We sat down with Teja Potočnik, founder of Nanomation, to talk about her journey from Slovenia to Cambridge, and the potential of nanomaterials in transforming chip production.

Teja’s background is impressive, she holds a PhD in nanomaterials, has published research in top journals, and recently won the Female Founders category at the Wolfson Entrepreneurship Competition. But it’s her ability to bridge deep science with commercial application that really stands out.

What exactly are nanomaterials? Nanomaterials are materials at the nanoscale, 1,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair. They have unique properties that make them ideal for applications in electronics, including transistors and sensors.

With Moore’s Law hitting physical limits, Teja explains how nanomaterials can offer new functions beyond just shrinking components.

But translating cutting-edge research into viable tech isn’t easy. She’s candid about the hurdles early-stage companies face in scaling advanced materials into mass production.

The conversation touches on the vast market opportunities for sensing applications, particularly in the infrared spectrum. Teja aims to lower costs while enhancing functionalities, making her technology appealing to various industries.

Teja praises the collaborative spirit within Cambridge's tech community, noting the invaluable connections and support she has received. "Everyone knows everyone, and it's great.”

If you're curious about the future of semiconductors, or how science moves from lab bench to product, this one’s worth a listen.

Produced by Cambridge TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we speak with Alexandra French, CEO of Xampla, a company leading the way in sustainable materials. Xampla is developing natural, plant-based alternatives to single-use plastics, and their technology could have a huge global impact.

Alexandra talks openly about the journey of scaling deep tech, the importance of educating the market, and how strategic partnerships are helping Xampla grow. She also shares why replacing over 4 million tonnes of plastic coatings annually is not just a target but a real opportunity.

In the episode, we cover:

• The science behind using plant proteins to create biodegradable materials

• Why raising awareness is just as important as product development

• How partnerships with companies like Huhtamaki and Just Eat are unlocking market access

• Xampla’s next steps - with a clear focus on food service coatings and expanding into new markets

This is a great listen for anyone interested in climate tech, materials science, or how Cambridge startups are building for global impact.

Produced by Cambridge TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re joined by Sarah Turner, founder of Angel Academe, a network she launched in 2014 to get more women involved in angel investing and support female-led tech startups.

Angel Academe now has over 1,000 registered investors, with a core group of around 100 active angels - 70% of whom are women. That’s a key part of what sets them apart. As Sarah puts it, “70% of our core community are women, which is our big differentiator in the market.”

In this episode, Sarah also talks about the launch of the UK’s first EIS fund focused specifically on female founders. The fund aims to raise £1.2 million, giving investors the chance to back a portfolio of female-led startups with a minimum commitment of £10,000.

She talks about what Angel Academe looks for in a business, tech or science-based, with a strong and defensible technological edge, and encourages both founders and potential investors to get in touch for guidance and support.

Produced by Cambridge TV

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.