Students from East Shanghai High School Visit Cambridge as Part of the FutureReady Programme

Hosted at West Hub, University of Cambridge, the Forum brought together students with speakers from Cambridge Network, Cambridge Enterprise and AVEVA to explore how innovation ecosystems develop and how organisations identify and nurture talent.

Claire Angus from Cambridge Network presenting to students at West Hub, University of Cambridge. — Claire Angus from Cambridge Network introducing the Cambridge innovation ecosystem to students at West Hub, University of Cambridge.

In July 2026, students from East Shanghai High School, based in Lingang, Shanghai, spent a morning at West Hub, University of Cambridge, as part of the first international visit within the FutureReady Programme.

The Cambridge Innovation Futures Forum is a FutureReady learning experience that brings students together with people working across the Cambridge innovation ecosystem, giving them the opportunity to explore how innovation develops in practice and how different organisations contribute to it.

Lingang is a major innovation area in Shanghai, with strengths in advanced manufacturing, life sciences and technology. Cambridge has built its reputation over many decades through collaboration between universities, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and companies. Introducing students from one innovation environment to another was a deliberate part of the programme's design, creating an opportunity to reflect on two very different environments for innovation and growth.

Three Conversations

The morning brought together three speakers from different parts of the Cambridge innovation ecosystem.

Claire Angus, Head of Recruitment and Account Management at Cambridge Network, introduced the Cambridge ecosystem and explained how it has developed through long-term collaboration between organisations across the region. Her session highlighted that successful innovation is rarely the result of a single breakthrough or institution, but of relationships built over time.

Stefan Galander from Cambridge Enterprise presenting From Cells to Start-Ups at West Hub. — Stefan Galander from Cambridge Enterprise speaking about his journey from molecular biology to venture capital.

Stefan Galander, Investment Associate in Life Sciences at Cambridge Enterprise, shared his own journey from molecular biology into venture capital. His message was straightforward: pursue work that genuinely interests you and allow your career to develop from there.

Rachel Anderson from AVEVA presenting on early careers at the Cambridge Innovation Futures Forum. — Rachel Anderson from AVEVA on what organisations look for in emerging talent and why curiosity and real-world experience matter.

Rachel Anderson, Senior Early Careers Specialist – EMEA at AVEVA, brought the employer perspective. She explained what organisations look for in emerging talent and why curiosity, initiative and a willingness to learn often matter as much as academic achievement.

Together, the three sessions demonstrated that innovation is not defined by a single profession or career path. It depends on people with different expertise working together across an ecosystem.

A Question Worth Asking

One question from the students captured a central theme of the morning.

A student from East Shanghai High School asking a question during the open discussion at West Hub.

It prompted thoughtful responses from all three speakers. Rather than focusing on grades or qualifications alone, they spoke about curiosity, resilience, collaboration and the confidence to explore unfamiliar problems.

The discussion reinforced an important point. Academic achievement will always matter, but students also benefit from opportunities to engage with people beyond the classroom, ask questions and see how ideas become practice.

Experiences like this are part of FutureReady. They complement classroom learning by helping students understand how knowledge, careers and innovation connect in the real world.

CognateUK · FutureReady Programme · Part of the Life Sciences Journey