EnterpriseTECH STAR

EnterpriseTECH STAR overview

EnterpriseTECH STAR is designed for alumni of EnterpriseTECH with early-stage business ideas, accepting up to 20 participants in a single cohort each year.

The programme focuses on personal and entrepreneurial development through experiential learning, one-to-one mentorship, and opportunities for investor engagement. It equips participants with the skills and tools needed for success in entrepreneurial ventures, while also supporting broader career aspirations in business and leadership roles.

Programme dates

Cohort V: 9 April-9 June 2025

Application deadline: Monday 10 February 2025

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EnterpriseTECH STAR: Turn your ideas into impact

EnterpriseTECH STAR is a transformative 10-week programme that provides an intense, hands-on experience to help you shape your research or ideas into a compelling business proposition. With a combination of face-to-face sessions, expert-led talks, workshops, and progressively challenging tasks, the programme is crafted to help you grow as both an entrepreneur and an individual.

Key highlights include mentoring brunches with experienced and enthusiastic mentors who will guide you through the entrepreneurial journey, offering personalised insights and encouragement. Since 2019, over 70 alumni have benefited from the programme, with many achieving significant milestones in their ventures—you could be next. Notably, there is no requirement or expectation for participants to establish a company to join the programme. However, many of our alumni go on to found their own companies shortly after completing it.

Personal and business idea programme tracks

A distinguishing feature of EnterpriseTECH STAR is the personal development our students experience as they find their entrepreneurial stride. You begin the programme with a business idea, and our aim is to help you take it to the next stage, whether that’s getting a place in an incubator or accelerator, winning a competition, or attracting pre-seed funding.

As you progress through the programme, you’ll develop along 2 tracks:

Personal track

Develop the essential skills and confidence needed to succeed as an entrepreneur:

Master the art of communicating your ideas effectively.
Build a strong and confident voice with professional coaching.
Hone storytelling techniques to make your pitch unforgettable.
Overcome entrepreneurial challenges with greater self-assurance.
Learn from leadership experts and prepare for the next stage of your venture.

Business idea track

Refine your business ideas and connect with the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem:

Tailored educational content aligned with your business ideas and goals.
Build connections across the Cambridge enterprise ecosystem.
One-on-one attention from experienced, industry-specific mentors.

Build your entrepreneur’s toolkit

Throughout the programme, you’ll work on various tasks, both as homework and during workshop activities, culminating in the creation of essential entrepreneurial resources, such as:

A one-page business plan summary
A detailed business plan
A pitch and pitch deck
A video pitch or interview
Professional portrait photos
A jobs-to-do list

You’ll also receive feedback on each deliverable from mentors and the programme team, ensuring you leave with polished materials to support your entrepreneurial journey.

Benefits for participants

Overall, EnterpriseTECH STAR offers you a unique opportunity to develop both your personal and professional skills as an entrepreneur, gain valuable insights and guidance from experienced mentors and industry experts, and take the next steps towards getting your business idea off the ground.

Personal development: You can expect to gain more confidence with business literacy, leadership skills, and increased self-awareness in the entrepreneurship space.
Business development: You will receive guidance and support in developing your business ideas.
Networking: You will have plenty of opportunities to meet and network with programme speakers, mentors and industry-specific experts.
Incubator and accelerator opportunities: Successfully completing the programme brings with it quite a bit of exposure, our experience has been that you can expect to have a higher chance of earning a place in an incubator or accelerator, winning a competition, or attracting pre-seed funding.
Exposure to a wide range of industries: The programme is open to participants from all backgrounds, and you can expect to gain exposure to a wide range of tech-based sectors, which can provide valuable insight and inspiration.
Personal fulfilment: The programme can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, as you have the opportunity to work on something you are passionate about. This can provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment that extends beyond (and for far longer) than the scope and duration of the programme itself.

Time commitment

EnterpriseTECH STAR requires a 180-hour commitment over 10 weeks:

In-person contact time: 120 hours across Fridays and Saturdays (except Module 1 and 5, which include additional days for the Launch Evening and Investor Pitches).
Self-directed work: 60 hours developing your business idea and preparing assigned tasks.

Our alumni have successfully balanced the programme with their primary courses and research. If you’re uncertain about the timing or impact on your research, please contact the Programme Director. Applicants are expected to have their supervisor’s support before accepting a place if applicable.