This week on Cambridge Tech Podcast, we sit down with Sabesan Sithamparanathan, founder and president of PervasID, to talk about how a passion for innovation, and a background shaped by a journey from Sri Lanka to Cambridge, led to pioneering advances in RFID technology.

In the episode, Sabesan breaks down how battery-free RFID is quietly transforming major industries:

• Retail: Tackling theft and stock issues while boosting sales with real-time inventory tracking
• Aerospace: Preventing tool loss and reducing foreign object debris to improve safety and save billions
• Healthcare: Ensuring critical medical equipment is always accounted for, improving patient outcomes
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He also shares the reality of turning lab research into a commercial product, the power of strategic partnerships, and how PervasID is positioning itself for global scale.

Plus, Sabesan reflects on his commitment to STEM education and the role tech companies can play in shaping future learning, especially in a world increasingly influenced by AI.

Produced by Cambridge TV

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Have you ever thought about the massive impact of insect infestations on our world?

Robert Fryers, CEO of Spotta, shared some incredible insights on how their innovative early warning systems are revolutionising pest control. From humble beginnings in 2013 to now operating in 24 countries, Spotta is making waves in the tech world.

Robert's journey is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. From navigating the challenges of COVID-19 to securing investment and expanding their product range, Spotta's story is truly inspiring.

Key Insights

The pest control market is vast, with insect infestations causing about half a trillion dollars in damage annually. Spotta's technology addresses this significant market opportunity

Spotta's first product targeted bedbugs in hotels, but the company has since expanded to other sectors like forestry, agriculture, and horticulture

Spotta uses ultra-low power vision systems for real-time monitoring of insects. This technology is designed to be cost-effective and sustainable, running for up to a year on an alkaline battery

The company is committed to reducing the use of chemical insecticides, which aligns with global regulatory pressures and the need for more sustainable pest control solutions

Robert expresses a desire for Spotta to become a unicorn. He believes that the scale of the problem they are addressing, combined with their unique technology and market position, makes this goal achievable.

Produced by Cambridge TV

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What happens when a San Francisco VC takes the reins at Cambridge Enterprise?

Six months into the role, Jim Glasheen joins us to talk about his early moves as incoming CEO, like opening a London office to better plug Cambridge into global capital and talent flows. But this episode goes deeper than strategy.

Key takeaways:

• Cambridge has over 40 entrepreneurship programmes, but Jim questions if we’re at risk of creating an “illusion of entrepreneurship” without real market pressure.

• There’s a persistent Series B funding gap. His push? Build international investor relationships before companies need to scale.

• He wants the ecosystem to get more comfortable with failure and take on more risk.

• Cambridge Enterprise now spans licensing, founder support, venture investment, consulting, and ecosystem-building.

Jim’s set the clock ticking: in 6 months, he’ll report back on how international outreach and risk appetite are shifting. For now, he's off to the BIO conference in Boston to keep building those global ties.

Listen in for a sharp, honest look at what Cambridge needs next, and how leadership is setting the tone.

Produced by Cambridge TV

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This week James sits down with David Cleevely to explore the concept of serendipity and its role in innovation. David’s insights are not only thought-provoking but also practical for anyone looking to foster creativity and collaboration in their ventures.

Key Takeaways:

• David challenges the traditional notion of serendipity as mere luck. He asserts, “Serendipity doesn’t happen by accident. It’s much more by design.” This perspective encourages us to create environments that increase the likelihood of unexpected, beneficial encounters.

• He emphasises the need for organisations to rethink their structures and networks to facilitate serendipitous interactions. “You want to actually design things so that the unpredictable is going to happen,” he explains.

• The book is aimed at those frustrated with slow innovation in large organisations, including civil servants and corporate leaders. David’s goal is to inspire a shift in mindset towards embracing unpredictability in the innovation process.

• He shares his experience of writing the book, highlighting the collaboration with a personal trainer-like figure who helped him structure his thoughts and ideas effectively.

• David also provides practical frameworks for fostering serendipity within teams and organisations, encouraging listeners to consider how they can engineer opportunities for chance encounters.

The episode then features highlights from David’s previous appearance on the podcast in November 2024 (episodes 112 and 113), pulling together serendipity related highlights from that conversation to celebrate the book launch.

Produced by Cambridge TV

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This week’s episode features a fascinating interview with Nazmus Tareque and Raoul Peltier, co-founders of AnthroTek, a startup that is pushing the boundaries of material science in medical and robotics applications.

Nazmus and Raoul come from very different worlds - law and VC on one side, drug delivery and materials science on the other - but together they’re building hyper-realistic silicone solutions for real world impact.

A few standout moments from the conversation:

🧠 “We started with this idea of what the market might need, and very early on, we realised the demand is not for hyperrealism, but for functionality.” – Raoul

🌍 “We want to stay a humane company that finds solutions that help people and the planet.” – Nazmus

Key Takeaways from the Interview:

• The duo emphasised the importance of market discovery, stating, “We literally started with a lot of ideas and we didn’t know which one was going to work.” This approach has allowed them to refine their focus on medical applications, which currently account for 80% of their revenue.

• Both founders are passionate about sustainability, aiming to develop biodegradable alternatives to traditional silicone. “We are really interested in using our material science knowledge to explore can we find within five years an alternative to silicone that is actually biodegradable,” Nazmus shared.

• The Cambridge tech scene has played a pivotal role in their success and they highlighted the importance of networking and collaboration.

Produced by Cambridge TV

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In this episode, we sit down with Anne Bailey from Form the Future to talk about how we can better connect young people with opportunities in the tech industry. Anne shares why building those bridges matters now more than ever:

“We want to bridge the gap between employers who need skilled talent and young people who are eager to learn.”

We also dive into Tech Futures Day, an initiative designed to give students real exposure to the tech world through hands-on experiences and direct access to industry professionals.

Later in the episode, we shift focus to HackEd, a hackathon with a twist. James Adams and Tim Smith from Tech Educators talk about the impact of bringing diverse groups of students together to explore, build, and present tech projects in just a few days:

“HackEd is about bringing together diverse backgrounds and exposing students to the world of technology.”

From teamwork and mentorship to presenting ideas to real industry leaders; it’s clear this isn’t just another school trip.

💡 Why listen?

·       Hear how initiatives like HackEd and Tech Futures Day are shaping the future tech talent pipeline

·       Get inspired by the students making their first mark on the industry

·       Understand why this matters for founders, VCs, and anyone who wants to support a more inclusive, future-ready tech ecosystem

Produced by Cambridge TV

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We sat down with Teja Potočnik, founder of Nanomation, to talk about her journey from Slovenia to Cambridge, and the potential of nanomaterials in transforming chip production.

Teja’s background is impressive, she holds a PhD in nanomaterials, has published research in top journals, and recently won the Female Founders category at the Wolfson Entrepreneurship Competition. But it’s her ability to bridge deep science with commercial application that really stands out.

What exactly are nanomaterials? Nanomaterials are materials at the nanoscale, 1,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair. They have unique properties that make them ideal for applications in electronics, including transistors and sensors.

With Moore’s Law hitting physical limits, Teja explains how nanomaterials can offer new functions beyond just shrinking components.

But translating cutting-edge research into viable tech isn’t easy. She’s candid about the hurdles early-stage companies face in scaling advanced materials into mass production.

The conversation touches on the vast market opportunities for sensing applications, particularly in the infrared spectrum. Teja aims to lower costs while enhancing functionalities, making her technology appealing to various industries.

Teja praises the collaborative spirit within Cambridge's tech community, noting the invaluable connections and support she has received. "Everyone knows everyone, and it's great.”

If you're curious about the future of semiconductors, or how science moves from lab bench to product, this one’s worth a listen.

Produced by Cambridge TV

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This week we speak with Alexandra French, CEO of Xampla, a company leading the way in sustainable materials. Xampla is developing natural, plant-based alternatives to single-use plastics, and their technology could have a huge global impact.

Alexandra talks openly about the journey of scaling deep tech, the importance of educating the market, and how strategic partnerships are helping Xampla grow. She also shares why replacing over 4 million tonnes of plastic coatings annually is not just a target but a real opportunity.

In the episode, we cover:

• The science behind using plant proteins to create biodegradable materials

• Why raising awareness is just as important as product development

• How partnerships with companies like Huhtamaki and Just Eat are unlocking market access

• Xampla’s next steps - with a clear focus on food service coatings and expanding into new markets

This is a great listen for anyone interested in climate tech, materials science, or how Cambridge startups are building for global impact.

Produced by Cambridge TV

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This week we’re joined by Sarah Turner, founder of Angel Academe, a network she launched in 2014 to get more women involved in angel investing and support female-led tech startups.

Angel Academe now has over 1,000 registered investors, with a core group of around 100 active angels - 70% of whom are women. That’s a key part of what sets them apart. As Sarah puts it, “70% of our core community are women, which is our big differentiator in the market.”

In this episode, Sarah also talks about the launch of the UK’s first EIS fund focused specifically on female founders. The fund aims to raise £1.2 million, giving investors the chance to back a portfolio of female-led startups with a minimum commitment of £10,000.

She talks about what Angel Academe looks for in a business, tech or science-based, with a strong and defensible technological edge, and encourages both founders and potential investors to get in touch for guidance and support.

Produced by Cambridge TV

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This week features an engaging conversation with Dr. Andy Williams, Chair of the Oxford Cambridge Super Cluster Board. He explains the mission of the Oxford Cambridge Super Cluster Board, which aims to unite businesses, universities, and investors to create a thriving ecosystem.

Andy shares insights from a commissioned report predicting an additional £78 billion contribution to the regional economy. He stresses the need for government intervention and policy changes to achieve this target, stating, "If we don’t do anything, growth may drop to 2 or 1%, which would be a disaster."

The conversation also touches on the critical need for infrastructure improvements, including lab space, housing, and transport connectivity. Andy highlights the importance of balancing growth with community needs, saying, "We must be careful not to wreck the quality of life in the region."

He also discusses the importance of engaging local communities and ensuring that the benefits of innovation are felt widely. He believes that "for every job created in science and technology, another four or five jobs are created in the wider community."

This episode is packed with insights that can inspire and inform your approach to innovation and investment. Andy’s extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and his passion for fostering collaboration in the tech sector make for a compelling listen.

If you’re a startup founder or a venture capitalist looking to navigate the evolving landscape of technology and innovation, this episode is a treasure trove of information.

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