Silicon Fen

The Silicon Fen, also known as the Cambridge Cluster, is a group of technology companies based around the city of Cambridge in England. These companies focus on areas like software, electronics, and biotechnology, and include well-known firms such as Arm and AstraZeneca.

The name Silicon Fen comes from a comparison to Silicon Valley in California. Just as Silicon Valley is famous for its technology industry, the area around Cambridge has become a center for high-tech businesses. The region is called this because Cambridge is located near the Fens, a flat area of land.

The growth of technology companies in this area began with smaller firms like Sinclair Research and Acorn Computers. Over time, more and more companies have grown there, making it an important place for science and technology in the world.

Business growth

Many technology companies opened offices around Cambridge in England in the years before 1998. Early success stories included Advanced RISC Machines and Cambridge Display Technology. By 2004, these companies received a large share of funding meant for new projects in the United Kingdom and all of Europe.

The growth began with the start of the Cambridge Science Park in 1970, a project by Trinity College at the University of Cambridge. Small companies focused on designing computer tools became common in the area. In 2000, a partnership between Cambridge University and a university in the United States was created to help both schools work together and support the area's economy.

By 2006, about 250 new companies linked to the university were valued at around US$6 billion. Some of these grew into big worldwide companies like Arm. However, in 2012, it was noted that focusing too much on research slowed down making products and keeping costs low.

By 2015–16, companies around Cambridge were growing steadily, with jobs and business income increasing each year. The area is known for working closely with the university, especially in medicine and biology, which helps create new inventions and bring people together to solve problems.

Area characteristics

The Cambridge Network helps people connect in the area. The region has a high standard of living and good transport links, like trips to London and Cambridge Airport. Many graduates from the university stay nearby, providing local companies with skilled workers. Unlike places such as Oxfordshire, there isn’t much competition for high-tech businesses here. In the past, commercial rents were lower than in other parts of the UK, giving companies an advantage. However, with the recent technology boom, costs of living in Cambridgeshire have risen, making it one of the more expensive places outside London.

People and companies associated with Silicon Fen

The Silicon Fen area around Cambridge, England, is home to many important people and companies in technology. Some well-known individuals include David Cleevely, Sherry Coutu, Hermann Hauser, Andy Hopper, Ewan Kirk, Dick Newell, and Clive Sinclair.

Many famous technology companies also have roots in this area, such as Abcam, Acorn Computers, Adder Technology, Aixtron, Arm, Audio Analytic, Aveva, and Broadcom Inc.. Other notable firms include Cambridge Broadband, Cambridge Consultants, Cambridge Interactive Systems Ltd, Cambridge Network, and Cambridge Semiconductor Limited, among many others.