Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

SPARK Incubator ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or apply to our program.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

When you apply to SPARK Incubator through our application form, we may collect:

• Name and contact information (email, phone number)
• Educational background
• Professional experience
• Business idea or venture information
• Any other information you provide in your application

2.2 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve your experience on our website. We request your explicit consent before using any non-essential cookies. Our cookie categories include:

• Necessary Cookies: Essential for the website to function properly. These are always active and do not require consent.
• Functionality Cookies: Enable enhanced functionality and personalization. Requires your consent.
• Marketing Cookies: Used by third-party services (HubSpot, Instagram, YouTube) to process your application and display embedded content. Requires your consent.

You can manage your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" button in the footer of our website.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Process and evaluate your application
• Communicate with you about the program
• Send you updates and information about SPARK Incubator
• Improve our website and services
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services that may collect your data with your consent:

• HubSpot (EU Region): For managing application forms and communications. Data is processed in the EU. Requires marketing cookie consent.
• Instagram: For displaying our social media feed as embedded content. Requires marketing cookie consent.
• YouTube: For displaying video content. When marketing consent is not granted, videos link directly to YouTube instead of embedding. Requires marketing cookie consent for embedded videos.

Note: All fonts are self-hosted on our servers and do not share data with third parties.

5. Your Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have the following rights:

• Right to access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Right to rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure: Request deletion of your data
• Right to restrict processing: Request limitation of how we use your data
• Right to data portability: Receive your data in a structured format
• Right to object: Object to processing of your data
• Right to withdraw consent: Withdraw consent at any time by adjusting your cookie preferences in the footer

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in the "Contact Us" section below.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law.

• Application Data: Retained for the duration of the application process and up to 2 years after for record keeping
• Cookie Consent: Your consent preferences are stored locally in your browser and persist until you clear your browser data or withdraw consent

8. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You can manage your cookie preferences at any time:

• Click the "Cookie Settings" button in the website footer
• Accept or reject specific cookie categories (Functionality, Marketing)
• Change your preferences at any time
• Clear your browser cookies to reset all consent preferences

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us at:

Email: spark@kings.cam.ac.uk

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.