Why Locate Here?
The University
For many students, businesses and visitors, it is the University of Cambridge that first brings them to
the area. From Isaac Newton in the 17th century, Charles Darwin in the 19th to Rutherford, Watson and
Crick, and Sanger in the 20th century, Cambridge has an unrivalled tradition in leading-edge research
and scientific discoveries that have changed the world.
Seventy-one Nobel Laureates have been awarded to Cambridge University scientists for their contribution to science and technology, more than any other university in the world. Visit the University website for the complete list of Nobel prize-winners plus full history.
The University has a substantial impact on the UK economy – the impact of which has been valued as
requiring replacement of an NPV of £57.5bn in GDP and 154,000 new jobs over the next 10 years if neither
the University nor the high-tech cluster existed. Download the study here:
Cambridge
University Economic Impact Study.
It is estimated that at least 200 start-up businesses have emerged from the University since the late 1990s. And this momentum is continuing to gather pace. For example, a new Cancer Research Centre established at the Addenbrooke’s Hospital site is linking some of the latest University medical sector research with pioneering work on the human genome being carried out at the nearby Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute.
By establishing a business presence in the area, you will be well-placed to take advantage of all the opportunities to network, exchange ideas and forge relationships within the Cambridge Technology Cluster. Opportunities for collaboration within the University and local enterprise community are covered in the section on business support
Key high-tech and biotech sectors
The high-tech and biotechnology industries are central to the local economy. In the high-tech sector,
Cambridge technologies are leading the way in fields such as semiconductors, wireless technology, display
technology, sensors, inkjet technology, mobile telecommunications and instrumentation. Greater Cambridge
is already home to Europe’s foremost biotechnology cluster and is leading research in drug discovery,
development and delivery, agricultural biotechnology and animal healthcare. Other key sectors include
high-value manufacturing and food industries.
A comprehensive business support infrastructure includes specialist technical consultancies, science parks and innovation centres, business networks, events and numerous opportunities for collaboration. Reflecting this, the European Union has awarded the area two 'Labels of Excellence' for innovation and high-tech start-up support. For further information, visit the business support section
Who’s here already?
Global firms such as Astra-Zeneca, Epson, Genzyme, Kodak, Microsoft, Napp Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Silvaco
and Toshiba have chosen to locate here, often to take advantage of the opportunities for research or
through the acquisition of specialist local companies.
Many companies use our inward investment agency, East of England International, for help in establishing a presence here. Visit EEI for case studies on why and how companies have located in the area.
