We help you tailor the support you need to fit the specific challenges of your new venture. The Startup Incubator is free and aimed at members and ex-members of the University of Oxford wanting to start or grow entrepreneur-driven ventures that are not University spinouts.
The incubator has been in operation since 2011 and has:
taken in over 80 startup ventures ranging from the medical domain to social media data analysis
supported and worked with them on product development and initial commercial traction
supported incubator ventures in attracting over $70 million from a range of public and private sources
We typically support founders from the idea stage, but also take in and successfully accelerate more mature ventures. We have built our programme from the ground up for an academic environment – we realise you may not be able to work full time on your venture from day one and have set up our process and structure to accommodate this.
We accept and review applications to our Incubator Phase 1 programme year-round. It’s quick and simple to apply, using our short application form.
Upcoming programme dates:
Cohort 12 – February to April 2025 (application deadline 3 February 2025)
StEP Ignite (Student Entrepreneurship Programme) – July 2025
Cohort 13 – September to December 2025 (application deadline 1 September 2025)
Startup or spinout?
The Startup Incubator is not an alternative to the conventional University spinout process, and the support needs are different for the two types of venture. For example, if your new venture intends to exploit University IP, requires and is capable of attracting immediate investment, or needs support from Oxford University Innovation translational funding, it will likely benefit from the support and resources available for University spinouts instead.
If you have any questions, contact us and we’ll be glad to talk you through your options.
