AstraZeneca and the University of Cambridge Judge Business School have announced an agreement to deliver a new “Accelerate Cambridge Life Sciences” program at the business school that will identify, train and mentor start-up ventures in the life sciences.

The partnership underlines the commitment of both AZ and Cambridge Judge Business School to scientific enterprise and innovation in the Cambridge area, where AZ is building a new global R&D center and corporate headquarters, and where Cambridge Judge Business School plans to expand its historic building space. It also reinforces AZ’s long-term commitment to supporting bioscience research in the U.K.

Christoph Loch, director of Cambridge Judge Business School, said, “Inspiring and promoting entrepreneurship form a central part of the Cambridge Judge mission. This agreement with AstraZeneca will help a new generation of life science ventures benefit from the rich and varied expertise that Cambridge provides. We are really proud to organize and host the new Accelerate Cambridge Life Sciences program.”

Menelas Pangalos, executive vice president of Innovative Medicines & Early Development at AZ, said, “We are proud to be the first life science partner for Cambridge Judge Business School’s Accelerate program. Having access to support and guidance from experienced AstraZeneca employees will not only be invaluable for the participants as they develop their new ventures, but will also be great for our people who will gain exposure to early stage innovation and entrepreneurial thinking outside AstraZeneca.”

The collaboration will begin with a Launch Workshop in March examining regulatory, commercial and strategic issues relating to pharmaceutical innovation and development. A Life Sciences Start-up Weekend March 20-22 to be attended by biotech entrepreneurs and venture capitalists will include pitches by startups. Mentoring will be offered to the most promising ventures. The weekly Accelerate course, due to begin in April, will cover topics ranging from recruiting team members to making the transition from scientist to CEO.