Oxford Venture Builder

Duration:
- 7 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.
Top-performing teams will have the opportunity to compete for a share of a cash grant.
The programme is supported by EnSpire Oxford, a University initiative, and delivered by the Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre.
Oxford Venture Builder is designed to address the most common needs of entrepreneurs in the idea stage and provide ‘how-to’ skills.
These include:
- understanding customers
- gaining 'how-to' skills
- validating business ideas
- understanding how to develop products
- networking with mentors, experts and other entrepreneurs
- gaining experience in starting a new business
- learning how to find the right team.
The Entrepreneurship Centre does not take any equity from your participation in the programme.
Applications close at midnight on Sunday 16 March. Successful candidates will be informed by Monday 31 March.
Want to know more about the programme? Join our online information session on Wednesday 12 February from 4-5pm.
Outline
Bootcamp
Three-day in-person bootcamp from Friday 25 April to Sunday 27 April 2025. 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 7 May-5 June 2025. 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. You will have the opportunity to pitch your ideas to our network. This is also a chance to access further support or funding.
Application timeline
How to applyApplications
Monday 20 January 2025.
Deadline
We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and we encourage you to apply early. Applications will close on Sunday 16 March 2025.
Overview
117
Participants (48 teams)
23
Industry sectors
70+
Training hours
190+
Mentorship sessions
Contact
If you have any questions about the programme or the application process, please contact us at ovb@sbs.ox.ac.uk.