đź’ˇ From first idea to lasting impact: meet the founder of Checkout.com
At the University of Oxford | What's On | Funding Opportunities | Stories & Insights
MONDAY 2 NOVEMBER · NO. 06
From first idea to lasting impact
It’s Week 4, and next Monday brings one of the biggest conversations of the term. Checkout.com founder Guillaume Pousaz joins Professor Constantin Coussios, the University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Innovation, to talk about how ideas become companies that last, and what an ecosystem needs to help them grow.
The same morning, the Startup Idea Competition closes at noon. If you’ve been sitting on an idea, this is your week to share it. And for students who want to go further, applications are now open for the new Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
đź”— FIND YOUR PROGRAMME
From First Idea to Lasting Impact
Mon 9 Nov, 3.30–4.30pm · Sir Victor Blank Lecture Theatre, Weston Library
Why do some promising ideas become lasting companies while others stall? Guillaume Pousaz founded Checkout.com in 2012 and built it into a global payments company serving more than 1,700 enterprise customers. He joins Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Innovation Professor Constantin Coussios to talk about turning ideas into impact, followed by an open Q&A.
Free, registration required.
Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Applications Open
Hilary–Trinity 2027 · Oxford Edge
A new University of Oxford programme, supported by EnSpire Oxford, for students from any department who want to start a venture. Learn from founders and investors in Hilary, build a team project over Easter with a ÂŁ1,000 bursary, then pitch to an expert panel in Trinity. No experience or idea needed. There are 20 places.
Apply by 5pm, Wed 2 Dec.
From Vision to Venture with Jack Fuchs
Wed 4 Nov, 1.30–3pm · Saïd Business School
Is entrepreneurship for you? Stanford lecturer and investor Jack Fuchs shares what makes a strong venture and how to spot and test an opportunity. Already have an idea? Stay for a deeper dive into frameworks and financing basics. Open to students and researchers.
Free, places limited.
Oxford Applied AI Hackathon
Sat 7 Nov, 9am–7pm · Oxford Edge
Build an AI solution to a real industry problem in a day. Test your idea with investors, prototype it and pitch for prizes. Supported by EnSpire and Oxford Edge. No startup or idea needed.
Register Today.
Oxford SaĂŻd Entrepreneurship Forum
Fri 13 Nov, 9am–6pm · Saïd Business School
Spend a day among the people building Oxford entrepreneurship. There are keynotes, panels, an exhibitor hall and a pitching competition, with founders, investors and business leaders in the room. There’s no application, and you don’t need a venture to get something out of the day.
Student tickets ÂŁ33, on sale until sold out.
Building a Cleantech Venture: A Venture Studio Approach
Tue 10 Nov, 5–7.30pm · Lecture Theatre, Saïd Business School
Startup or venture studio: which is the better route to a climate company? Shiladitya Ghosh, co-founder of direct air capture company Mission Zero Technologies, and Dr Mica Taborga Claure of climate venture studio Marble compare the two, with practical lessons on technology, funding and getting to market.
Free, registration required.
Flagship Pioneering in Oxford
St Luke’s Chapel, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter. Meet the firm behind Moderna and hear about its paid Summer Fellowship, with talks, conversation and drinks. No business idea needed.
• TUE 10 NOV
International Growth & Market Entry Programme
Online. Last places on Enterprise Oxfordshire’s fully funded three-month programme to help established Oxfordshire businesses test one international market.
• WED 18 NOV 12–1.30PM
GROW: Leadership and Resilience
Online. Former researcher turned entrepreneur Dr Martine Abboud shares 15 lessons in leadership and resilience, with tools you can use in applications and interviews.
• TUE 1 DEC 12–1PM
Venture Scientist 100: Explore the Founder Path
Online. Conception X’s fellowship for researchers exploring how to turn their science into a company. Fellows can secure up to £300k.
Startup Idea Competition: Now Open
DEADLINE MON 9 NOV 12PM
Share your idea in 250 words and a one-minute video for the chance to win a cash prize and follow-on support. Open to students, researchers, staff and recent alumni.
EnSpire Founder Grants: Now Open
ROLLING · APPLY ANY TIME
Grants of up to ÂŁ1,000 to help early Oxford startup teams take their next steps, from validating an idea to building a prototype. Open to students, staff and alumni.
Flagship Summer Fellowship 2027
DEADLINE TUE 15 DEC
A 12-week paid summer with the firm behind Moderna, helping build new ventures in health, sustainability and AI. Open to final-year and recent PhDs and MDs.
Recognition for Oxford’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Dora Handrea Named UIIN Changemaker Champion
Dora Handrea, Head of EnSpire Oxford, has received the University-Industry Innovation Network’s Entrepreneurial & Innovation Changemaker Champion Award. The award recognises EnSpire’s mission to bring Oxford’s entrepreneurship ecosystem closer together, with a shared language and a joined-up approach across the University.
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