Celebrating innovators in Cambridge & the East of England, #21toWatch showcases emerging talent & breakthroughs
The #21toWatch awards highlight the people, companies and the ‘things’ they create – recognising the most exciting early-stage innovators across AI, deep tech, life sciences, biotech, climate tech and more.
Where talent
meets opportunity
Many of the startups on our annual list (not just the Top21) have gone on to achieve great things; earning greater exposure to investors, media and the wider innovation ecosystem.
For our sponsors and partners, #21toWatch is an investment in the future of the Cambridge innovation ecosystem – backing the ideas, talent and technologies of tomorrow.
The Awards Event
one night, countless breakthroughs
Held in March, the annual #21toWatch competition brings together Cambridge’s most promising new founders and tech leaders. Each shortlisted team presents their achievements in a one-minute pitch to a panel of expert judges.
Last year’s winners collectively raised an impressive £183 million – demonstrating that the Top21 list is a trusted source for serious investors and the ideal catalyst for startups seeking early-stage capital.
#21TOWATCH
Accelerating Ambition, Rewarding Innovation
If you would like to submit a person, company or ‘thing’ to the #21toWatch list, please click the button below.
£183m
Collectively raised last year
1,736
Founders & their innovations spotlighted
>£710m
Raised by 147 winners (not including CMR Surgical)
LATEST NEWS
Attend
Want to be a guest?
The annual #21toWatch event is by exclusive invitation.
If you would like to express your interest, please get in touch.
Judges
All nominations to the annual longlist are triaged down to a shortlist based on five criteria: Innovation, Challenge, Influence, Viability and Memorability. They are also financially assessed through the Companies House service and their investment status on Crunchbase.
A shortlist is then provided to an independent set of judges who select the top 7 from each of the three categories that will make up the #21toWatch Top21. Our 2025 judges were Tom Hughes, Jo Slota-Newson, Chris Ellis & Christine Martin.
2026 Judges
“This year’s #21toWatch shortlist is an impressive and exciting showcase of the depth and diversity of innovation coming out of the region. The quality of the ideas, together with the energy, ambition and expertise behind them, really stood out - a real pleasure to judge" – Tasneem Khatib
Sponsors & Partners
Nominate
Each year nominations are received from a range of sources: by the entrants directly, by their investors, advisors, or by those across the support ecosystem.
If you would like to submit a person, company or ‘thing’ to the #21toWatch list, please complete the form below and we’ll be in touch to confirm next steps.
Everyone who successfully qualifies for the longlist, shortlist, and Top21 will receive a promotional icon to use in their own communications – this has been shown to amplify awareness and is supported by #21toWatch's social media campaigns.
