The Innovate Cambridge Summit 2026 will bring together more than 500 leaders from across research, industry, investment, government and the wider innovation ecosystem to explore the next phase of innovation-led growth for Cambridge and the UK.
Taking place at the Guildhall, Cambridge on 21 October 2026, the event will provide an update on progress across the Innovate Cambridge initiative while setting out future ambitions for one of the world’s leading innovation ecosystems.
The Summit has become a platform for announcements from government, industry and academia, as well as a forum for shaping progress and future direction – exploring what good growth looks like in practice and showcasing how Cambridge technologies will drive the UK economy and change the world.
We will provide an update on progress and delivery, examine the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the UK innovation economy, from scaling breakthrough companies and attracting investment to building stronger partnerships between cities, regions and institutions.
This years themes include:
- Start, scale and stay: making Cambridge and the UK attractive for companies to scale and grow
- Powering UK growth: the role of partnerships between cities and clusters
- Delivering good growth: what works in practice and future ambition
Confirmed speakers:
- Sara Allen – Executive Director, The Cambridge Pledge
- Michael Anstey – Partner, Cambridge Innovation Capital
- Prof. Sir John Aston – Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, University of Cambridge
- Prof. Mete Atatüre – Head of Department, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge
- Steve Brierley – CEO, Riverlane
- Mayor Paul Bristow – Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough
- Matt Burman – Artistic Director and CEO, Cambridge Junction
- Kathryn Chapman – CEO, Innovate Cambridge
- Peter Freeman – Chair, Cambridge Growth Company
- Jessica Gardner – Director, Cambridge University Library
- Shaun Grady – Chair, AstraZeneca UK
- Prof. Clare Grey – Chief Scientist and Co-Founder, Nyobolt
- Faye Holland – Director, The Cambridge x Manchester Partnership
- Pascal Levensohn – Chairman, Cambridge Innovation Hub Global Advisory Board, University of Cambridge
- Umaima Malik Ahmad – CEO & Co-Founder, 52North
- Alex McCracken – Head of Venture Relationships, EMEA, J.P.Morgan
- David Moore – CEO, Pragmatic Semiconductor
- Prof. Andy Neely – Chair, Innovate Cambridge
- Alan Patterson – CEO & Co-Founder, Beyond Math
- Jason Pontin – General Partner, DCVC
- Rebecca Porter – CEO, Cambridge Science Centre
- Prof. Deborah Prentice – Vice-Chancellor, University of Cambridge
- Roland Sinker – Chair, Inclusive Innovation and Growth Review, University of Cambridge
- Debbie Toms – Chief of Staff, CuspAI
- Esme Ward – Director of Manchester Museum, The University of Manchester
- Ed Wood – Vice President of Product, Nu Quantum
Last year’s Summit reached capacity within hours, reflecting the growing momentum and interest surrounding Cambridge’s role in the future of innovation. Early registration is encouraged.