#21toWatch shortlist for 2023 revealed and showcase next generation of Cambridge game

The shortlist for #21toWatch 2023 has been announced by cofinitive - and once again showcases the next-generation of game-changers and innovators in the Cambridge region.

Drawn from an array of sectors - including biotech, cleantech, agritech, construction, automotive, deep learning, marine, life sciences and AI - they share a common mission to develop solutions for a better world.

The #21toWatch initiative has proved a reliable indicator of future success for those featured on its lists over the last five years, with half of those featured in the Top21 receiving funding. Last year was no exception, with the Top21.2022 companies receiving significant investment.

Micro-LED maker Porotech closed a series A round of venture funding worth $20m, DIOSynVax enjoyed a $42m injection from Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to develop a universal coronavirus vaccine, and Semarion, a company combining materials engineering and cell biology to tackle unmet drug screening needs, banked £2.14m in seed funding.

This year, the independent judging panel with the tough job of picking the final Top21 from a shortlist overflowing with talent includes Hanadi Jabado, managing partner at Sana Capital, Tom Britton, entrepreneur, investor and co-founder of SyndicateRoom, Maximilian Ge, president of Entrepreneurial Postdocs of Cambridge (EPOC) at the University of Cambridge; and John Stenhouse, business support manager at the University of Essex, who manages the Angels@Essex equity investment platform.

The shortlist of 43 will be assessed according to five strict criteria: genuine innovation, the ability to address a real challenge, influence, viability and memorability. Each is then additionally researched via third party platforms such as Companies House and Crunchbase.

Faye Holland, creator of #21toWatch, and cofinitive director, said: "Cambridge is the established centre of UK innovation playing host to a 1,000-plus start-ups and scale-ups in the vicinity, which makes it a very busy region.

"#21toWatch, however, throws the spotlight on our unique talent and helps them to stand out in the crowd, especially those who are lesser known. A lot of eyes are on the Cambridge cluster. It's a buoyant area for investment. And it is also plugged into the global stage.

"#21toWatch puts you on the immediate radar of investors and buyers as well as potential customers and collaborators and provides a chance to connect with the bigger community that is the Cambridge ecosystem. And that's why, year on year, we receive so many submissions from people and companies wanting to be a part of this. Congratulations to all who have made it this far!"

The judges said they have been overwhelmed with the quality.

Hanadi Jabado described the list as "inspirational", while John Stenhouse said: "Innovation and innovators are at the very core of our UK economy and contribute to our global presence as a leading technology driven nation. It is encouraging to see such individual talent, technical enterprises and innovative products that will fuel future sector growth."

The Cambridge Independent is proud to continue its support for #21toWatch, which is a natural companion to the One to Watch award sponsored by cofinitive at our Science and Technology Awards.

The #21toWatch 2023 shortlist for people

The #21toWatch 2023 shortlist for companies

The #21toWatch 2023 shortlist for innovations (‘things’)

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in March.