Founders at the University of Cambridge – SYNC

Founders at the University of Cambridge is a strategic initiative delivered by Cambridge Enterprise that supports founders through venture-building programmes, mentoring, and access to global networks.

SYNC is its co‑founder matching and early-stage accelerator, designed to help individuals form teams and launch new startups. It brings together students, researchers, and alumni from across disciplines to explore ideas, build co‑founding teams, and begin developing ventures, particularly in areas such as AI and emerging technologies.

The programme runs part-time over an initial intensive phase, combining workshops, masterclasses, and structured collaboration. Participants go through stages of exploration, team formation, and early venture building, supported by mentors and a wider network of founders and investors.

Following the initial programme, teams continue to receive support, including mentoring, networking, and opportunities to pitch for early-stage funding. SYNC provides a pathway into more advanced programmes such as the START pre-seed accelerator, helping founders progress from forming a team to building an investment-ready company.