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A challenge that supports you at every step
The Postdoc Venture Creation Challenge, (PVCC) is aimed at supporting busy University of Cambridge postdocs interested in taking their first steps into creating a venture from their research.
The challenge welcomes innovative ideas across deep tech, life sciences, AI, software, and social impact, with two tracks to support different types of ventures.
Previous winners of the PVCC have gone on to raise £172m in investments and the programme represents a unique chance to get your early ventures recognised and developed.
More than a competition the PVCC, provides workshops, mentoring and an incredible launchpad for early-stage ideas.
The 2025 finale took place on the 13th November 2025 with the competition next beginning in April 2026.
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PVCC 2025 Winners
The PVCC Grand Finale was held on 13th November 2025 where the 8 finalists pitched to a live audience and judges.
All teams had worked incredibly hard in the lead up to the finale which was culmination of all their efforts and what they have learned across the programme.
The winners are listed below:
Chris Abell Prize (Winner of Business Track): Ötzi
Second Place Business Track: Dielectrix
Social Venture Winners: GreenMixes
Audience Award Winners: SomNyx
To find out more, please email uen@enterprise.cam.ac.uk
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2025 Finalists
Finalists of the 2025 PVCC
CLEAR Methane: Developing a novel catalytic technology capable of oxidizing atmospheric methane.
Led by Aliki Marina TsopelakouDielectrix: Building the future of semiconductor hardware through smaller, more energy efficient and rapid transistors.
Led by Maheera Abdul Ghani, Ph.DEpisteme: Aiming to reshape the ways of building and governing algorithmic systems.
Led by Kristina KhutsishviliGreenMixes: Developing a new biomass waste-derived additive to sequester carbon in the atmosphere to reduce environmental damage.
Led by Callon Peate&Dushanth SeevaratnamObasense: Creating a new form of low cost, hyper sensitive sensors using advanced nanomaterials for detecting toxic and dangerous gases and pollutants for multiple areas and industries.
Led by Osarenkhoe Ogbeide and Timothy LambdenÖtzi: A unique venture developing an AI platform for accurately predicting extreme weather events in changing climate
Led by Omer NivronProtalea Bio: Leading the development in new drug discovery platforms for cancer diseases based on 15+ years of research into Gaucher’s and Myeloma
Led by Elena PavlovaSomnyx: Developing a new form of sleep condition diagnostic equipment for potential applications in multiple clinical areas, including at home care.
Led by Wentian Yi & Nina Rzechorzek
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Molly Haugen | CEO & Co-Founder, Aetosense
"As a scientist, you're not taught how to build a business. The competition gave me the tools, language and confidence to start."
