What kind of support is available?
From exploring the potential of your idea to building and growing your venture, we’re here to guide you through every step towards achieving impact.
Turning ideas into impact
Across every field – from quantum technology and hydropower systems to cancer therapeutics, inclusive fashion and safer social media – we help University of Oxford researchers, staff and students bring solutions to life. Through expert advice, access to funding and a collaborative approach, we enable ideas to grow, attract investment and deliver positive change for society.
Our services
We use our expertise to transform your knowledge and research inputs into tangible opportunities. These services are the ‘Activities’ stage of our Theory of Change methodology.
Research-led ideas
If your idea comes from University research, we’ll work with you to translate it into value, whether that’s through licensing to a third party, or by starting a spinout company.
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The OUI team will help you plan next steps, connect with the right expertise, and keep things moving.
We work in partnership with you throughout the process to make sure your research has the best possible chance to create impact.
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We’ll help you protect what’s special about your work so it can go further.
Our IP specialists advise on ownership, patents, copyright and design rights, and guide you through each stage of the process.
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Licensing helps your research reach the people who can develop, use and commercialise it.
We identify potential partners and negotiate fair agreements with them, helping you navigate confidentiality, exclusivity and income.
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From digital outreach to industry events, we help your innovation find its audience.
Our communications and marketing specialists work with you to tell the story of Oxford-born innovation clearly – showing how ideas, partnered with the right expertise, can build a better future.
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If your idea could grow into a company, we’ll help you work out if that’s the best way to go.
Our teams will look at the pros and cons of a new company as a way to build on your research, then offer expert advice on developing your concept, accessing funding, and connecting with mentors and investors.
Your own ideas
If you’ve got a great business idea and it’s not connected to University research, the Incubator exists to get it off the ground. We support ideas from every part of the University, whether their potential impact is commercial, social or environmental.
Support is available across the programme’s three phases, helping you to:
- Prepare – shape your idea, test assumptions and build a clear pitch through training, tools and early market validation
- Build – develop a minimum viable product, access mentoring and refine your offer while engaging with investors
- Deliver – Formalise and grow your company, strengthen governance and scale with ongoing support from the OUI network
Your knowledge and research
If you’ve been approached about consulting or you’re interested in sharing your knowledge or facilities beyond the University, we can help you take it further. We take care of all things administrative, contractual and financial to make sure your interests – and those of the University – are protected.
19
new companies formed with OUI support
684
consultancy contracts executed
93
new patent applications filed
1,173
licensing deals agreed
Financial year 2024/25
Our teams
Our specialist teams are ready to support you as your idea develops and its potential is realised – whether your innovation journey leads to licensing, a new company or consultancy.