Find answers to common questions about the SPARK Incubator programme, eligibility, application process, and more.
SPARK is open to anyone with a current affiliation to the University of Cambridge, including undergraduates (including final-year students graduating this summer), postgraduates (including MPhil students), researchers, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty, as well as alumni.
No. You can apply as an individual. We also welcome co-founding teams.
Yes. At least one founder must be affiliated with the University of Cambridge.
Yes.
We support founders building technology-led ventures across technology, science, and social impact — particularly those with clear potential for growth and measurable impact.
SPARK admits a limited cohort to ensure high-touch support, dedicated EIR time, and meaningful access to experts.
There is no programme fee.
Yes. Accommodation at King's College can be arranged on request, subject to availability, at additional cost.
SPARK is a four-week, full-time residential programme. Founders are expected to participate fully throughout.
SPARK is designed to be an in-person programme. A minimum of 90% attendance is expected to ensure founders fully benefit from the residential experience, workshops, and community.
Participants receive:
• A dedicated Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) for each company
• Masterclasses with commercialisation experts, entrepreneurs, and investors
• Workshops and structured venture-building support
• Free working space during the programme
• Curated access to the King's E-Lab global network
• Weekly pitch practice and coaching
• Opportunities to pitch and network with investors at a highly curated Demo Day
• Investment readiness support, including guidance on legal structuring, data-room preparation, and the development of highly curated and tailored pitch decks
• Community programming, including formal dinners, networking, talks, and a wellness programme.
SPARK is designed to make ventures investment-ready in four weeks and provides opportunities to pitch. Funding is not guaranteed; however, founders may access multiple early-stage routes, including non-dilutive grants depending on fit and readiness.
Any investment is decided independently by funders/investors and typically depends on team strength, traction, clarity of the opportunity, and an investable structure.
SPARK helps founders:
• Strengthen venture fundamentals and sharpen strategy
• Build momentum on product and gain traction
• Develop a compelling fundraising narrative and pitch
• Prepare for investor conversations, culminating in a Demo Day
If your team changes after applying, you can notify the organisers prior to the programme start.
Yes — absolutely. SPARK is designed to complement other programmes in the Cambridge ecosystem. If you are already supported by another cohort or incubator, you are still welcome to apply, as long as you can commit to SPARK's full-time, four-week residential format and meet the eligibility criteria.
We screen applications on a rolling basis, so the sooner you apply, the sooner you're likely to hear from us. If we'd like to progress your application, we will invite you to submit a short 60-second video. Following this, interviews will be scheduled in April, with places confirmed by May 2026.