Enter the 2025 Cambridge Independent Science and Technology Awards
Entry is open for the 2025 Cambridge Independent Science and Technology Awards.
The leading celebration of science and technology sectors in the Cambridge region, the awards are now in their eighth year and have developed a reputation for highlighting exceptional achievements and talent.
Fifteen categories are available to enter, from Start-up of the Year to Life Science Company of the Year, via the form below.
Entry is free – and thanks to the fantastic support of our sponsors, those shortlisted will get two free tickets for the awards ceremony, which will take place on 15 May at Hinxton Hall Conference Centre and be attended by hundreds of leading lights from science and technology-related businesses and institutions.
A description of each of the categories available to enter can be found below the form.
If you have questions about the awards, or want to get involved, contact paul.brackley@iliffemedia.co.uk. You can see the 2024 winners here and the 2023 winners here.
THE RULES
- Entrants must have a base within the Cambridge Independent circulation area.
- Nominees can enter more than one category. You can enter multiple categories with one form, or choose to submit different entries for different categories to enable you to tailor your entry.
- Nominations are open now and close at 11pm on January 31, 2025. Contact paul.brackley@iliffemedia.co.uk if you have any questions about your submission or this deadline.
- Individuals can nominate themselves, or be nominated, for the Researcher of the Year and CEO of the Year categories.
- Previous nominees and winners are welcome to enter.
COMPLETING YOUR ENTRY
If you wish to include sensitive information in your entry, but do not wish it made public at this stage, please indicate this on your entry.
Remember that the judging panel will be particularly interested to hear about progress over the last year.
To find out more about we handle your data please go to iliffemedia.co.uk/privacy-policy.
THE ENTRY FORM
All boxes marked with a star need to be completed.
THE CATEGORIES
Below you’ll find a description of each of the 16 categories at the awards.
Start-up of the Year
Sponsored by Kao Data
This celebration of early-stage companies will reward those who show entrepreneurial drive to solve a problem, or improve on what is already out there. Previous winners have gone on to great things – we are sure this year’s winner will do too.
STEM Initiative of the Year
Sponsored by Cambridge Science Park
This award will recognise work to encourage greater engagement in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. From inspiring young people to consider courses and careers in STEM, and creating the next generation of entrepreneurs, to broadening access to, and understanding of, STEM fields in the wider population, we are looking for projects that have made a difference. Tell us about the impact you have made. Previous winners have included Cambridge Science Centre, Cambridge LaunchPad and Cambourne Electronics and Robotics Club.
Researcher of the Year
Sponsored by AstraZeneca
Open to academic and commercial researchers alike, this award will recognise a researcher who is outstanding in his or her field, and has carried out exemplary work in the last year. Share details of the purpose, method and findings of the research, any publications, its impact and potential applications. Researchers can nominate themselves, or be nominated by others.
The Award for Innovation
Sponsored by Railpen
This will highlight innovative products, ideas and companies across all fields of science and technology. How is what you offer different to what’s out there? How has your company changed the landscape? Share your stories of ingenuity with us.
Employer of the Year
What makes your organisation an attractive place to work? Demonstrate your commitment to your team, to corporate social responsibility and to the green agenda with this award, which will highlight an organisation or business within any field of science and technology that truly supports its employees and the community.
The Tech for Good Award
Sponsored by Allia Future Business Centre Cambridge
What is the purpose of your technology? This award seeks to reward those using technology for positive social, environmental or economic ends. Open to companies, social enterprises and other organisations, the judges will reward impact.
Cleantech Company of the Year
Sponsored by Woodfines Solicitors
We want to reward the pioneers of cleantech, who are thinking about the planet as well as their bottom line. The winner will be a company with technology that solves a problem, or improves lives, in a sustainable way – a true example to all.
AI Company of the Year
It has been a huge year for AI, as the technology develops at a rapid pace. With Cambridge leading the way in showing how AI and machine learning can be used in a positive way to solve all sorts of problems, we are looking for entries that demonstrate novel and innovative uses.
CEO of the Year
Sponsored by Howden Insurance
We are looking for a CEO that has provided inspirational leadership that has led to real progress – and not just to the bottom line, but also in workplace culture, sustainability or approach. Chief executives can nominate themselves, or be nominated by members of their team or external observers.
Software Company of the Year
Sponsored by Mantle Space
We are looking for a software company that has delivered something fresh, exciting and innovative for clients in the last year. How has your software made a difference?
Biotech Company of the Year
Sponsored by Appleyard Lees
This is always very keenly contested as the Cambridge region is at the centre of one of the most exciting biotechnology clusters in the world. Tell us about the progress your company has made in the last year, and explain how your work can improve lives. Won last year by Crescendo Biologics, who will take the award this time?
The One to Watch
Sponsored by cofinitive
With a track record in highlighting the next big thing, this award seeks to identify individuals, companies or technologies that are showing great promise. Designed for early-stage businesses – not yet ready to enter the Start-up of the Year category – we are looking for future trailblazers.
Medtech Company of the Year
Sponsored by St John’s Innovation Centre
We want to hear evidence of how your medtech is capable of improving healthcare for patients. From groundbreaking tools that can diagnose disease to methods of monitoring a condition, we’re looking for technology that improves quality of life. Last year, the award went to PlaqueTec after its pivotal year.
Technology Company of the Year
Sponsored by the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Anglia Ruskin University
How is your company’s technology making a difference? What has your team achieved in the last 12 months? This broad category encapsulates any company with technology at its heart – from wireless tech to agritech, engineering expertise to electronics.
Life Science Company of the Year
Sponsored by Zyme Communications
We are looking for a pioneer – a company worthy of special recognition in one of the world’s most exciting life science clusters. The winner of this coveted title will need to demonstrate how their work in the last year has made a difference.
Lifetime Achievement Award
This special award will honour an individual whose work has made a very significant and lasting impact on a sector or field. The winner will be selected by a panel of judges. Unlike the other entries, this category is not open for general entry. But to propose somebody for consideration by the panel, contact paul.brackley@iliffemedia.co.uk.
