Emma Salgård Cunha

Hi, i'm Emma! I am Director of Deeptech and Software and co-lead the Physical Sciences team in Technology Development and Licensing. Our team works with researchers across engineering, physical sciences, technology and computer science disciplines in the university and supports from very early disclosure of a promising new technology or intervention, through market discovery, IP protection and management, business development, proof of concept work, and eventually either creation of a new spinout company or a licensing partnership with industry. I have a special interest in non-patent IP and software ventures.

We're a really collaborative team with a focus on developing robust relationships. We work extensively with colleagues in different teams across the company as well as in the university's Knowledge Exchange and Impact teams. We also do a lot of work in communicating the value of research commercialisation as a pathway to impact, and run several large events, conferences and our own mini in-house incubator to bring university innovators, industry, investors and supporters together. 

I originally joined Cambridge Enterprise to build out support for arts, humanities and social science researchers. Over seven years this has grown into an active business unit, with a portfolio of projects including plenty of software such as AI/ML ventures in finance, regtech and legaltech; digital media projects such as videogames and documentaries; tools and resources for education, public services, public health; social enterprises working to tackle societal issues both locally and globally; and design-led projects producing innovative new consumer products.

I'm a literary historian by training and completed PhD and postdoc work at Cambridge, Oxford and Middlebury College before moving into impact facilitation and then commercialisation. I've been at Cambridge Enterprise for nearly 8 years and find it an amazing place to work with smart, motivated colleagues. The best part of the job for me is the chance to transform the initial research idea into something that has legs as a commercial product, service or business - and the great feeling when a plan comes together. I also really enjoy the negotiation and contracting aspect of the role.