The Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (CfEL), part of Cambridge Judge Business School, is backing a major new initiative aiming to support entrepreneurs looking to develop technology projects that will make a positive difference to people and society.

Idea Transform will help those developing innovative ideas turn them into sustainable businesses through a programme that combines events, mentoring and targeted support. It will assist ideas in areas as diverse as education, health, finance, community and the environment.

Cambridge Judge Business School will be hosting the first event in the Idea Transform programme from 20-22 April 2012. The aim is to team up people with ideas and those with business, marketing and technical skills to work together intensely over the weekend in order to develop meaningful and innovative projects.

Attendees will benefit from a combination of hands-on, experienced mentors and inspiring keynote speakers to provide the perfect environment to learn, advance their ideas and network with like-minded individuals.

The projects that show the most promise will be selected by an international judging panel and Idea Transform will then work closely with them to provide ongoing mentoring and support.

Dr Shailendra Vyakarnam, Director of CfEL, commented: "From the Internet to mobile phones, technology now has the potential to fundamentally benefit billions of people across the world. Harnessing this wave of innovation can deliver a meaningful impact in so many areas - but too many great ideas are simply falling by the wayside due to a lack of early-stage support. That's why CfEL is backing Idea Transform, as it promises to empower exciting projects that will make a real difference to people and society."

Idea Transform has been created by Mauro Ciaccio, Chris Measures and Jeremy Parsons, who between them have over 50 years of experience in supporting start-up and early-stage projects through events, business development and marketing knowledge. It is backed by a high profile advisory board, which numbers investor Peter Cowley, entrepreneur Allan MacLean and business adviser Chris Lamaison amongst its members.