Applications are now open for the 2027 Impulse Programme, the flagship entrepreneurship programme of the Maxwell Centre at the University of Cambridge, helping early-stage science and technology innovators turn promising ideas into viable businesses.
An established launchpad for aspiring founders, Impulse is a three-month, part-time action-learning programme designed to help researchers explore the commercial potential of an idea rooted in their research, develop the skills to take it forward and build valuable relationships within the Cambridge innovation ecosystem.
Running from late April to early July 2027, the programme takes participants from idea validation through to their first investor pitch. Through interactive workshops, group and one-to-one mentoring, and curated networking events, participants explore essential topics including customer discovery, business model development, intellectual property strategy, sources of funding and pitch preparation.
In Programme, participants learn from experienced entrepreneurs, innovators and investors, including already confirmed for 2027, Lord Bilimoria, Amy Weatherup, Dr David Cleevely, Professor Florin Udrea and Phil O’Donovan.
The 2027 programme also welcomes new mentors Alex van Someren and Gareth Marlow, joining an experienced mentoring team that includes Richard Green, Julian Hildersley, Peter McPartland, Shai Vyakarnam, Paul Beastall and Martin Dinnage. Together, they bring a wealth of entrepreneurial, investment and industry experience to support participants as they develop their ventures.
Importantly, Impulse is not an academic programme. Its focus is practical and commercially driven, helping participants test their assumptions, refine their ideas and develop viable business plans. Each cohort programme concludes with a Pitch Day, where participants present their propositions to investors, industry partners and the wider Cambridge innovation community, and celebratory dinner.
Who should apply?
Impulse is open to participants from both within and beyond the University of Cambridge. It is designed for early-stage technology and life science innovators with an active business idea rooted in their research. Projects can be at a very early stage, or applicants may already have incorporated a company, formed a team or secured some funding.
The experience can be transformative for participants at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey. As Theressa Ewa, a 2026 participant from the University of Cambridge, explains:
“I never deeply explored entrepreneurship because I felt stuck and did not know how to move forward. Impulse changed that for me.”
For Meysam Keshavarz, founder of ExoNostic, who participated while at Imperial College London, the programme helped shape the direction of his business:
“Impulse played a critical role in shaping ExoNostic’s direction. The support and mentorship I received helped me understand what it takes to build a successful business.”
A community that continues beyond the programme
Completing Impulse is just the beginning. Participants join an established alumni community, gaining ongoing access to free masterclasses, networking events and opportunities, alongside a wider network of founders, researchers, investors, mentors and industry experts.
The results speak for themselves: Impulse alumni have gone on to lead more than 150 companies, raise over £500 million in funding and create more than 1,700 jobs.
Apply for Impulse 2027
If you have a science or technology innovation you want to take further, Impulse could help you make the next step towards commercial reality.
Applications are now open for the 2027 programme, beginning in late April. Find out more and apply at:
