Welcome to September’s Innovation Insights
From advancing fusion education and supporting future entrepreneurs to helping high-growth businesses scale, this month’s edition highlights the many ways innovation continues to create impact across our communities. We’re also sharing leadership insights and upcoming opportunities to help your business stay ahead.
News & Updates
Cultivate Growth Podcast – Episode 7: Forging Leadership & the Armed Services
Join Rob Nicoll, Innovation Director at Grassroots Workspace, as he sits down with Tim Smith, Deputy Managing Director of Oxford Innovation Space, to discuss the advantages of a previous military career in the business world. They explore what skills translate well, which do not, and what Tim considers to be his superpowers and his kryptonite. Filled with insightful stories and engaging anecdotes, this episode brings the conversation to life and offers something for everyone to take away.
Making Fusion Education More Accessible
Culham Innovation Centre company Rideo Systems is helping bring fusion science into classrooms, universities and research labs through its innovative Minimak plasma device.
The company is making complex scientific concepts more accessible while benefiting from the collaborative ecosystem at Culham Science Centre.
Opening Doors to Oxford’s Future Entrepreneurs
Students from three Oxfordshire schools recently attended Grassroots Workspace’s first Sixth Form Business Open Day, taking part in founder talks, employability workshops and practical business challenges.
The event offered valuable insight into entrepreneurship and helped connect young people with Oxfordshire’s thriving innovation community.
Where Ideas Become High-Growth Companies
For almost 30 years, Heyford Park Innovation Centre has supported ambitious science and technology businesses on their growth journey.
Home to success stories including DJS Antibodies and Oxford Technical Solutions, the centre continues to demonstrate the value of combining workspace, mentoring and business support under one roof.
A Busy Month in Witney
July saw new businesses join Witney Business and Innovation Centre, the launch of Business Lounge memberships, another successful networking event and a customer satisfaction score of 98%.
It’s a reminder that strong business communities are built through flexibility, collaboration and ongoing support.
Events
Personal Leadership: Expanding Possibilities
📅 29-30 September | Faringdon
A two-day residential retreat for SME owners and senior leaders looking to invest in their personal and professional development.
Business Breakfast
📅 17 September | 09:00 – 10:30 | Harwell Innovation Centre
Join HSBC Innovation Banking’s Mat Gazeley for practical insights on finance, investment and growth.
Business Lounge Launch & Networking Evening
📅 24 September | 16:30 – 18:30 | Witney Business & Innovation Centre
Celebrate the launch of Witney’s new coworking space and connect with local professionals.
Innovation Pitch & Connect
📅 17 September | 17:30 – 20:30 | The Oxford Science Park
An evening of pitching, networking and expert feedback for ambitious founders and innovators.
Using AI to Grow from Local to National
📅 8 September | 09:30 – 11:30 | Online
Discover how AI can support business growth, customer acquisition and expansion into new markets.
Funding & Opportunities
- Apply for UK Government Innovation Funding Research, test, and collaborate on new ideas. Start your application
- Refer a Friend for Office Space Earn up to £200 in vouchers when your referral joins one of our centres. Refer here
- Life Science Perks Free BioUK membership for our customers. Explore benefits
More Blog Articles
His Majesty The King Officially Opens The UK Space and Defence Gateway at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus
His Majesty King Charles III visited the UK’s largest space cluster today to officially open the UK Space and Defence Gateway, an initiative aligned with the principles of the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s (SMI) Astra Carta, a global framework launched by His Majesty, as Prince of Wales, to ensure the space […]
Welcome to July’s Innovation Insights
We see every day how quickly the needs of ambitious businesses are evolving – from navigating regulatory change to embracing AI and building more sustainable operations. In this edition, we’re sharing practical insights, real success stories from across our centres, and opportunities to help you stay one step ahead. News […]
Welcome to April’s Innovation Insights
At Oxford Innovation Space, we spend every day alongside founders, innovators and scale‑ups. What strikes us most right now is the breadth of impact being created – from deep tech and life sciences through to sustainability, leadership and local growth. Here’s what’s stood out across our Centres this month. Community […]
