Oxford Venture Builder

Duration:
- 5 weeks
Time commitment:
- Short programme
Location:
- Oxford
Cost:
- Free
About the programme
Oxford Venture Builder is a programme for all members of the University of Oxford - including students, staff, faculty members and researchers - who are looking to develop their business ideas, whether individually or as a team.
The programme is designed to provide you or your team with the tools, knowledge and experience you need to research the market, test the viability of your ideas and develop your products and services.
The programme is supported by EnSpire Oxford, a University initiative, and delivered by the Entrepreneurship Centre.
Outline
Bootcamp
Three-day in person bootcamp from Saturday, 29 April to Monday, 1 May 2023, 9am-5pm. This will be an intensive learning experience where you can develop your ideas, collaborate with others and receive coaching.
Weekly sessions and mentorship
In person, each Wednesday for five weeks from 3-31 May 2023, 5:30-8:30pm. You will be invited to attend after-hours sessions on various business-related topics. During this period, you will be matched with mentors to help you develop your ideas and tackle your challenges.
Pitching night
In person Friday, 9 June 2023, 6pm. You will have the opportunity to pitch your ideas to our network. This is also a chance to access further support or funding.
Selection criteria
The selection criteria includes a thorough review of all applications followed by an interview process for those shortlisted.
Selection criteria include:
- viability of the idea
- the applicant or the team skills
- passion and commitment
- fit with the programme
- team's professional experience and network
- motivation for joining the programme
Application video
As part of your application you need to upload a 2-minute video explaining your business idea. When describing your idea, keep it simple and explain it in a way that a 12-year-old would understand.
Include:
- The problem you are trying to solve and explain why it is an important issue.
- Outline who your idea will benefit and what market you are trying to address.
- Discuss your competitors.
- Explain how your idea will generate revenue.
Application timeline
Application
Closed.
Interviews for shortlisted
Held online between 13-30 March 2023.
Interview decisions
Saturday, 1 April 2023.
The Entrepreneurship Hub
The University of Oxford’s new EnSpire team will transform the way in which entrepreneurship is supported across the entire university.
With a small, dedicated team, it will co-ordinate or provide extra-curricular experiential learning and networking opportunities. It will inspire entrepreneurial mindsets, equip people with entrepreneurial skill sets and support the early stages of venture creation. It will stimulate greater awareness and enhance communication across different parts of the university, to showcase what Oxford can offer future entrepreneurs. It will collaborate with key stakeholders and providers across the university to augment existing entrepreneurship programmes and develop exciting new activities.
For more information, email: eship@admin.ox.ac.uk.
Contact
If you have any questions about the programme or the application process, please contact us at ovb@sbs.ox.ac.uk.