
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Awards 2022

We’re celebrating the UK’s most innovative and enterprising efforts in oncology with our annual awards.
The ceremony
All our shortlisted nominees will be invited to attend the awards ceremony, sponsored by Cancer Research Horizons, where the winner will be announced. It will provide a unique opportunity to network with a range of rising stars, seasoned entrepreneurs, industry experts, and inspiring keynotes. Taking place at The Royal Society in London on 6 December, this black-tie event will feature a drinks reception and gala dinner.
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Awards 2022 Winners
This award celebrates early-career cancer researchers who have shown entrepreneurial initiative and attitude.
The judges will look for evidence that nominees have developed their entrepreneurial competencies through participation in bespoke training, such as, but not limited to, the initiatives within the Cancer Research Horizons Entrepreneurial Programme.
WINNERS:
Anjui Wu & Susanti Susanti
SHORTLISTED NOMINEES:
- Ana Gomes, The Francis Crick Institute/ mPixl Technologies Ltd
- Anjui Wu, Cansor Ltd
- Ashwin Nandakumar, University of Oxford / Institute of Cancer Research (ICR)
- Ben Woodington, Opto Biosystems
- Dario Bressan, CRUK Cambridge Institute
- Matt De Vries, Institute of Cancer Research
- Mireia Crispin, University of Cambridge
- Stephanie Mack, Zygosity Limited
- Susanti Susanti, PathGen Diagnostik Teknologi
This award celebrates the outstanding achievements of women entrepreneurs, at any stage of their career. Nominees will have established or are working to establish a business, or have set up a transformative partnership to accelerate scientific discoveries into novel treatments, diagnostics and/or medical devices that benefit cancer patients.
The judges will be looking for evidence of the nominee's personal successes and achievements, and how they have inspired others.
WINNER:
Claire Lewis
SHORTLISTED NOMINEES:
- Bakul Gupta, Immtune Therapies
- Claire Lewis, University of Sheffield
- Ella Mi, University of Oxford/ ChronosDx
- Hannah Sore, PharmEnable
- Ishani Malhotra, Carcinotech
- Maya Thanou, Apeikon Therapeutics
- Penny Lovat, Newcastle University
This award celebrates new UK-based companies. Nominees will be fast-tracking their scientific breakthroughs into new treatments, diagnostics and/or medical devices that benefit cancer patients.
The judges will look for evidence demonstrating a company's potential, including its ground-breaking technology and its potential to deliver growth and impact in the cancer sector.
WINNER:
Adendra Therapeutics Ltd.
SHORTLISTED NOMINEES:
- Adendra Therapeutics Ltd
- Alethiomics Ltd
- Elyx Ltd
- Infinitopes
- Neobe Therapeutics
This award celebrates startup companies that have achieved substantial milestones during the previous two years. Milestones could include pipeline developments, closure of financing rounds, and/or entering strategic partnerships or a significant exit.
The judges will look for evidence of a company making its mark in the cancer sector and fast-tracking scientific breakthroughs into developing new treatments, diagnostics and/or medical devices that benefit cancer patients.
WINNER:
Achilles Therapeutics UK
SHORTLISTED NOMINEES:
- Achilles Therapeutics UK
- Artios
- Cyted
- Faeth Therapeutics
- Storm Therapeutics Ltd
This award celebrates innovation in oncology achieved through industry-academia collaborations, including through partnerships, licenses, and knowledge exchange.
The judges will look for evidence that the collaboration has increased project value to maximise the impact of the technology or research.
WINNER:
iDx Lung Collaboration
SHORTLISTED NOMINEES:
- Barts Cancer Institute
- Beatson Institute Glasgow
- Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials
- iDx Lung Collaboration
- Newcastle University – Astex Pharmaceuticals
Special recognition categories
We will recognise outstanding contributions to the academic cancer entrepreneurial field via two special awards. The judging panel will select winners from nominees identified by Cancer Research Horizons.
This award recognises an established academic entrepreneur who has created a viable business, with the support of Cancer Research Horizons demonstrating entrepreneurship and innovation.
The judges will look for evidence of significant, innovative and outstanding contributions that have greatly enhanced the oncology field.
WINNER:
Steve Jackson
This award recognises individuals or teams who have made impactful contributions, with the support of Cancer Research Horizons, in the field of oncology by progressing the application of their discoveries.
The judges will look for evidence of their determination to drive forward the translation and commercialisation of their discovery to achieve patient benefit.
WINNER:
Rebecca Fitzgerald
Judging panel
All award entries will be reviewed by our Judging Panel, which is comprised of the following independent experts:
- Dr Rebecca Todd, Investment Director at Longwall Ventures
- Dr Jason Mellad, Co-founder & CEO at Start Codon
- Dr Olivia Cavlan, Chief Corporate Development & Strategy Officer at Alchemab Therapeutics
- Alison Howe, Consultant to Charitable Sector
- Dr Andy Richards CBE, Biotechnology Entrepreneur & Investor
Award timeline
September
Nominations open
October
Nominations close
November
Shortlisting and scoring of applications
November
Finalists informed
December
Award ceremony