Whatwedo
From idea to impact
We transform Oxford’s world-leading science into world-changing, billion-pound companies, solving global challenges and delivering strong returns for investors.
OXFORD’S SPINOUT REVOLUTION
Oxford University is the UK’s, and one of the world’s, leading engines for science-led company creation.
OSE established 2015
Click to see OSE's spinouts
OSE IN NUMBERS
The world’s largest venture builder dedicated to a single university
+
companies
+
£
bn+
and co-investors
exits
plus 2 NASDAQ IPOs
£
m+
(9x headline multiple)
£
bn
THE OSE ADVANTAGE
Unique
partnership
Strategic relationship with the University of Oxford.
60+ team embedded in Oxford’s innovation ecosystem.
World-leading science
Unrivalled access to
Oxford’s scientific IP.
Breakthroughs across quantum, AI, healthtech, climate, and life sciences.
Proven
model
A venture building engine, translating science into high-value companies.
Systematically creating 8–10 new ventures a year, set to double by 2030.
World-class portfolio
50+ breakout companies now scaling, with a strong pipeline of spinouts emerging.
Track record of success: Oxford Ionics, the UK’s first $1bn+ deep science spinout.
As our first generation of companies matures, OSE is entering a new phase – building the next wave of spinouts while our portfolio is forecast to deliver realisations, returns, and NAV growth.
OUR EXITS
Acquired by IonQ for $1.075bn
OUR SECTORS
Deep Tech
Quantum computing, AI, fusion energy, robotics – reshaping how the world is powered, built, and connected.
Life Sciences
Drug discovery, novel therapeutics, new approaches – advancing medicine to prevent, treat and cure disease.
HealthTech
Diagnostics, devices, digital tools – reimagining care, accelerating research, and advancing global health.
A SELECTION FROM OUR PORTFOLIO
STORIES
Oxford Ionics: Reimagining quantum computing
When two Oxford scientists found a way to build scalable quantum computers, and honed their approach over a decade, the potential was huge. Their breakthrough laid the foundation for world-record beating startup Oxford Ionics.
Founded by Dr Chris Ballance (CEO) and Dr Tom Harty (CTO), Oxford Ionics is delivering some of the most powerful quantum systems the world has ever seen – and it’s now a $1bn business.
It’s a story of cutting-edge science, bold ambition, and patient capital turning breakthrough research into world-changing potential.
Backed early by OSE, Chris and Tom have broken new ground in the use of ‘trapped-ion qubits’ – atoms suspended a hair’s width above a microchip. Their work enables quantum states with unprecedented stability, scalability, and precision.
Founder & CEO, Oxford Ionics
WORK WITH US
Oxford researchers & innovators
Want your research to have real-world impact?
We partner with researchers and innovators across Oxford, Harwell and Culham to explore commercial potential, co-create ventures and build companies.
Investors
Interested in becoming an OSE shareholder?
We’ve raised over £850m from global investors keen to access Oxford’s diverse, world-leading science. Our shareholders don’t just back OSE – many also co-invest alongside us.
Co-investors
Looking to invest in Oxford’s most exciting spinouts?
We partner with specialist global investors to fund and scale our companies – from pre-seed to growth. Together, OSE and our co-investors have invested more than £3bn.