UEA spin-out businesses win big at Cambridge Tech Week
By: Communications
Two businesses spun-out from research at UEA have won awards during 2024’s Cambridge Tech Week, seeing off some of the most innovative early-stage companies in the country.
Cambridge Tech Week, which ran from 9-13 September, brought together world-leading experts, innovators and investors to share insights and explore future collaborations. This year’s event was the biggest so far, with more than 5,000 attendees (a 400% increase on last year) and over 500 companies represented across the week.
One of the highlights of the programme was the Innovation Alley exhibition space, supported by UEA, which showcased 50 of the brightest early-stage companies, alongside larger tech firms. Two awards were on offer for delegates, with both the ‘Start-up’ and ‘People’s Choice’ titles being given to companies with strong links to UEA. 
Image: Innovation Alley
Julie Schofield, Associate Director Business Partnerships at UEA, said:
“UEA’s success and prominence at Cambridge Tech Week highlights our commitment to innovation and in supporting the pioneering work of academics and students across the world-leading Norwich Research Park. It was a fantastic opportunity to make new connections and showcase the innovative thinking and groundbreaking tech being nurtured at UEA.
“I was particularly thrilled to see Cellexcel and Virilitas scooping both prizes at the Innovation Alley awards – this alone shines a light on how high the calibre of expertise UEA has to offer is. I look forward to strengthening the relationship with Cambridge Wireless and to fostering new relationships made, and continuing to promote UEA across the East, England and beyond."
Virilitas: Leading the change in men’s reproductive health
Winner: People’s Choice Award
Image: Daniel Marcu receiving the People's Choice Award
Dr Daniel Marcu, Co-founder and Managing Director at Virilitas and Senior Research Scientist at UEA, said:
“One in six couples face infertility, with diagnosis often taking over 3 years. Our technology bridges this gap, empowering men and couples on their reproductive journey. Winning the People’s Choice and Founders Live Awards at Cambridge Tech Week is a profound honour, showing strong support for our mission and demand for our innovative solutions. We are thrilled to drive innovation and change in male fertility.”
Cellexcel: Innovative technology for water resistant materials
Winner: Start-up of the Year
Image: Cellexcel and Virilitas with their Cambridge Tech Week awards.
Steven Curtis, Chief Operating Officer at Cellexcel Ltd, said:
“2024 has been an amazing year for Cellexcel. The recognition from Cambridge Tech Week judges reflects the traction we have gained helping companies adopt biomaterials in their products. We could not have accelerated our technology development so quickly without the help and support from UEA and Norwich Research Park and we look forward to being part of that community for many years.”
Discover more about Cellexcel.