Uncover is a dedicated funding scheme created by Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE), in partnership with the University of Oxford and Oxford University Innovation (OUI), designed to help turn early-stage research into impactful, real-world solutions.
OSE can provide up to £750,000 in funding to support innovative projects that are still within the academic research phase, and too early for spinout formation or commercial investment. This funding can help de-risk the science and support essential translational work beyond the academic’s lab, including regulatory, IP, and commercial analysis.
Why Uncover Funding?
Some ideas are too early to form a company today. Uncover funding can help researchers de-risk projects, explore the commercial potential of their research, unlock business opportunities and build stronger foundations for future spinouts.
OSE is committed to nurturing the best science-based businesses, rooted in world-class Oxford research, Uncover is a key part of this journey.
How does it work?
Funding Model OSE directly funds research projects through Sponsored Research Agreements, supplemented by third-party contract research organisations (CROs) as needed.
Exclusive Option OSE holds an exclusive, time-limited option to form a spinout with the founding academic team based on the project outcomes.
Equity Conversion If the project is successful, funding converts into equity in the resulting spinout under pre-agreed terms, facilitating a smooth transition from research to business.
Who can apply?
Uncover is open to all University of Oxford researchers, professors, postdocs, and students – who have early-stage research projects with commercial potential but are not yet ready to form a spinout.
How do I find out more?
Submit your research or ideas using the form on our website or get in touch with our team directly who will be happy to talk to you: ideas@oxfordciences.com.
Submit your Idea
We're excited to hear about your research or ideas.