Fellowship programme
Cambridge NeuroWorks is proud to introduce the Cambridge NeuroWorks Fellowship Programme, offering two transformative fellowship streams within this pioneering initiative. In collaboration with the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA), we aim to address the societal and economic challenges posed by neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions. Together, we seek scalable, cutting-edge neurotechnology solutions, building a diverse, innovative community from scientific, engineering, clinical, and industry backgrounds.
Our mission is to drive transformative impact by fostering a globally influential neurotech ecosystem. With engagement events, virtual communities, What-If ideation sessions, fellowships, proof-of-concept funding, and more, we aim to change the future of brain health through innovative technology.
As an ARIA Activation Partner, we focus on accelerating the development of next-generation neurotechnologies targeting critical conditions such as depression, dementia, chronic pain, epilepsy, and nervous system injuries. Cambridge NeuroWorks serves as a hub for original thinkers, offering the funding, space, and mentorship necessary to develop groundbreaking ideas. We seek innovators from across the UK, from all backgrounds, with bold concepts that could transform brain health. Fellows will receive connections within the Cambridge ecosystem and enjoy resources that enable rapid testing and scaling of ideas.
The Fellowships Expression of Interest application is now open.
Apply by 16:00 BST - Monday 13th October 2025
Who we're seeking
Our Fellows often come from backgrounds in science, engineering, clinical practice, and industry – but there’s no single pathway in. What matters most is your ability to think boldly, explore transformative ideas, and contribute innovative solutions addressing the pressing challenges within neurotechnology. You don’t need to identify as part of the “neurotech” community to apply – we’re looking for people with the right mix of vision, capability, and commitment.
We welcome applicants whose lived experience, professional insight, or creative thinking could be empowered by this opportunity in ways that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. We need people with the right credentials to deliver on their Fellowship plan but there are multiple ways to demonstrate that you’re the right person to take forward a bold idea.
We encourage applications from:
- Those with hands-on experience solving real-world problems, whether in healthcare, technology, or related fields
- People who can explore speculative ideas or have practical insights to refine them for transformative impact
- Engineers, scientists, academics, medical professionals, and industry practitioners at any career stage.
How the Fellowships work
We’re offering Cambridge NeuroWorks Fellowships, with two complementary pathways catering to varying stages of idea maturity. Fellows will be allocated a host institution most suitable for their project, enabling them to pivot and innovate as their hypotheses evolve.
Frequently Asked QuestionsBlue Sky Fellowship
Our 12-month Blue Sky programme supports speculative ideas, empowering Fellows to explore multiple potential solutions. This pathway is for individuals who need the freedom to fail fast and retry bold concepts with transformative potential.
Supports exploration of bold, high-risk ideas with transformative potential.
Includes a 3-month scoping and ideation phase to refine project goals and pathways.
Encourages development of one idea in greater detail by the end of the Fellowship.
Focuses on individuals, enabling them to iterate on multiple potential solutions.
Frontier Fellowship
Our Frontier Fellowship offers targeted support to advance early-stage concepts. This pathway focuses on scaling ideas for real-world application, with commercial insights, clinical input, and resources to refine projects for impact.
Designed for ideas with proof-of-concept, ready for development and scaling.
Commercial wrap-around, and early clinical input to prepare projects for success.
Focuses on refining one or more project concepts for practical application.
Positions Fellows to drive impact in their localities post-Fellowship.
Pathway 1:
Blue Sky Fellowship
Pathway 2:
Frontier Fellowship
The award of a Fellowship Grant will provide:
World-class Entrepreneurial training delivered through several initiatives and mentorship schemes that are most aligned to the stage of development of ideas – for example, Frontier Fellows will participate in the Accelerate@Babraham programme;
Opportunity for formal association with a Cambridge University College;
Opportunity for membership of the Cambridge Neuroscience Interdisciplinary Research Centre.
What you are committing to
Relocating to Cambridge for full-time participation.
Completing a 12-month programme as a self-employed Independent Fellow.
Starting no later than 1 May 2026.
Fellowship application criteria
UK-based applicants with the right to remain, or non-UK applicants who can relocate to the UK.
You do not need to have a PhD to apply but those undertaking one must submit their thesis before April 2026 to be eligible to start our programme.
Application process
Blue Sky Fellowship
Bold, speculative ideas
Frontier Fellowship
Proof-of-concept ideas ready for scaling
Complete online Expression of Interest form.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a detailed form and selected for interview.
Final awards will be subject to checks and references.
The Fellowships Expression of Interest application is now open
Apply by 16:00 BST - Monday 13th October 2025
Coming soon
Register for upcoming Blue Sky Proof of Concept (PoC) projects.
Get involved through engagement events and join our virtual community.
Our commitment
This Fellowship programme is underpinned by a commitment to breaking barriers and enabling bold ideas. Through leveraging Cambridge’s unique resources, we empower Fellows to turn ambitious concepts into impactful neurotech solutions, delivered through five core ambitions:
Supporting an end-to-end scientific entrepreneurship journey
From ideation to investment-ready propositions with tailored support.
Creating a safe place to do risky things
Fostering innovation in Cambridge's vibrant ecosystem.
Broadening participation
Targeting diverse backgrounds to minimize barriers.
Activating a UK-wide neurotech network
Structuring stages that spark innovation and accelerate impact.
Fostering collaboration
Uniting a distinguished consortium to build upon Cambridge’s infrastructure.
