Oxford University Spin-Out Companies; Management Training
26th May 2009
In direct response to demand from the technology sector, the Careers Service and Oxford University Innovation at the University of Oxford have developed a new and exciting programme to train and ‘spin-out’ CEOs for present and future spin-off companies.
Oxford University Spin-Out Companies; Management Training for Graduates & Alumni
The Technology Spin Out Management Programme, launched in May, is an intensive eight-week course for Oxford scientists who want to develop their managerial skills and break into the early stage technology arena.
Professor Fritz Vollrath of the Department of Zoology (and co-founder of Oxford University’s spider-silk start-ups) says, “what a superb opportunity for our students who were trained in scientific thinking to understand the management of turning pioneering ideas into innovative products that sell.”
CEOs of local technology companies are excited about the business possibilities that this programme opens up and are keen to engage with the participants at networking events.
Tom Hockaday, Managing Director of Oxford University Innovation Ltd says, “this is a perfect match – helping science graduates who want to build on their background and increasing the pool of people technology companies can hire in to manage their growth. If one of the people on this course ends up contributing to the success of a UK technology business it will be a success; and I’m confident we will have more than one. This is Oxford helping its alumni and helping business.”
Jonathan Black, Director of the Careers Service, says: “We were delighted to be approached by Fritz and Tom just a few weeks ago with this great idea; Oxford is practising what it preaches as we’ve gone from idea to first class with students in just 2 months”
Leading experts from across Oxford academia and industry conduct the training workshops that cover business planning, law, marketing, human resources, fund raising and investment. Discussion and advice is also provided to graduates and alumni who are keen to set up their own technology enterprises.
Black believes “this course is a perfect example of how the Careers Service provides real, experiential learning for our students and alumni which enhances their CVs and makes them more employable. The enthusiasm of the participants and the teachers has confirmed the demand for this type of support, over and above other more traditional and passive forms of careers education.”
Participants of the programme are excited by the career possibilities and networking opportunities available:
“The focused nature of this programme seems to be the perfect way to learn about the fundamentals of managing a tech start-up. Having been at the cutting edge of research for the last decade, I am eager not only to learn more about the challenges facing cutting edge technology businesses, but to help tackle them.”
– Peter Dudek, Biochemistry Researcher
“The idea of guiding fledgling spin-out companies is an appealing prospect and one that I am happy to have this opportunity to learn more about. I look forward to interesting discussions on conventional as well as novel models for the successful exploitation of good research ideas as we all put our heads together.”
– Tony Cardew, Business Development Consultant to the Technology Industry
“I like the ethos and atmosphere in spin out companies and find the fact that you have to cover a variety of roles under one job title very stimulating. I joined the course in the hope that it will equip me with the skills necessary to progress to management level in a spin out company.”
– Jeevani Mantotta, Intellectual Property Researcher
