Startup Incubator

Supporting you and your new business venture

As a student, alumni or staff of the University of Oxford, we will work with you to develop your idea and make it a reality.

With over 15 years of experience supporting new ventures from product development to commercialisation, we’ll tailor our support to help you build your business.

We’ve worked on a range of initiatives, from complex AI to student welfare apps, from fashion to pensions and have helped startups raise hundreds of millions of pounds from public and private funding.

See the companies we’ve helped create

Our flexible, year-round programme

We run three cohorts per year, with applications accepted on a rolling basis to suit your schedule.

For students, staff or alumni who want to develop their idea

Part-time (open to teams with a University of Oxford affiliation)

September – December
February – May

Apply now

For current Oxford University students interested in entrepreneurship

Full-time

Applications for our Student Entrepreneurs’ Programme (StEP) open each Spring and run during July.

Find out more

Startup incubator

Phase 1 – Validation of ideas (3 months)

• In-person programme, based in Oxford consisting of a series of hand-on workshops focused on the Lean Canvas model to turn your idea into a business.
• Gain a deep understanding of your target market and validate your business model.
• All teams who complete Phase 1 present their startup idea and progress for the chance to advance to Phase 2.

Phase 2 – Launch and grow (12 months)

• Get investment ready
• Access bespoke advice and coaching, introductions to mentors, professional advisers and investors.
• Use onsite facilities including dedicated workspaces and meeting rooms.

Find out more about the Startup Incubator

Who is the Incubator suitable for?

• We typically support founders from the idea stage but also consider more mature ventures.
• The OUI Incubator supports startup ideas that do not involve University of Oxford-owned intellectual property. If you are unsure about the ownership, we’ll be happy to advise. Contact us
• One member of the founding team must have a University of Oxford affiliation (student, staff, or fully matriculated alumni).
• In-person support – your team must be based in or willing to travel to Oxford.
• Your startup must be incorporated or plan to incorporate in the UK or USA.