Quadlytics, led by Dr Hannah Morelli, is developing technology that identifies combinations of bacteriophages, commonly called phages, which are helpful viruses that can be used as alternatives to antibiotics to kill bacteria in humans, animals and in the environment as well as contributing to the effort in eradicating antimicrobial resistant bacteria.

Last year Dr Hannah Morelli and Quadlytics won the Norwich Research Park’s 2025 Innovation HotHouse competition.

Research scientist and Quadlytics lead Dr Hannah Morelli said: “It’s an honour to be included amongst such an inspiring group of founders and companies showcasing innovation which is taking science from the lab and commercialising it to solve real-world problems.”

The name Quadlytics combines the “Quad” from Quadram Institute, with the term “lytic” which refers to phages. Phages offer the potential to improve food safety and benefit our health because we can use them to target the bacteria that can make us ill.

The #21toWatch Awards 2026 showcases the next-generation of standout entrepreneurs and breakthrough innovations from Cambridge and across the East of England.

Now into its eighth year, #21toWatch is organised by PR and communications agency cofinitive – now a Cambridge Management Consulting company

The shortlist features a technically rigorous start-up community with a strong understanding of real-world problems.

Candidates are grounded in credible technology, with clear commercial intent and address large-scale challenges spanning healthcare, food safety, sustainability, energy, infrastructure and trustworthy AI.

An independent judging panel is assessing the candidates on five strict criteria: innovation, the ability to address a real challenge, influence, viability, and memorability. The 2026 judges are:

• Samantha Graham, enterprise network manager at Norwich Research Park;
• Tasneem Khatib, Cambridge chapter lead at CAMentrepreneurs, which was created to support and inspire business and social entrepreneurship among University of Cambridge alumni, current students and others;
• Simon Thorpe, an active angel investor with a focus on the technology, and managing partner at tech consultancy firm, Delta2020; and
• Super-connector Amy Weatherup, i-Teams programme director and co-chair at Cambridge Angels.

With judging under way, Tasneem said: “This year’s #21toWatch shortlist is an impressive and exciting showcase of the depth and diversity of innovation coming out of the region. The quality of the ideas, together with the energy, ambition and expertise behind them, really stood out – a real pleasure to judge!”

Three premium sponsors have joined those supporting the event, including legal firm Birketts.

Partner Maria Peyman said: “Cambridge and the East of England are truly raising the bar when it comes to innovation and entrepreneurship, and these awards celebrate and recognise the people, companies and creations that are achieving great things. Having been involved with #21toWatch since the first year in 2019, we have seen first-hand the high standard of those ventures and opportunities who make the annual list and are excited to play a role in highlighting this year’s listings and winners in the coming months.”

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday, 5 March at The Glasshouse in Cambridge.