Idea Transform launches to nurture new generation of meaningful innovation
New event programme brings together ideas, skills and support to drive change
Cambridge, 8 February 2012: A major new initiative launched today will support entrepreneurs looking to develop technology projects that will make a positive difference to people and society. Created in partnership with the University of Cambridge's Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (CfEL), Idea Transform will help those developing innovative ideas turn them into sustainable businesses through a programme that combines events, mentoring and targeted support. It will support ideas in areas as diverse as education, health, finance, community and the environment.
The first event in the Idea Transform programme will take place between 20-22 April 2012 at the Cambridge Judge Business School. It aims to team up people with ideas and those with business, marketing and technical skills to work together intensely over the weekend in order to develop meaningful and innovative projects. Attendees will benefit from a combination of hands-on, experienced mentors and inspiring keynote speakers to provide the perfect environment to learn, advance their ideas and network with like-minded individuals.
At the end of the weekend an international judging panel will select those projects that show the most promise and Idea Transform will then work closely with them to provide ongoing mentoring and support.
"From the internet to mobile phones, technology now has the potential to fundamentally benefit billions of people across the world," said Shailendra Vyakarnam, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (CfEL), Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge. "Harnessing this wave of innovation can deliver a meaningful impact in so many areas – but too many great ideas are simply falling by the wayside due to a lack of early stage support. That's why CfEL is backing Idea Transform, as it promises to empower exciting projects that will make a real difference to people and society."
Idea Transform has been created by Mauro Ciaccio, Chris Measures and Jeremy Parsons, who between them have over 50 years of experience in supporting startup and early stage projects through events, business development and marketing knowledge. It is backed by a high profile advisory board, which numbers investor Peter Cowley, entrepreneur Allan MacLean and business adviser Chris Lamaison amongst its members.
"Creating any startup is an arduous and difficult process that needs a huge amount of support if it is to succeed," said Chris Measures, co-founder, Idea Transform. "We can see the potential innovative new ideas have to benefit us all, so we wanted to provide the support entrepreneurs need to develop and grow, across the entire early stage lifecycle, through both intensive events and ongoing mentoring."
Tickets are on sale now for the first Idea Transform event, with early bird discounts available.
For more information and to see the full programme please visit www.ideatransform.org, follow us on twitter (@ideatransform) or email info@ideatransform.org.
About Idea Transform
Innovation, ideas and technology now have the ability to make a difference, delivering real, long-term change across the globe. Cambridge-based Idea Transform has been created to empower the meaningful entrepreneurs driving this change through events, mentoring and targeted support. Backed by the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (CfEL) it aims to inspire meaningful projects, from Cambridge and beyond, in areas as diverse as education, health, finance, community and the environment.
The first Idea Transform event will be held between 20-22 April 2012 at the Judge Business School, Cambridge. Open to all, it will bring together people with innovative ideas and those with the skills they need to develop meaningful projects over the course of the weekend. Supported by experienced mentors and high profile keynote speakers it aims to identify promising projects, which will then receive the ongoing backing they need to develop and flourish.
For more information please visit www.ideatransform.org, follow us on twitter (@ideatransform) or email info@ideatransform.org.