The University of Oxford has held its position as the leading academic institution in the UK for generating spinout companies, according to a new report by data analyst firm Beauhurst.
The third annual Spotlight on Spinouts report, sponsored by the Royal Academy of Engineering, highlights Oxford’s remarkable achievement in creating 205 spinouts since 2011.
The ranking comes after the University celebrated its 300th company creation overall earlier this year, supported by its research commercialisation arm Oxford University Innovation (OUI). 97 of the spinouts have stayed in or close to Oxford, the highest concentration anywhere in the UK.
These research-intensive spinout companies are joined by an ever-growing number of startups emerging from the University’s entrepreneurship and social venture programmes, and the OUI incubator, consolidating the region’s position as a thriving hub of innovation.
University of Oxford companies continue to be a magnet for investment. Figures from OUI for 2022 demonstrate that Oxford spinouts raised £956m in external investment, an estimated 45% of the £2.13bn across the UK tracked by Beauhurst.
Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE), which funds and builds companies from the University, has played a significant role in the growth of Oxford’s ecosystems. Its catalytic effect was demonstrated in the report findings: with 106 deals at combined investment value of £1.45 billion, OSE is the top investor in UK spinouts by value of deals.
Jim Wilkinson, Chief Financial Officer at Oxford Science Enterprises, said: ‘Oxford’s leading position is a testament to the vibrant innovation ecosystem built by the University and its partners to transform academic research into ground-breaking companies. As we begin to see the impact of this work, it has never been more important to sustain and nurture this thriving ecosystem through continued investments. At OSE, we are proud to be a key contributor to Oxford’s innovation community and remain focused on attracting the right investment, talent and support network required to help these companies reach their full potential.’