• Research tools: discover how reagents, software and other tools developed in the course of your research work can quickly generate impact and revenue.
• Commercialisation pathways: discover how to assess the commercial value of an idea, understand how research innovations can be turned into products, and explore real-life examples of how Cambridge researchers have brought innovations to market.
• Getting the right support: Find out how Cambridge Enterprise can help evaluate your idea, secure translational funding, and connect you with key stakeholders.
• Consider possible IP arising from your own work
• Time to workshop and explore your questions and ideas.

Above all, this is a chance to connect with a community of like-minded individuals who are exploring how to turn their work into something that benefits society, with the tools and guidance to help make it happen.

Who is this for?

This workshop is open to current University of Cambridge staff and postgraduate students.

Ideas to Reality Programme

This event is part of Cambridge Enterprise’s Ideas to Reality Programme which is designed to provide members of the University with the guidance and tools to translate their ideas, research and expertise into real-world impact.

Applications are now open for an inclusive writing retreat to provide early career researchers (ECRs) with the time and space to work on publications. This event aims to help develop the writing skills and confidence of attendees, so that they make the most of writing opportunities within the sector.

This opportunity is open to all UK-based, energy focused ECRs, but we particularly encourage applications from groups underrepresented in energy research. This includes (but is not limited to) people from ethnic and racial minority backgrounds, women, those who identify as LGBTQ+, and those living with a disability or long-term health condition. We are also keen to receive applications from researchers from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, including first generation scholars, as well as those with caring responsibilities who usually find it difficult to attend events and networking opportunities.

The retreat will be held over two days and two nights at Craiglands Hotel, Ilkley, on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 November 2025. The agenda will consist of a mix of group sessions, networking activities and writing time. Researchers will be able to network with like-minded peers, give and receive feedback on work, gain new perspectives and receive advice on career advancement.

The emphasis will be on creating an atmosphere where all can work towards their goals together. As the focus is on writing, applicants are required to bring with them a specific writing task(s) that they want to focus on, such as a grant proposal, research report, book chapter or conference paper.

Applicants are encouraged to inform us of any reasonable adjustments they might require. This may include engaging an English Sign Language interpreter, arranging a quiet room to have breaks, or any other accessibility requirements.

The retreat is completely free. UKERC will cover all hotel costs and can also cover travel costs for those that need it (provided applicants are based in the UK), we can also assist with childcare costs that go beyond ordinary care arrangements. Our aim is to remove as many barriers as possible that may prevent researchers from attending. Please contact UKERC’s Events and Engagement Manager – Oluwatobi Balogun, or Operations Manager – Jessica Bays for more information.

Applications open on 14 August 2025 and will close on 26 September 2025. Any UK based ECR working on energy is eligible to apply.

We define an ECR as an individual employed to conduct research activities on precarious contracts (e.g. open-ended, fixed term or project-funded) and who has not previously led a project exceeding £100k.

We have space for 20 applicants to join the retreat. Five spots on the retreat will be reserved for UKERC ECRs. These will be selected randomly from all UKERC applications. The remaining places will be allocated randomly from the remaining pool of applications.

To apply please complete this application form and associated EDI monitoring form.

A chance to connect with entrepreneurship support providers and hear from founders of startups and spinouts in the Cambridge ecosystem!

Register: IE Expo 2025 Tickets, Wed, Nov 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

Drop in to the event for as little or as long as you like to hear first-hand from founders who have started companies at the University and learn how you can do the same!

Whether you’re an undergraduate, postgrad, postdoc, or staff, this event is a great opportunity to connect, share ideas, and find out about the support available to help you develop your entrepreneurial skillset and bring your venture to life.

There will be a chance to walk around all the stands and chat to those running various entrepreneurial programmes. You can also ask any questions you may have at our 'Entrepreneurship Clinic'. To book in a one-to-one with one of our experts on funding, IP or idea validation, email: uen@enterprise.cam.ac.uk

Find out more about IE Cambridge, on our website: Homepage - IE Cambridge