The next wave of Web3 will be led by founders who translate rigorous research into products with real adoption. That is why Gate Ventures, together with Solana Superteam UK and the Cambridge Blockchain Society, has launched the Web3 (Open-web) & AI Frontiers Programme—a targeted initiative to help academic founders build scalable solutions at the intersection of blockchain and AI, with a particular focus on the Solana ecosystem.
What the programme offers
Selected teams will receive investment tickets from $100,000 to $1 million with flexible timelines paired with deep post-investment support: hands-on mentorship from experienced operators, strategic business development, and access to specialized talent networks across blockchain and Web3. The programme prioritizes research-driven innovation in blockchain infrastructure, DeFi, and AI-powered applications on Solana.
Who should apply
We are looking for early-stage founders from top academic institutions such as the University of Cambridge who are building scalable solutions in core areas including blockchain infrastructure, decentralized finance (DeFi), and AI-powered applications built on the Solana network. The aim of the Web3 (Open-web) & AI Frontiers Programme is to close the gap between academic research and real-world application. It also seeks to surface breakthrough initiatives with long-term value and real-world impact, underscoring the partners’ shared commitment to empowering visionary founders and accelerating the global adoption of Web3 technologies.
Why this partnership
This initiative combines the strengths of an investor, an ecosystem operator, and an academic hub:
Gate Ventures — the venture arm of Gate, investing in decentralized infrastructure, middleware, and applications reshaping social and financial interactions in the Web 3.0 age.
Solana Superteam UK — a not-for-profit talent accelerator, the UK chapter of a global initiative active in 20+ countries. Since its launch two years ago, it has facilitated $1,217,262 in economic opportunities for pre-seed startups and first-time student founders, and helped startups raise $15.7 million from firms including a16z, Pantera Capital, and Innovate UK.
Cambridge Blockchain Society (CBS) — the UK’s leading student-run blockchain society at the University of Cambridge, connecting students, researchers, and industry through education, hackathons, and incubation. CBS helped launch the University Blockchain Association, and its members have won ETHSingapore, ETHNewYork, and ETHLondon, later raising capital to build protocols with hundreds of millions in TVL/volume; it also collaborates with Cambridge-based labs working across blockchain, AI, and deeptech.
Together, we’re building a pipeline where academically grounded teams can access capital, distribution, and operator-level guidance from day one.
How to apply
The programme is live and currently accepting submissions. Teams or individual founders can apply here: https://superteamuk.typeform.com/gate-cambridge. For inquiries, please contact ventures@gate.com.
Disclaimer
This content does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation. Always seek independent professional advice before making investment decisions. Gate Ventures may restrict or prohibit certain services in specific jurisdictions. For details, please see the User Agreement: https://www.gate.com/user-agreement.
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