A better future through innovation: Oxford’s response to global challenges
Oxford University Innovation Impact Report 2025
Each year, this report reflects the breadth, ambition, and global reach of Oxford’s innovation and the role Oxford University Innovation (OUI) plays in developing knowledge and research from the University of Oxford into innovation that delivers real-world, measurable impact.
Its partnership with the University is key to its success, and is something it is committed to strengthening and growing every year.
Over the past year, Oxford-led innovation has continued to make global impact. From the rollout of the R21/Matrix-M™ malaria vaccine across Africa, to Macrocosm building next-generation economic models to create a sustainable future, these stories illustrate how research can drive progress for people, the economy, and the planet.
Oxford is the UK’s innovation leader - recognised in the Spotlight on Spinouts report as the UK’s top university for spinout creation for the fourth consecutive year, with 19 new companies created in 2024/25
Sustained growth despite economic headwinds this year - OUI-supported companies raised £489.8m in investment and £34.2m in seed funding across diverse sectors including health, deep tech, and climate innovation and as you will know, the financial year closed with the announcement of the sale of spinout company Oxford Ionics to IonQ Inc for $1.075bn
Long-term positive impact is measurable and significant - £18.5m was returned to the University and its researchers, 1,950m people use Oxford-enabled products and services, and our portfolio of companies addresses all UN Sustainable Development Goals
OUI is a trusted expert - Winner of the KEUK Commercialisation Achievement of the Year Award for the malaria vaccine licence, Investors in People Gold accredited, and a leading contributor to national and international innovation policy through the TenU partnership
OUI’s vision is clear: a better future through innovation from the University of Oxford. Its Theory of Change articulates the process through which they work closely with researchers, students, companies and investors to turn discovery into impact - whether through new venture creation, licensing to existing companies, or consultancy and service collaborations that tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. They remain strongly aligned with the University’s strategic priority of ‘Impact through Innovation’.