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Increasing the impact of research
Research whose delegates have attended the Ignite programme. “My goal for attending Ignite was to learn how to maximise the potential of the exciting entrepreneurial ideas we develop at Microsoft Research. I felt that I got a huge amount of practical acuity into the whole entrepreneurial process. In my opinion, the Ignite week was the most insightful training course that I have attended since my degree.” Dinan Gunawardena, Ignite delegate 2007, Microsoft Research Ltd
“Ignite is, with no doubt, the best and quickest way to get educated, trained and connected on all aspects of entrepreneurship. For most of the non-business background participants, it simply opens the door to an entirely new world.” Dr. Peng Li, Ignite delegate 2009, Centre for Advanced Photonics and Electronics (CAPE) Cambridge University Engineering Department
The main aim of the researcher is to develop further understanding and expertise in their chosen field. This leads to a quality and depth of knowledge which is invaluable. However, it is often the case that such individuals lack other core skills which can impact on the application and effectiveness of research projects. The University of Cambridge’s Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (CfEL) offers a number of open programmes which attract researchers, scientists and academics keen to develop their skills and learn new ways to think about their research. The programmes are designed to develop personal awareness and social skills combined with business development support. These additional skills can prove important in terms of realising the potential of ideas and bridging the gap between research and the community. Partnership with the Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (CfEL) The Centre currently works with a range of local and international partners to develop relevant skills for starting up and growing enterprises. The aim is to build knowledge and capacity which can be shared and sustained over the long term. Policy makers, scholars and business leaders now recognise the importance of experience-based learning and active participation by entrepreneurial practitioners in designing and teaching entrepreneurship courses. The Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (CfEL) has been a true pioneer in practitioner-led enterprise education and has expanded its network by inviting some 350 entrepreneurs and practitioners (including Venture Capitalists, Business Angels, bankers and other experts) to teach and to interact with students. Partnership with CfEL will provide access to the rich resources of the Cambridge entrepreneurial network, Cambridge Judge Business School and the wider University of Cambridge community. CfEL Programmes: Ignite and Enterprisers Ignite is an annual, intensive one-week training programme for aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate innovators to trial and prepare technology-based business ideas or innovations for the commercial environment in order to increase the chances of success. Examples of collaboration include partnerships with the Malaysian Biotech Corporation, la Caixa Venture Capital and Microsoft
Enterprisers is 4-day educational experience that inspires people to develop entrepreneurial skills and a ‘can do’ attitude with the confidence to make things happen. The Centre has collaborated with a number of Research Councils, UK and international Universities on the Enterprisers programme. “I was able to meet new people in related fields, likeminded other students from other Universities, including MIT, Cambridge and elsewhere. I was also able to meet people from Corporates such as American Express and Microsoft and to interact with experienced facilitators and leaders from business. My real inspiration came in absorbing the eye-opening “can-do” attitude of Enterprisers – a huge change from the academic world I had so far inhabited.” Dr Sunny Kotecha, Enterprisers delegate 2006, Founder of Silver Line Coaching
Research collaboration CfEL has a dedicated research team working on a number of research themes including ‘Understanding Individuals and Clusters’ and ‘Entrepreneurship Education’ and is keen to collaborate with faculty members from other institutions on joint research projects. Customised Programmes We are happy to design a completely new, bespoke programme for your audience for a reasonable fee. The training objectives and content should fit with entrepreneurship, innovation, enterprise practices and skills. Please contact CfEL to discuss further.
For further information contact: Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning Tel: +44 (0)1223 766900 Email: cfel@jbs.cam.ac.uk Web: http://www.cfel.jbs.cam.ac.uk Programme Collaboration Yupar Myint Director of International Business Development Email: cfel@jbs.cam.ac.uk Research Collaboration Dr Shima Barakat Research and Teaching Fellow Email: cfelresearch@jbs.cam.ac.uk