Oxford University Innovation

Oxford University Innovation (OUI) is the technology transfer and consulting arm of the University of Oxford, acting as a bridge between academic research and commercial application. OUI supports University researchers in commercializing their intellectual property through licensing and spin-out formation. They also facilitate academic consultancy services, connecting external organizations with Oxford's expertise. Their Venture Support & Funding team assists investors and donors interested in early-stage ventures, while the Spinout Equity Management team manages the University's investments in past spinouts. Additionally, OUI supports entrepreneur-driven ventures not directly spun out from the University through their Startup Incubator. OUI plays a crucial role in translating academic knowledge into tangible benefits for society and the economy. OUI operates by identifying promising research outputs from the University of Oxford and facilitating their commercialization. This involves assessing the potential for intellectual property protection, marketing technologies to potential licensees, and assisting with the formation of spin-out companies. They also provide a platform for University staff to offer consultancy services to external organizations, allowing them to apply their expertise to real-world challenges. They work to connect researchers with technology seekers, investors, and other external parties, providing support and advice throughout the process. Their strategy also extends to supporting social ventures, balancing profitability with a mission to deliver positive social, environmental, or cultural change. They are involved with ImpactU, a collective of UK universities supporting mission-driven businesses emerging from academic ecosystems, and actively seek investment from impact investors for research-backed social ventures. The Oxford Innovation Society also serves as a leading forum for collaboration, bringing together researchers and inventors, Oxford spinouts, technology transfer professionals, OUI colleagues, local and national companies, venture capital groups and some of the world’s most innovative minds. OUI operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Oxford, overseen by a board of directors with experience from both the University and the broader industry. This structure allows them to leverage the University's research capabilities while maintaining a commercially focused approach. Their overall goal is to maximize the impact of Oxford's research by translating it into products, services, and companies that benefit society.

Early-stage ventures, University spin-outs, technology transfer, social ventures

Core thematic spaces, technologies, and target market segments of interest.