{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/62dfcddf4f4d8b00124d226a/69ab024db49eecc0b7b4a35a?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Cambridge's Next Generation of Deep Tech Innovators: Meet the #21toWatch Top21.2026","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/62dfcddf4f4d8b00124d226a/1772820820593-d3c6cbf3-0ab2-4ddd-bfcc-0b772b541a41.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>Episode 182 features five of this year's <a href=\"https://www.cambridgetechpodcast.com/blog/hashtags/21toWatch\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">#21toWatch</a> winners - and if you're in the startup ecosystem, this one's unmissable.</p><p><br></p><p>For those unfamiliar, for the last eight years <a href=\"https://www.cambridgetechpodcast.com/blog/hashtags/21toWatch\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">#21toWatch</a> has been high on the regions innovation showcase, and the numbers speak for themselves. Over eight cohorts, 168 companies have landed on the list and collectively raised a staggering £721 million. This year marks a particularly poignant milestone: its Faye's final year running the programme after creating it back in 2018. But we think you’ll agree, she's gone out with a bang.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode we talk to five of the winning companies:</p><ul><li>Cyclana Bio is tackling drug discovery from first principles, focusing on the extracellular matrix (the \"biological dark matter\" comprising 90% of your tissue). Lea Wenger explains how their multidisciplinary approach spanning Cambridge and Manchester is already attracting serious attention, with £5 million raised so far.</li><li>Obasense is developing ultra-sensitive gas sensors for indoor air quality monitoring -particularly timely given the UK's new mould regulations. Founder, Osarenkhoe Ogbeide, is also building African mythology comics on the side!</li><li>Myonerv is creating wearable neurostimulators for stroke rehabilitation. Sam Kourali's personal story - inspired by his cousin's stroke - drives a compelling business model targeting the US market's $60 billion opportunity.</li><li>NANOPLUME just announced £2.2 million in funding for their bio-based aerogel thermal insulation. Three times more insulating than conventional materials, 60% lighter, and fully circular. Co-founder Tara Love says they're eyeing product launch within 18 months.</li><li>Polytecks is mapping bioelectricity through flexible electrode arrays - starting with veterinary cardiology (dog heart disease affects over 80% of dogs) before moving to human diagnostics. Ruben Ruiz-Mateos Serrano tells us more.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>This episode captures something essential about where UK deep tech innovation is heading. These aren't incremental improvements - they're fundamental reimagining’s of how we solve problems in healthcare, climate tech, and industrial systems.</p><p><br></p><p>Subscribe now and join the conversation. Because the next unicorn might just be one of these five.</p><p><br></p><p>Headline sponsor Holden Polestar</p><p>#CamTechPod</p>","author_name":"James Parton & Faye Holland"}