Cambridge Innovation Capital (CIC) has appointed Dr. Ilana Wisby, the founding CEO of Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC), to its prestigious Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) programme. Dr. Wisby brings extensive experience in scaling deep tech ventures from concept to global leadership. Her new role will focus on identifying and nurturing breakthrough quantum computing research within the Cambridge ecosystem.
A Track Record of Quantum Success
During her seven-year tenure at OQC, Dr. Wisby achieved several industry firsts, including launching Europe’s first Quantum Computing as a Service platform. She also led the company to deploy 32-qubit systems into commercial data centres, a world first. This leadership was instrumental in securing over $100 million in funding and driving a 55-fold increase in valuation.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Dr. Wisby has been an influential voice in shaping technology policy at the highest levels. She has served as a trusted advisor on quantum computing to successive UK Prime Ministers and contributed to councils for the World Economic Forum. Her expertise has helped guide national and international strategies for this transformative technology.
Fostering Innovation Through Strategic Partnership
The EIR programme at CIC is designed to bridge the critical gap between scientific discovery and commercial success. The initiative pairs high-potential intellectual property with seasoned executives from the deep tech and life sciences sectors. This model embeds experienced leadership from a company's inception to accelerate its path to market viability.
The programme boasts an impressive roster of alumni who have gone on to lead highly successful ventures. Notable examples include Mihriban Tuna, CEO of biotech firm Immutrin, and Damian Crowther, co-founder of TRIMTECH Therapeutics. The success of these ventures underscores the programme's effectiveness in building commercially viable companies from breakthrough science.
A New Chapter in Cambridge's Tech Ecosystem
In her new capacity, Dr. Wisby will join CIC’s deep tech team to explore real-world applications for quantum computing. Her primary focus will be translating groundbreaking research into commercial applications that can deliver a tangible positive impact. This work leverages her unique experience in both the technical and business dimensions of the quantum industry.
Andrew Williamson, Managing Partner at CIC, praised her as one of Europe’s "most respected deep tech entrepreneurs." Dr. Wisby expressed her excitement, stating, "Having built and scaled a company before, I know how much the right support matters at the right moment." She looks forward to building again within Cambridge's outstanding ecosystem and with CIC's support.
The appointment of Dr. Ilana Wisby to CIC's EIR programme represents a powerful convergence of talent, capital, and science. Her unparalleled experience in the quantum sector is poised to accelerate the commercialization of new technologies emerging from a leading innovation hub. This strategic move strengthens CIC's deep tech capabilities and signals a bright future for the UK's quantum industry.