The Oxford Trust at 40: How Innovation and Education Power Oxford's Future
Explore how the Oxford Trust powers innovation and STEM education across Oxford, with insights from CEO Steve Burgess and Director Nicki Campling.
.png)
.png)
How does a 40-year-old charity continue to shape the future of science and innovation in Oxford?
In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager sits down with Steve Burgess, CEO, and Nicki Campling, Director of Innovation and Operations at the Oxford Trust, to explore the organisation's unique role in nurturing startups and inspiring future scientists. From pioneering the UK's first innovation centre to investing over £20 million in state-of-the-art facilities, the Trust has quietly built an ecosystem where early-stage companies can thrive.
Listeners will discover how the Trust's dual mission—supporting deep tech startups and delivering hands-on STEM education—creates a virtuous circle that benefits the entire region. The conversation touches on everything from lab space pivots and impact metrics to angel investing, patient capital, and how philanthropic roots enable long-term decision-making. It's a rare look at a sustainable, mission-led model that continues to adapt in a rapidly evolving innovation landscape.
Susannah de Jager
Founder & Host, Oxford+
Episodes
More episodes+
Can Sirona Rival Ozempic? A New Chapter in Obesity Treatment with Camilla Easter
Discover how Sirona, an alternative to Ozempic, is reshaping obesity care with guest Camilla Easter, CEO of Oxford Medical Products.
Aligning Founders and Investors with David Mott
Discover how Oxford Capital's David Mott aligns investors and founders to fuel UK startup growth.
Building Billion-Pound Outcomes with Jack Edmondson
Oxford Science Enterprises CIO Jack Edmondson reveals how venture capital can transform university innovation into billion-pound businesses.
How Machine Learning in Oxford Is Transforming Medicine Worldwide with Lionel Tarassenko
Lionel Tarassenko, CBE, shares his fascinating journey from the lab to real-world applications, his pioneering work with NHS data, and his views on how the UK can leverage its unique strengths in healthcare innovation
Bringing Science to Society with Molly Stevens
How can cutting-edge nanoscience transform medicine and inspire groundbreaking startups within Oxford?
How Oxford University Innovation Bridges Science and Business with Mairi Gibbs
How does a world-leading university turn groundbreaking research into businesses that change the world? Hear how Oxford transforms cutting-edge science into real-world solutions.
What Formula One Teaches Us About Startups and Success with Adam Parr
Adam Parr, former Chairman and CEO of the Williams Formula One team, shares insights from his storied career, spanning motorsport, venture capital, and climate innovation.
Risk and Reward in Early-Stage Tech Investments with George Robinson
Susannah speaks with George Robinson and discusses his journey from investing in listed equities in Asia to championing early-stage technology ventures in the UK.
Charting Fresh Career Paths with Sue Douglas
Susannah speaker with Sue Douglas who brings a fresh perspective to the Oxford innovation landscape, drawing from her experience in journalism and her new venture, Veer.
From Oxford MBA to Startup CEO with Lily Elsner
Susannah and Lily discuss the hurdles faced by female founders, the potential for more integrated ecosystems in Oxford and the importance of gender inclusivity in business leadership.
Navigating Market Dynamics with Marcus Stuttard
Susannah and Marcus discuss the evolving regulatory landscape for small and medium-sized businesses seeking public listings, focusing on AIM, the London Stock Exchange’s market for growth companies.
Harnessing Local and Global Talent with Sarah Haywood
Managing Director of Advance Oxford, Sarah Haywood, explores talent retention and the challenges faced by businesses in attracting global talent.
Navigating Capital Markets with John Derrick
Susannah de Jager is joined by John Derrick, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, to discuss the intricacies of European and U.S. capital markets, the importance of regulation, and the challenges faced by small and illiquid companies.
Building Oxford’s Future with Anna Strongman
Susannah is joined by Anna Strongman, CEO of Oxford University Development, to delve into the importance of creating a diverse business base in the city and fostering an environment that attracts a broad range of talents.
Breaking the Myths Around University Spin Outs with Irene Tracey
Susannah de Jager is joined by Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford and co-author of the University Spin Out Review, to delve into the myths and truths uncovered through the review.
Navigating the Future of Oxford Sciences Enterprises with Ed Bussey
Susannah de Jager sits down with Ed Bussey, CEO of Oxford Sciences Enterprises, to discuss the future of the scientific ecosystem of Oxford.
Oxford's Role in the Next Industrial Revolution with Dave Norwood
Susannah is joined by Dave Norwood, founder of IP Group PLC and Oxford Science Innovation as they discuss his experiences and insights into the potential of Oxford as a hub for innovation, particularly in AI and quantum computing.
Diversifying the Investment Ecosystem with Rowan Gardner
Susannah de Jager and Rowan Gardner discuss the importance of diversifying the investment ecosystem and encouraging more participation from female investors
Pension Investment and the Mansion House Compact with Nicholas Lyons
Nicholas Lyons, former Lord Mayor of the City of London, shares his insights on the importance of infrastructure investment, the growth economy, pensions, and financial literacy.
Lessons from the Motorsports Cluster with Mark Preston
Mark Preston, CTO of StreetDrone, talks about the motorsports cluster in Oxford and the challenges and opportunities it presents.
From Research to Reality with Cici Muldoon
Susannah de Jager is joined by guest Cici Muldoon, the founder and CEO of Verity Group as they touch on the intersection of science and society, the role of entrepreneurship, and the need for support and funding in the startup ecosystem.
Nurturing Founder-Driven Ventures in Oxford with Peter Crane
Susannah and Peter discuss the Oxford investing landscape, specifically in the startup and spinout sector, comparing the UK and US, discussing the challenges and opportunities available, and the need for a more dynamic ecosystem.
Angel Investing and Navigating the Oxford Ecosystem with David Ford
Susannah and David discuss investing in Oxford, the importance of networking, mentorship, patient capital for scientific startups, and the future of investing in Oxford.
