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. 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.
Baroness Nicola Blackwood, Chair of Oxford University Innovation said,
“We’re delighted the University of Oxford has retained its leadership position, demonstrated not just through the number of new spinouts, but also through the success of our equity raises. But the broader investment climate remains fiercely competitive and challenging, we must accelerate the speed of our spinout creation and nurture the ongoing growth of our spinout companies in Oxfordshire, and across the UK, to realise our full potential as a Science Superpower.”
Alistair Lomax, Director of the Arc Universities Group, said:
“Everyone is inspired by what Oxford has been able to achieve with decades of consistent work and investment. Success breeds success and we look forward to seeing the further activities that will no doubt come about in response to this extraordinary performance.”
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