University of Oxford, EnSpire Oxford
What does your organisation do?
EnSpire Oxford is the University of Oxford's entrepreneurship hub. We bring together the University's support for people who want to start something, running and connecting more than 25 programmes, events and funding opportunities across three stages: Inspire, Launch and Accelerate. Our community covers students, researchers, staff and alumni from every discipline.
What you won't find on our website yet: EnSpire is the delivery engine behind Equinox (Equitable Innovation Oxford), the University-led regional innovation partnership. We also co-run the NatWest Accelerator space in Oxford with Equinox and NatWest. Our work reaches well beyond the University's walls.
Why did you choose to build in Oxfordshire?
We're part of the University of Oxford, based in Research Services, and we've been building Oxford's entrepreneurial community since 2022. Our work runs through colleges, departments and divisions, alongside partners such as Oxford University Innovation, the Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre and Oxford Edge. Through Equinox and the NatWest Accelerator space, we also connect University talent with businesses, investors and founders across Oxfordshire.
What big problem are you trying to solve?
The ambition for innovation is already here. What often holds people back is permission. Many people with a good idea never picture themselves as founders, especially if they come from outside science, business or the usual networks. Support at Oxford is also spread across many teams, so it can be hard to know where to start.
We want to change both. We make the support easy to find, and we make sure people from every background and discipline know it's meant for them. A good idea, brought to life, benefits everyone it reaches.
How can you support the Oxfordshire ecosystem?
Our strength is convening. We can connect founders, investors and organisations with Oxford's students, researchers and alumni, and help partners reach our community through our programmes, events and newsletter.
We'd love to hear from people who want to get involved, whether as a speaker, mentor or simply to showcase your event by sharing opportunities, or by building something with us. If you're running an event or funding call that would suit Oxford's entrepreneurial community, get in touch at: enspire@admin.ox.ac.uk
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University of Oxford, EnSpire Oxford