About

Oxford University Innovation (OUI) assists the University community in maximising the world-wide impact of Oxford’s research and expertise.

This year’s Annual Report shows that we have had a successful year. The Report is based on information drawn from our own data. However, over and above these internal metrics, it is particularly gratifying to highlight external recognition of Oxford’s achievements during the year.

We are continually looking at how we can better serve the academic community and are conscious that commercialisation of ideas emanating from the University provides evidence of research impact. Helping to create spinouts is a measure of our success, but far from the only one, as we also have an important role in facilitating academic consultancy, supporting applications for translational funding, and creating innovative partnerships.

One notable event, at the end of this year, was the management buyout of our innovation consultancy division, Oxentia. Having matured and grown since its creation in 2004, Oxentia now has an opportunity for further development and we plan to continue our close working relationship with the company going forward.

I would like to congratulate and thank all the OUI staff, our colleagues in the University and also our external stakeholders for their hard work and achievements this year.

• Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data showed Oxford to be leading the UK both in the number of spinouts created, and that survive.
• A University-commissioned report on the economic impact of the University found that commercialisation and enterprise activities are a particular source of strength, pumping £1.2 billion into the world economy every year. The report revealed that 136 new spinout companies – more than any other UK university – contribute a combined global turnover of £600 million, and employ 1,886 people in Oxfordshire.
• Global University Venturing again awarded us the accolade of Technology Transfer Unit of the Year, describing OUI as “…a worthy winner that has managed to stand out among a group of highly driven and successful peers.”

Nigel Keen, Chairman

Helping to create impact with the outcomes from university research is very similar to running a marathon. Success is the reward for patient support over a long time; stamina and sustained effort is required to turn academic research outputs into societal benefit with a commercial return. Oxford University Innovation has now been running for 30 years – and is in better shape than ever.

In my first year at OUI, my focus has been on renewing the vision, strategy and goals of the company, whilst strengthening engagements with our stakeholders. With a highly expert team, and strong business foundations, we are dedicated to making Oxford a world-leading innovation ecosystem, with the University at its heart.

The team at OUI are eager to work with researchers, investors, industrialists, government and others to ensure that we achieve our vision.

Matt Perkins, CEO