Cambridge business crowned first winner of Pioneer’s Regional Accelerator
Pioneer Group – the company leading the regeneration of the Grafton Centre – has announced Cambridge-based Envision Health as the winner of its first accelerator programme, aimed at supporting the city’s early-stage tech companies.
Following a six-week programme, Envision Health, a health and technology company developing products and software to help people stick to their medication schedule no matter where they are, has been awarded £10,000.
The Cambridge Regional Accelerator is a six-week programme run by Pioneer and funded by Origin Cambridge. It supports early-stage founders in Cambridge who are tackling human and planetary health challenges. Through workshops, expert guidance and up to £3,000 of support for customer research, six participants tested whether their ideas can work technically and commercially. The programme culminated with all six ventures pitching to a panel from Pioneer on Wednesday 28 October, after which Envision Health (www.envisionhealthltd.com) was announced as the winner. Antara Bio (www.antara-bio.com) was named runner up and awarded £5,000.
Emilia Murray, founder of Envision Health and winner of the first Cambridge Regional Accelerator Programme, said: “We knew the problem we wanted to fix, but not who we were fixing it for. Medication tracking software focuses on the elderly and those with complex needs, overlooking busy people who forget to take medication on time. Capsule is a water bottle that discreetly dispenses medication when you need it. Pioneer’s accelerator gave us the expertise to identify our target audience, spot early risks and move forward.
“There is something about Cambridge that makes sense for new science ventures, with so many great companies in the city already. Spaces like Origin Cambridge at the Grafton Centre will provide a way for new businesses to link up to that wider Cambridge science network, and I can definitely see myself being a part of it.”
Adam Hardy, Accelerator Programme Director at Pioneer, said: “Congratulations to Envision Health and to all six ventures who took part in our first Cambridge Regional Accelerator. The programme is about helping founders challenge their assumptions, understand their customers and build a stronger foundation for their business. Envision Health’s focus on identifying who needs its product demonstrates why that work is so important.
“Cambridge has a wealth of entrepreneurial talent, and we want to help early-stage founders turn promising ideas into viable businesses. Through Origin Cambridge, we are connecting local entrepreneurs with the expertise and networks they need to take the next steps on their business journey.”
The Regional Accelerator Programme is the first initiative of Origin Cambridge, the new name for the planned lab and workspace in the redeveloped Grafton Centre. The improved retail area is intended to keep the Grafton name.
Plans for the Grafton Centre’s regeneration continue to progress. Abbeygate House has been demolished, and the project team has been working with Cambridge City Council officers to strengthen the designs to make the development as sustainable and flexible as possible before construction begins next year. A dedicated marketing suite has also been opened to showcase Origin Cambridge.
Subjit Jassy, director at Pioneer Group, said: “Pioneer doesn’t just provide space for international companies, we also provide incubator and start up space for new, local science businesses. We have designed Origin Cambridge to be a place where blue chip companies and small start-ups work side by side, collaborating with each other and with researchers at the city’s universities.
“Thank you to everyone who applied to the Regional Accelerator Programme. The ideas and ambition showcased by these local entrepreneurs shows that the future of science is strong in Cambridge. Construction works for the redevelopment of the Grafton Centre will begin next year and once complete, will provide the space and flexibility these companies need to grow.”
Pioneer has a proven track record of supporting ambitious founders, delivering the UK’s most comprehensive suite of accelerator and venture building activities. To date, Pioneer has supported more than 350 entrepreneurs and funded over 195 companies, which have collectively raised £830 million in investment.
For more information, visit: https://origin-cambridge.com/
