Getting involved in supervising and mentoring
Are you passionate about nurturing the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs?
We’ve had an incredible response and are currently at full capacity for supervisor signups. Thank you to everyone who’s shown interest.
Applications are now closed – but please check back later in case additional opportunities become available. We’re always excited to welcome dedicated individuals to the EnterpriseTECH community.
About the EnterpriseTECH experience for supervisors
EnterpriseTECH is a vibrant, team-based programme that runs twice a year, with around 10 teams per cohort. That’s approximately 120 students annually seeking guidance! As a supervisor, you’ll lead one of these dynamic teams, providing three structured supervisions based on our tailored teaching frameworks. Your expertise will help shape the entrepreneurial journeys of our students, steering them through the exciting world of tech evaluation and innovation.
Why getting involved is inspiring
Joining our supervisor pool is more than just a role; it’s an opportunity for personal and professional growth. You’ll immerse yourself in a diverse ecosystem of students, researchers, and inventors, expanding your network and sparking new or renewed connections.
Witness firsthand the birth of innovative projects and fresh business ideations, and gain valuable insights into emerging technologies. Being a part of our community is not just rewarding —it’s a chance to be at the forefront of entrepreneurial education, making a tangible impact on the future of technology and business.
What background is required?
We look for supervisors with strong technical depth, robust commercial judgement, and the ability to teach and mentor effectively – in that order.
You will typically hold a PhD or equivalent expertise in science or technology, ensuring you can engage confidently with frontier research. Alongside this, you will have substantial business and commercialisation experience – whether through launching ventures, advising early-stage companies, or operating within industry. Finally, you should bring experience in mentoring or teaching, with the ability to guide and challenge university-level students in a structured and supportive way.
I have been proud to support the EnterpriseTECH programme as a supervisor since 2020 because it represents the very best of what can happen when world-class research meets entrepreneurial thinking. My own PhD gave me a deep appreciation of the creativity and rigour behind university research, and over the past 25 years working in technology commercialisation I have seen how difficult it can be to translate great ideas into real-world impact.
EnterpriseTECH bridges that gap brilliantly. It gives students an exceptional opportunity to apply structured commercial thinking to breakthrough technologies, while inventors gain thoughtful, high-quality market and strategy insights that can advance their path to impact. I’m consistently impressed by the learning outcomes for students: their ability to analyse complex technologies, work in multidisciplinary teams, and produce quality deliverables over the course of the programme.
For me, supervising EnterpriseTECH teams has been both deeply enjoyable and a genuine privilege. It is a programme that delivers real value for everyone involved and exemplifies how universities can accelerate the translation of research into societal and economic benefit.
The EnterpriseTECH supervisor role
EnterpriseTECH, a 10-week programme, kicks off with a 40-hour lecture week, setting the stage for hands-on learning under the guidance of a supervisor.
As a supervisor, you are instrumental in bridging theory with practical application through the ‘Cambridge supervision model’. This model allows you to lead your student team in tackling a real-world project, culminating in a comprehensive commercial feasibility report, a promotional video infomercial, and a pitch.
You’ll conduct 3 structured supervisions outside regular working hours, typically hosted at Cambridge Judge Business School. These sessions are dedicated to exploring the technology of the assigned project, crafting a business proposition, and honing the team’s research and analysis. Your role extends to providing insightful feedback on assignments, participating in essential programme milestones, and offering a detailed account of your team’s journey and achievements.
Become a supervisor
We’re not accepting new supervisor signups at the moment, but we’ll reopen the form if more spots become available – stay tuned.
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