Cambridge Computer Lab Ring
The Cambridge Computer Lab Ring[1] is a members' association for staff and graduates of the Cambridge University Computer Laboratory. It was formed in 2002[2] by Stephen Allott[3] as a non-profit, independent and voluntary members’ association, and was absorbed into the Cambridge University Computer Laboratory in 2012.[4] It was named by Sir Maurice Wilkes after the Cambridge Ring.[5]
The association was mentioned by Richard Lambert in the Lambert Review of Business-University Collaboration as an example of how "universities, departments and faculties should develop their alumni networks in order to build closer relationships with their graduates working in the business community."[6]
Notable companies formed by members of the Cambridge Computer Lab Ring include ARM, DeepMind Technologies and Raspberry Pi.[7]
Formation
[edit | edit source]Founded in 1937 as the Mathematical Laboratory, the Cambridge Computer Laboratory was at the forefront of the development of computing through the twentieth century.[8] This included the introduction of the world's first full-year taught course in computer science, the Cambridge Diploma in Computer Science.[9]
With several alumni going on to found successful technology companies, notably in computer software, several University of Cambridge alumni and staff saw benefit in forming a network that would allow graduates to get "a lifetime benefit from their Cambridge degrees, professionally, technically and socially."[1]
To this end Head of the Computer Laboratory Professor Ian Leslie directed Stephen Allott, a Cambridge graduate who had recently scaled software provider Micromuse to $7 billion following its floatation on the Nasdaq,[10] to form an alumni association. This led to the introduction of a programme of events to promote "intellectual rigour" and to connect alumni.[2]
Hall of Fame
[edit | edit source]The association claims that, as of November 2025, there are 362 companies created by computer lab graduates and staff.[11] A 'Company of the Year' is chosen from this list annually.[12]
- 2005 Sophos
- 2006 Codian
- 2007 Jagex[13]
- 2008 Xensource
- 2009 Linguamatics[14]
- 2010 Ubisense[13]
- 2011 RealVNC[13]
- 2012 Trampoline Systems[13]
- 2013 Raspberry Pi[15]
- 2014 DeepMind Technologies[15]
- 2015 SwiftKey[15]
- 2016 Unikernel Systems[16]
- 2017 Improbable[15]
- 2018 Bromium[13]
- 2019 PolyAI
- 2020 DisplayLink[13]
- 2021 iKVA[13]
- 2022 Tenyks[17]
- 2023 ARM[18]
- 2024 Tractable[19]
Valuation
[edit | edit source]In May 2025, data analytics provider Beauhurst demonstrated a £145 billion value of companies founded by University of Cambridge Computer Science staff, students and alumni.[20] The same study found that the companies employ over 28000 people.
References
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