2025/26 Incubator founders showcase ventures at cohort milestone
27th April 2026
Early-stage founders turn ideas into validated business opportunities.
The first 2025/26 Oxford University Innovation (OUI) Incubator Phase 1 cohort reached an important milestone recently, with founders presenting their ventures and Lean Canvas models to an audience and expert panel for feedback.
During Phase 1, University founders use the Lean Canvas to develop a deeper understanding of their target markets. This one-page business model template helps entrepreneurs map out and refine their startup ideas by focusing on key problems, testing underlying assumptions, and shaping a clear value proposition. Through workshops, peer learning and mentoring, they are able to validate their early-stage ideas, and gain the skills needed to turn concepts into viable business opportunities.
Founder learning experiences
The Lean Canvas presentations showcased both the diversity of ideas, and the significant progress founders had made in refining their thinking and communicating their ventures. Members of the cohort shared their experiences of Phase 1:
‘The workshops have been incredibly valuable – I couldn’t recommend the facilitators more highly. They packed so much into each session. Being a founder can feel really lonely, so having a space with others at different stages of their journey has been invaluable. It’s given me the chance to bounce ideas around, be challenged, and gain outside perspectives.’
– Gabrielle Gleeson-Solomon, Phase 1 participant, Founder of The Metagenomic Testing Company (Alum, BA History)
‘The Incubator has really helped me understand the business side of things. Coming from a more technical and AI-focused background, learning how to use tools like the Lean Canvas has been incredibly useful. The networking has been fantastic – being surrounded by like-minded people has been really motivating. The Incubator team have also been a huge support and have been there every step of the way to support me in my journey.’
– Ali Yildirim, Phase 1 participant, Founder of Harmony (Alum, MSc Translational Health, Postdoc in Medical Education)
Working with founders predominantly within the idea stage, on startups that do not involve University-owned IP, is central to the support offered through the OUI Incubator during Phase 1.
Phase 2 and next steps
For the founders that progress to Phase 2, support is continued through coaching and advice bespoke to their idea, as well as introductions to mentors. A key focus during this phase is on investment readiness and ensuring that participants are given the tools needed to take their ventures through to launch and growth stages.
The Incubator takes applications from fully matriculated students and alumni, as well as staff, with one member of the founding team needing a University of Oxford affiliation.
Want to be part of the Incubator?
If you are interested in joining Phase 1 of the Incubator or would like advice on whether your idea involves University-owned intellectual property, please get in touch.
