#21toWatch aids collaboration across the East of England
The shortlist for the #21toWatch awards will be announced next week - and the eventual winners can look forward to a host of prizes from supporters and sponsors.
The initiative celebrates pioneering people, companies and ‘things’ across the East of England.
Among those on the longlist are Creasallis and Psyomics.
Creasallis is The Creative Antibodies Solutions Company addressing bottlenecks in antibody-based therapeutics. It's debut technology, CreaTap, engineers antibodies for deeper tumour penetration. This hopes to improve cancer treatments for patients.
Psyomics’ comprehensive digital assessment helps everyone access the best support for their mental health needs, quickly and accurately whilst also reducing the pressure on the stretched mental health system.
Organised by PR and communications agency cofinitive, and supported once again by the Cambridge Independent, #21toWatch helps showcase emerging talent.
Prizes on offer have previously included a free business health check, the chance to feature on a podcast, free banking and a tailored session on communications strategy.
Maria Peyman, partner at Birketts LLP, which has backed the campaign since its inception in 2018, said: “Birketts LLP is proud to be supporting #21toWatch again this year, an event that showcases the breadth of innovation in the region. Birketts has particular expertise in, and a commitment to working with and supporting, start-up businesses and established businesses that are moving into new progressive areas. This is why we recognise the importance of #21toWatch to innovative businesses and individuals.”
The sponsors and partners benefit from cross promotion, as The Bradfield Centre found when it offered free three-month office membership to the “Top21.2021” winners.
Francesca O’Hanlon, founder and CEO of Blue Tap, took up the prize.
She said: “This came at the perfect time for me and Blue Tap. Covid-19 restrictions were just beginning to lift, and I was keen to stop working from home. We have a small lab in Cambridge, but as CEO, most of my work is desk-based. Having access to The Bradfield Centre reminded me how great it is to be around like-minded entrepreneurs and freelancers.
“I loved working there so much, I decided to continue my membership after the free period came to an end. It’s been great to feel part of an entrepreneurial community.”
Faye Holland, founder of cofinitive and instigator of #21toWatch, said: “Since the last 18 months has curtailed much of the ability to network and make new connections, we have been hearing time and again from companies and individuals that have been struggling with networking and business development. By introducing those on the long, short and Top21 lists to investors, service providers, professional services companies and support networks the #2toWatch programme is able to facilitate vital connections that help our homegrown talent to flourish.”
New sponsors this year include Ashtons Legal and ip21.
Dr Cristina Penine, associate director at ip21, said: “We’re very excited to be supporting the #21toWatch programme to add value to innovative organisations and individuals by helping them to secure and exploit their IP assets, attract funding and commercialise their innovation.
“We have a well-established network of professional advisors in the innovation, technology and high-growth space which aligns well to support the organisations who are selected to be part of the #21toWatch cohort. We have a passion for, and a long track record of, helping high growth companies achieve their commercial objectives and we’re delighted to be supporting this programme.”
Other supporters include Foresight, Impulse Programme at The Maxwell Centre, Kao Data and Pennington Manches Cooper.
The Cambridge Independent is media partner as a natural extension of the cofinitive sponsorship of our Science and Technology Awards.
The shortlist will be unveiled on February 2, with an independent panel judging the Top21.2022, who will be unveiled at an event on March 3.
Visit cofinitive.com/21toWatch and follow #21toWatch on social media.
Read more
Winners of cofinitive’s #21toWatch awards for 2021 revealed