Welcome to February's Innovation Insights
Oxford Innovation Space
We help transform local economies by creating environments where dynamic and innovative businesses thrive
Get ready for a power-packed newsletter that's here to fuel your business growth and success! Whether you're a start-up founder, small business owner, or seasoned entrepreneur, we've got something special in store just for you. Our workshops and events will cover a wide range of topics, helping you achieve your business goals effectively. Be inspired by success stories and case studies from our Innovation Centres, showcasing what's possible and motivating you to reach new heights. We hope you find our newsletter valuable and informative. So read on, and don't forget to let us know your news!
News & Updates
Oxford Innovation Space Leads by Example with Good Business Charter Accreditation
At Oxford Innovation Space, we are proud to have achieved the Good Business Charter accreditation, affirming our commitment to championing responsible practices, ethical conduct and making a positive impact on society.
Across our network of innovation centres, we are committed to operating in a socially responsible way that benefits our employees, customers, suppliers, local communities and the environment. By showcasing exemplary conduct, we aim to inspire and empower other businesses to embrace similar practices.
“Our accreditation with the Good Business Charter reinforces the values we hold as a business,” said Jo Stevens, Managing Director of Oxford Innovation Space. “Through our focus on fair pay, employee well-being, diversity and inclusion, and environmental responsibility, we aim to lead by example and support innovation with purpose.”
As part of the Good Business Fortnight (3-14 February 2025), we’re championing the Charter’s 10 pillars of responsible business, and celebrating the role our innovation centres play in fostering innovation that creates lasting positive impact on the places in which they are based.
Rising Stars Returns with ￡3 million up for Grabs Regionally and Nationally for the UK’s Most Innovative Early-stage Startups
The UK’s largest prize pitch competition for B2B startups is back, with ￡3 million worth of investment up for grabs.
This exciting competition offers early-stage tech startups an invaluable platform to pitch their innovations at the regional and national levels, boosting visibility and attracting customers, partners and investors.
The prize includes two tracks for startups across various stages:
1.?? ?Emerging Stars
Pre-seed or seed-stage startups competing for the opportunity to win the Haatch Regional Prize of ￡335,000 in investment and the chance to showcase their businesses at London Tech Week.
2.?? ?OnetoWin Rising Stars
Pre-Series A to Series A startups competing to qualify for a place in the Grand Final at London Tech Week with the opportunity to win ￡1,000,000 in investment.
The competition closes for entries at 11.59pm on 2nd March. ?
Position the UK to be an AI Maker, Not Just an AI Taker
It’s no surprise that the first AI Growth Hub has been announced at Culham Campus, home to the UK Atomic Energy Authority. Placing the new Hub near an organisation central to fusion energy, which promises to generate the vast amounts of energy needed to power AI models, makes perfect sense. Investment in R&D is a cornerstone of the strategy. At Culham Innovation Centre , they are nurturing the fusion talent of the future and combining this with the AI talent of the future will create a powerful synergy. ?
Transforming Health and Wellness: The Journey of Health Doctor at Witney BIC
Meet Ellen, Owner of Health Doctor who has recently joined the Witney Business and Innovation Centre community. At Health Doctor, she offers chiropractic and wellness services to enhance overall health and well-being. Her personalized approach addresses the root causes of discomfort, improving mobility, reducing pain, and boosting quality of life. Since joining, Ellen has thrived in the supportive environment at Witney BIC, benefiting from its resources and networking opportunities.?
Apprenticeship Support for Employers - OxLEP's Apprenticeship Advisors
Thinking about employing an apprentice in 2025, but not sure how to get started? OxLEP's Apprenticeship Advisors provide support with all aspects of apprenticeships, including employing an apprentice for the first time, developing a current scheme and making best use of apprenticeship levy funds.?The team have pledged funds available to fund apprenticeship training and assessment for smaller employers. To date, they have made over ￡3.6M in apprenticeship levy funds available for Oxfordshire.
Intellectual Property Office (IPO) Launches New One IPO Search tool
A new online search tool for UK patents makes it easier for businesses and innovators to search and access patent information, supporting UK growth and innovation. One IPO Search enables users to:
You can also check for changes to patents, including new applications or changes to applications using patents journal.
Events
领英推荐
Women Founders Get Together: Securing Investment
6th March, 12:00 - 15:00
Canary Wharf, London
This latest session in the Women Founders Get Together series is your chance to hear from leading women in technology and venture capital during an interactive panel discussion.?Gain actionable insights on how to position your startup for success and master the essential dos and don’ts of securing investment.? Network with fellow women founders, investors, and entrepreneurial leaders to gain practical tips for fundraising, deepen your understanding of market dynamics, and connect with like-minded women leaders in tech.?
Why Attend??
Scale Up Network: Biosciences Edition Webinar
11th February, 12:30 - 13:00
Online
Applications are now open for the Oxford Brookes Scale Up Network: Biosciences Edition, launching on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. This exclusive programme is tailored for Oxfordshire-based bioscience SMEs looking to drive growth, innovation, and leadership excellence.
Join a dynamic group of 8-10 like-minded peers in a collaborative, professionally facilitated environment designed to empower you with the tools, insights, and connections you need to succeed. Together, you'll navigate challenges, embrace opportunities, and build a trusted network of support that lasts well into the future.
Come to our free webinar on Tuesday, February 11, where delegates can get an inside look at how the Scale Up Network runs, ask questions, and explore how this programme could benefit their business.
Financial Fitness Workshop
17th?February
Witney Business & Innovation Centre
Financial Fitness Advisors takes the time to understand your employee’s priorities and supporting them to achieve this. Anthony from Financial Fitness Advisors will be coming to Witney Business & Innovation Centre to talk everything finance. Here’s how he can support your financial wellbeing:
Access to Finance - Funding for Innovations
13th March, 09:00 - 17:00
Harwell Campus
The Science and Technology Facilities Council?in collaboration with Oxfordshire Greentech, the county's business network for the low carbon economy, will bring together experts and investors who specialise in helping innovators flourish. Together we aim to support you in better understanding the process for obtaining funds from a variety of sources. Building on five successful years of this event, join us to hear about all things finance, what funders are looking for, and connect with investors.
Small99's People, Planet, Pint: Sustainability Meetup
25th February, 17:00
The Royal Oak, Oxford
Pop down to your local People Planet Pint meetup to find more about what's going on locally with sustainability and how you can get involved. No pitches, powerpoints or panels. Just People, Planet, Pint/s.
Your local meetup is a great place to start your journey or continue learning, and meet diverse people to chat about life and how we can sustain it. Every job is a climate job, so come along and learn about how you can take action, as well as what is going on locally.
How to Achieve Successful Innovation Adoption in the NHS
18th March, 13:00 - 14:00
Digital Health Rewired, NEC, Birmingham
Join us at Digital Health Rewired 2025, the UK’s leading digital health event, where diverse communities come together for a CPD-accredited programme, NHS digital best practice insights, and unparalleled networking opportunities.??At the session you will have the opportunity to engage with and ask questions to our panel of experts from both sides of the table; companies who have successfully been adopted and NHS insiders who advocate for digital innovation.
Upgrade your business location
Do you know of someone looking for office space or coworking space? Introduce us to them and if they take an office space in one of our centres then you will receive ￡200 worth of vouchers of ￡50 if they sign up for coworking. With over 32 locations your friends will have plenty to choose from! (T&Cs apply, see website for more info).