Ideas 2 Impact

Enterprise skills

Ideas 2 Impact (I2I) is an innovation and enterprise skills initiative convened at Saïd Business School, in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship Centre and the University of Oxford sciences divisions. The programme is open to postdoctoral researchers in the Medical Sciences, and Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences divisions and applicants from other divisions on a case-by-case basis.

Programme objectives:

  • enable early career research scientists to access key innovation and business concepts
  • build entrepreneurial skills in conversation with senior business professionals
  • join an alumni network of scientists and others interested in commercialisation of innovation.

The programme is convened by Marc Ventresca, Associate Professor of Strategic Management, alongside other members of faculty. It has a dedicated Entrepreneurship Centre postdoctoral researcher, Christiaan de Koning.

Applications for the 2023/24 academic year have now closed. Register below to be notified once programme dates and application deadlines for next academic year are confirmed.

Information for postdoctoral students 

The I2I fellows access the opportunity to join with Executive MBA students at Saïd Business School for two four-day course modules in the Strategy and Innovation elective. The course offers participants the opportunity for direct, sustained interaction with senior executives studying on the Executive MBA in coursework, projects and workshops.

Ideas 2 Impact alumni join a network of over 120 Oxford graduates that provides continued peer engagement for the progression of entrepreneurial initiatives.

Programme dates

The next cohort is taught over a two-week period.

Hilary term

  • 18-20 January 2024
  • 21-24 February 2024

Talented research postdoctoral fellows working with senior executives and entrepreneurs on the Oxford Saïd EMBA programme- this kind of diversity is at the heart of successful entrepreneurial ventures.

Marc Ventresca

Academic Lead for Ideas 2 Impact

Alumni recommendations

'The Ideas 2 Impact programme surpassed my expectations. The programme provides a practical understanding of strategic innovation approaches across a wide range of technologies in both mature and emerging markets. It is particularly suited to developing critical skills for identifying options in uncertain market conditions for translating cutting-edge science into viable opportunities for creating and delivering value.

'The vibrant and highly interactive learning environment with expert practitioners from diverse business settings around the world offers rich engagement and potential networks for new innovative ventures. I2I is a massive boost to the entrepreneurial spirit of scientists.'

Postdoctoral researcher, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Hilary 2021

Contact