Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 6, 2026

Cambridge Computer Lab Ring

The Cambridge Computer Lab Ring is a members' association for staff and graduates of the Cambridge University Computer Laboratory. It was formed in 2002 by Stephen Allott as a non-profit, independent and voluntary members’ association, and was absorbed into the Cambridge University Computer Laboratory in 2012. It was named by Sir Maurice Wilkes after the Cambridge Ring.

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The Cambridge Computer Lab Ring1 is a members' association for staff and graduates of the Cambridge University Computer Laboratory. It was formed in 20022 by Stephen Allott3 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

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 $7.8 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

The association claims that, as of May 2026, there are 371 companies created by computer lab graduates and staff.11 A 'Company of the Year' is chosen from this list annually.12

Valuation

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.21 The same study found that the companies employ over 28000 people.

References

References

  1. "Cambridge Computer Lab Ring". Department of Computer Science and Technology Lab Ring. University of Cambridge. Retrieved 11 May 2025.
  2. Quested, Tony (27 March 2012). "Gates no barrier to Bango enterprise". Business Weekly. Retrieved 28 March 2012.
  3. University of Cambridge (24 February 2025). "Stephen Allott". www.cst.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 11 May 2025.
  4. "Cambridge Computer Lab Ring – Filing history (free information from Companies House)". Archived from the original on 15 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  5. "Computer Laboratory: Careers". University of Cambridge. Archived from the original on 16 January 2012. Retrieved 28 March 2012.
  6. Lambert, Richard (December 2003). "Lambert Review of Business-University Collaboration" (PDF). Lambert Review. Her Majesty's Stationery Office. p. 32. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 September 2008. Retrieved 28 March 2012.
  7. Samols, Jan (23 January 2018). "The Hall of Fame". www.cst.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  8. "Computer Laboratory - The History of the Computer Lab". www.cl.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  9. "A brief informal history of the Computer Laboratory". www.cl.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  10. "BBC News | BUSINESS | E-commerce needs e-reform". news.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  11. "The Hall of Fame – companies started by Computer Lab graduates and staff". Retrieved 11 May 2025.
  12. "Hall of Fame Awards". Retrieved 11 May 2025.
  13. "Computer Lab's 'nannies for newcos'". Business Weekly. 17 May 2012. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  14. "Linguamatics named lord of the Ring". Business Weekly. 20 April 2009. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  15. "Cambridge spawns its 15th $1 billion company". Business Weekly. 12 May 2017. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  16. "Mistral wins 'Product of the Year'". 14 April 2016. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  17. "Presenting the 2022 Hall of Fame Awards". 23 April 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2025.
  18. "Celebrating our Hall of Fame Awards". 28 April 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2025.
  19. "Announcing the Winners of our Hall of Fame Awards". 28 April 2025. Retrieved 11 May 2025.
  20. "Celebrating Culture and Innovation in our Hall of Fame Awards". 16 April 2026. Retrieved 7 May 2026.
  21. Richardson, James (15 May 2025). "How Beauhurst demonstrated a £145 billion value of companies founded by University of Cambridge Computer Science staff, students and alumni". Beauhurst. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
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