Packed graduate in first biotechnology matchmaking event

It was a full house at The Graduate Hotel for the inaugural biotech matchmaking event for early-career scientists.

Around 250 turned up when Cambridge Gravity partnered with the Milner Therapeutics Institute to present the first event of its kind, which saw engagement and networking alongside a recruitment angle.

Cambridge Gravity is a community at the University of Cambridge. Its mission is to inspire and support early-career scientists with a focus in the life sciences, to realize their entrepreneurial potential. Gravity runs the Bio-spark Entrepreneurship Program, interviews inspiring personalities, holds a prestigious annual award and lecture, and facilitates biotech matchmaking through a program of events.

Until now, entrepreneurial organizations across Cambridge had limited opportunities to socialize. The January 26 Gravity event was attended by PhD students and postdocs as well as early career scholars. Guests explored the many programs and initiatives available, as well as networking with others of like-mindedness. Tickets for the free event must be reserved within two weeks of registration opening.

With 25 companies in attendance – each giving a two-minute conversation – there were options across the board. Companies included Abcam, Astellas, CIC, Domainex, Eagle Genomics, Enhanc3d Genomics, GSK, Intellegens, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Microbiotica, Phoremost, Qkine, Storm Therapeutics, and Vernalis R&D.

Tony Kouzarides, director of Cambridge Gravity, said: “There aren’t many opportunities for early-career scientists at Cambridge to hear from pharmaceutical and biotech companies about what it’s like to work in industry.

“This event provided opportunity, and also allowed companies direct access to the incredible pool of talent that we have here in Cambridge. The fact that 250 scientists gathered for this event shows the unmet need in this field.”