If you’re aged 16-18, we invite you to join us for an inspiring summer school programme led by world-class experts in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Alongside a global cohort, you will:
This dynamic programme will provide you with the essential skills, knowledge and inspiration to build innovative businesses that address some of the world's most pressing challenges.
You will learn how to identify opportunities, develop entrepreneurial mindsets and create solutions that drive positive social and environmental impact. Whether you have a budding idea or simply a passion for entrepreneurship, you will leave with the tools needed to make meaningful change.
Experience Oxford
Immerse yourself in the world-renowned academic environment of the University of Oxford.
Build entrepreneurial skills
Learn from experts in the field and develop the tools to create innovative businesses.
Prepare for the future
Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are crucial in today’s global economy.
Make lifelong connections
Meet like-minded peers, industry leaders and Oxford faculty.
Your time with us includes:
An intensive entrepreneurship curriculum
A rigorous academic curriculum with an emphasis on real-world impact and innovation.
Experience Oxford traditions
Experience life at one of the world’s most respected universities, with its rich academic heritage and vibrant campus life.
Networking and collaboration
Connect with a diverse group of peers from across the globe and leave with a network of change-makers.
Personal growth
From cultural events to sports, you'll enhance your social skills and enjoy a well-rounded experience.
Social events to build lasting friendships
Enjoy formal dinners in grand dining halls, casual get-togethers and themed parties - perfect for helping you build friendships that last a lifetime.
In your first week, you’ll generate and test ideas to serve your generation and create positive impact, then get ready to pitch them.
Your journey begins with a warm welcome and briefing from the programme team, there will be introductions and icebreakers. You’ll then take on a college tour, offering a glimpse into Oxford's heritage. In the evening everyone will gather for a formal dinner.
Kick off the week by discovering how to work better in a team. You'll learn how to communicate, handle stress and avoid the kinds of problems that can break even the best partnerships.
In the afternoon, you’ll form your teams for the week and start to generate ideas that you’re excited to explore together, as well as the customers you’d like to target, setting the foundation for impactful startup ideas.
Ever wonder how great ideas really take off? On day two, you’ll dig into what people need by finding a problem your peers face, and starting to figure out how to fix it. You’ll explore who your customers could be, map out how they live and spot opportunities for innovation. Plus, you’ll analyse the competition to find out how big that opportunity is.
By the end of the day, you’ll have crafted a value proposition and started ideating which key features your solution would need to have.
We’ll explore how disruptive business models drive innovation. You’ll create your team’s first business model, drawing on inspiration from startups in different industries. Refine it with expert coaching and learn how to think like an investor to elevate your ideas.
Communicating ideas is a huge part of entrepreneurship and leadership. Not just for raising investment, but for sales, recruitment and inspiring teams.
Thursday will focus on the skills to tell exceptional stories, deliver key information in a concise and compelling way, capture and keep the audience’s attention and own the stage.
Your team will present your ideas to a panel of real startup founders and investors. This is your chance to show off everything you’ve learned, get valuable feedback and experience what it’s like to pitch your idea to the world.
The week wraps up with an off-site educational visit, giving you hands-on learning and bringing the week’s themes into a practical context.
In week two, you’ll apply and build on your entrepreneurial skills in different settings.
On Sunday, you’ll experience a quintessentially Oxford activity. While the day is designed to be more relaxed, it remains an integral part of the programme, blending leisure with learning.
You’ll participate in interactive workshops too.
How do you know if your idea will work? On Monday, you’ll learn how to test your ideas in the real world, fast! You’ll figure out the biggest risks for your business and explore creative ways to experiment with customers. Plus, you’ll try hands-on methods to make quick prototypes and improve them as you go.
Think entrepreneurship is just for startups? Think again.
You’ll discover how big companies use entrepreneurial thinking to shake up industries. You’ll learn how to apply the skills you’ve learned in different contexts and career pathways by using creativity, strategy and the unique advantages of corporate innovation.
Every great idea needs customers. You’ll dive into sales and marketing; how to create a plan to get your idea out there and make it a success.
Through fun case studies and exercises, you’ll also practice the art of negotiation and learn how to persuade others to support your vision.
Understand how businesses get funding, from pitching to investors to crowdfunding.
You’ll also learn how to create a basic financial plan and explore different paths to grow your idea into something big.
Discover how to build your reputation as a leader in your field. Learn why being a ‘thought leader’ can help you attract customers and investors.
You’ll finish the week by giving a TED-style talk, gaining experience in communicating your vision.
Today marks the end of this enriching and educational journey with us. It’s a time to reflect on your experiences and the lifelong connections you’ve made.
You will experience life at one of Oxford University's colleges.
Colleges are not just places to sleep, it’s an integral part of your educational journey. You’ll be part of a vibrant community of students from around the world, immersed in centuries of academic tradition.
All Oxford colleges are within walking distance from Saïd Business School, where most of your teaching will take place.
Oxford is a safe city and you will be well looked after whilst with us.
You will be staying in safe and secure accommodation in the heart of the historic city, with 24/7 on-site security. A dedicated team of fully trained and knowledgeable staff will also be there looking out for you.
Throughout the summer school, food, drink and refreshments will be provided for you either at Saïd Business School, a college or at the other activities held across the University's sites. This includes three freshly prepared meals each day, with all dietary requirements catered for.
The Future Entrepreneurs Summer School is tailored to motivated students aged 16-18 who are keen to explore entrepreneurship and innovation.
We’re looking for students ready to contribute their ideas and energy to tackling the challenges that matter to your generation. You do not need to meet any specific minimum academic requirements.
To attend the programme, you must be a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 18 years and 11 months old on 1 August 2025.
Applications will be opening soon.
Email us to register your interest and be the first to hear when applications open.
