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 disorders. Together, we seek scalable, cutting-edge neurotechnology solutions, building a diverse, innovative community from scientific, engineering, clinical, medical, 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.
Who we're seeking
We're looking for individuals passionate about tackling the challenges in neurotechnology, regardless of where their ideas currently stand. Whether you’re exploring early-stage diagnoses or therapeutic approaches, from bio-hybrids and innovative devices to non-drug interventions, we welcome your ideas.
You don’t have to be part of the "neurotech" community—what matters is your ability to think boldly and drive innovation. We encourage applications from:
- Engineers, scientists, clinicians, medical professionals, and industry experts.
- Individuals with speculative ideas or those refining existing concepts for transformative impact.
- Innovators who will thrive in an empowering, collaborative environment.
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
This 12-month programme supports high-risk, speculative ideas, empowering Fellows to explore multiple potential solutions and iterate rapidly. With a 3-month scoping and ideation phase, 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.
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.
Includes a 3-month scoping and ideation phase to refine project goals and pathways.
Frontier Fellowship
For individuals with proof-of-concept ideas, the 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 1st May 2025.
Fellowship application criteria
UK-based applicants with the right to remain, or non-UK applicants who can relocate to the UK.
Open to engineers, scientists, clinicians, medical professionals, and industry experts.
Applicants must have submitted their PhD thesis before applying.
Application process
Blue Sky Fellowship
Bold, speculative ideas
Frontier Fellowship
Proof-of-concept ideas ready for scaling
Submit your project outline, problem statements, and references.
Invited applicants will undergo interviews or presentations, depending on the pathway.
Final awards are subject to reference checks and eligibility verification.
The Fellowships Expression of Interest application form will open 1st September 2025.
Got a question? Email us at enquiries@cambridgeneuroeorks.org to get involved!
Next steps
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.
