Welcome to July’s Innovation Insights

This month, we’re celebrating milestones, sharing success stories, and spotlighting new spaces and opportunities across Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem. Whether you’re scaling up, starting out, or simply looking to connect, there’s something here for you.

Harwell Innovation Centre Customer Stories: Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation, Growth & Impact

From bold ideas to thriving businesses — celebrating a community of pioneers

This month, we’re spotlighting the incredible journeys of companies that have grown at Harwell Innovation Centre over the past 25 years. From fledgling start-ups to scale-ups making global impact, these stories reflect the power of vision, resilience, and a supportive innovation ecosystem.

This case study booklet captures the spirit of Harwell’s community and its role in shaping the UK’s science and tech landscape.

👉 Read the booklet here

Extractus Expands at Heyford Park IC
How a growing E&L testing company is scaling with confidence

Extractus Ltd is expanding its footprint at Heyford Park Innovation Centre. Their expert-led testing services support the pharmaceutical, medical device, and consumer health sectors — helping ensure safety, compliance, and public trust. It’s a great example of how the right environment can help specialist businesses grow and thrive.

👉 Read more here

New Spaces, New Connections
Creating places where innovation and community thrive

Two of our centres have launched exciting new spaces designed to bring people together and support flexible working:

At Witney Business & Innovation Centre, the new Business Lounge is now open — and with it, a monthly networking event: Coffee & Connect. It’s a relaxed space for freelancers, founders, and professionals to meet, chat, and hot desk for free.

👉 Find out more here

Meanwhile, Harwell Innovation Centre has unveiled a brand-new coworking space, offering flexible, affordable options for individuals and growing teams — all within one of the UK’s most dynamic science and tech campuses.

👉 Get in touch with the team

Going Green: Support for Sustainable Business

Tools and inspiration to reduce your carbon footprint

Oxfordshire SMEs can now access a free energy assessment (worth £1,500) from Energy Solutions Oxfordshire. It’s a practical way to cut costs, improve comfort, and lead on sustainability. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Low Carbon Hub.

👉 Find out more here

Upcoming Events You’ll Want to Bookmark

Enterprise Oxfordshire Marketplace & Celebration

📅 18 September | Oxford Town Hall

Celebrate the achievements of Oxfordshire SMEs and connect with over 200 local businesses. Includes a marketplace showcase and awards ceremony.

🎟️ Tickets close 22 August – don’t miss out!

👉 Book tickets here

The Building Blocks of Brilliant Culture

📅 10 July | BioEscalator, University of Oxford

Explore how to build a thriving biotech culture by turning setbacks into growth opportunities.

👉 Register here

Innovate Local: South East

📅 15 July | Royal Holloway, University of London

Join regional innovators and business leaders to explore how innovation can drive growth, competitiveness, and resilience.

👉 Find out more here

Free Hot Desking Friday

📅 25 July | Witney Business & Innovation Centre

Try out the new Business Lounge, meet other professionals, and enjoy a change of scenery—all for free.

👉 Find out more here

Grant Funding for Game-Changing Technology Innovation

📅 29 July | Online

Learn how to align your funding strategy with your innovation goals.

👉 Book tickets here

Funding & Opportunities

Government Innovation Funding

R&D, collaborations, and testing new ideas — see what you’re eligible for: Search current grants

Referral Scheme: Get Vouchers

Know someone who needs workspace or coworking? Refer them and earn up to £200 in vouchers.

👉 Refer someone here

Free OBN Membership for Life Sciences Companies

If you’re with Oxford Innovation Space and in Life Sciences — don’t miss your free membership to Oxfordshire Bioscience Network (OBN).

👉 Join OBN