Thank you so much Vivek for sitting down to tell us about your VBI journey. First of all, can you tell us how the programme has supported you on your path to entrepreneurship?
Being part of the Venture Builder Incubator (VBI) programme has been an exceptionally valuable experience in supporting the translation of our research towards meaningful clinical and patient impact.
One of the most significant aspects of this journey has been the support provided through VBI and Cancer Research Horizons. The tailored guidance for founders working at the interface of research, innovation and healthcare translation has been instrumental in helping us navigate the early stages of translational development.
Through the programme, we have benefited not only from financial support, but also from mentorship, strategic insight and exposure to a broader innovation ecosystem that connects academic discovery with real-world application. Interactions with experts in translational research, commercialisation, entrepreneurship and healthcare innovation have helped us better understand the pathway required to move cutting-edge cancer research from the laboratory towards technologies and solutions that can ultimately benefit patients.
Being part of the VBI programme has been an exceptionally valuable experience in supporting the translation of our research towards meaningful clinical and patient impact.
What has receiving the Cancer Research Horizons VBI Prize meant for you and your work?
Receiving the Cancer Research Horizons Prize has been both a tremendous honour and a major source of motivation. The recognition has provided increased visibility and credibility for our work, while the funding has enabled us to generate additional supporting data, refine key aspects of the research and accelerate activities essential for future translational and commercial progression.
How has the combined support from the programme and prize influenced the development of your innovation?
Overall, the combined support has played a highly important role in helping transform promising scientific research into a more mature and impact-oriented innovation pathway. We are very grateful for the opportunity, encouragement and continued support provided through this initiative.
About Vivek Singh
Vivek Singh is a Lecturer in Digital Pathology at Queen Mary University of London and a Group Leader at Bart's Cancer Institute.
Along with Consultant Radiologist Khawaja Shahabuddin, Vivek is developing a multimodal AI system designed to detect liver cancer recurrences at the earliest possible stage, including sub-5 mm lesions that are often overlooked in routine reporting. By integrating advanced imaging analysis with clinical data, the technology empowers clinicians with greater accuracy, speed and confidence in diagnosis, enabling earlier interventions and improving patient outcomes.
About the Venture Builder Incubator
Delivered in partnership with Techscaler and the University of Edinburgh, The Venture Builder Incubator empowers aspiring founders to start or grow their tech business. Bridging the gap between research and entrepreneurship, Venture Builder Incubator provides the skills and support to transform deep tech or data-driven ideas into a thriving start-ups.
Through an ongoing partnership with Cancer Research Horizons, the Venture Builder Incubator provides tailored support to research staff and academics across the UK developing oncology-related data-driven innovations.
Find out more and apply to the VBI here.