Cambridge History of Innovation Project (CHIP)

The Cambridge History of Innovation Project aims to curate a public archive of Cambridge technology innovation since the 1960s and use this research and material to tell stories of Cambridge innovation for a range of audiences.

In 2023/2024 our focus is to scope and survey archives directly or indirectly connected with innovations and people from the University of Cambridge. This research is supported by a Higher Education Innovation Fund grant.

The archive will potentially consist of materials in all formats including paper, audio-visual and digital which document different aspects of Cambridge technology growth including business, technical and social elements.

The project will collaborate with libraries, archives, and museums in Cambridge to document Cambridge technology innovation and connect with relevant collections.

Longer term, we aim to create a complementary archive of oral interviews and develop research and impact activities using the archive in collaboration with researchers and practitioners from different disciplines through publications, online resources, an exhibition, events, and opportunities for graduate research. The project will be advised by a group consisting of members of the Cambridge technology community, researchers, archivists, and curators.

Engage with the project

Complete the CHIP Survey

The CHIP archive at the University Library will form the basis of future deep research and storytelling about Cambridge innovation for diverse purposes and audiences. Please consider completing and circulating the survey linked below to share information about records and memories of Cambridge technology innovation (deadline 29th March). For direct contact email the Project Archivist, Peter Rees (pr381@cam.ac.uk).