2026–2027 CFCC International Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition

1. About the competition

First held at Harvard University in the United States in 2014, the CFCC International Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition has run for 12 consecutive years. Its judging panels bring together finance professionals and entrepreneurs from the Silicon Valley and Cambridge innovation communities, professors from leading universities, and CFCC mentors to assess projects and provide feedback.

The 13th edition will feature finals in Silicon Valley and Cambridge. Teams may choose to present in person or live online. The competition will be conducted entirely in English.

2. Finals schedule

Shortlisted teams will receive details of the specific rooms, presentation times and arrangements for joining online.

3. Competition tracks and opportunities

Track 1 — 0–1 Original Innovation (Deep Tech)

Teams are invited to propose an original technology, product or solution that addresses a problem of scientific significance or offers potential for a technological breakthrough or industrial application. Submissions should explain the core innovation, its technical basis, results to date and the plan for further validation.

Winning teams may be recommended to apply for the University of Cambridge’s Impulse Programme and introduced to technology transfer and incubation support in Cambridge. Admission and any support are subject to review by the relevant organisations.

Track 2 — 1–100 Innovation for Real Business Challenges

Teams are invited to address a specific need arising from a company’s operations and propose a practical, testable solution with potential for wider use. Submissions should explain the business need, the value of the proposed solution, how it would be implemented and where else it could be applied.

Outstanding participants may have the opportunity to speak directly with founders or co-founders of companies in Cambridge and Silicon Valley and receive internship or job offers directly from them, depending on company needs and selection decisions.

4. How to apply

Registration is free. Email the following materials in English to conference@cfcc.cam by 30 November 2026:

1. Your project title and chosen competition track.
2. Your chosen location (Cambridge or Silicon Valley) and presentation format (in person or online).
3. The full name, institutional or organisational affiliation, and contact details of each team member.
4. A 500-word project abstract outlining the project objectives, key innovations, main results and potential value.

Email subject format
CFCC 2026–2027 | [Cambridge or Silicon Valley] | [In Person or Online] | [Project Title]

5. Shortlisting and final judging

The Organising Committee will assess submissions on how well they fit the chosen track, their originality and feasibility, and the value of the results. Shortlisted teams will be notified by email by 5 December 2026.

In the final, teams will give a live project pitch in English, followed by questions from the judging panel. Teams may present in person or online. Judges in the Original Innovation track will focus on technical originality and the strength of the validation evidence and plan. Judges in the Real Business Challenges track will focus on evidence of a genuine business need, the practical value of the solution and its potential for implementation.

Pitch duration, presentation requirements and further judging details will be included in the notification to finalists.